Filming an Artist Residency – Being Creative with The Voice of the Child Project 2017
Filming an artist residency offers a unique opportunity to document not just the creative process, but the relationships, reflections, and real-world impact that unfold over time.
In 2017, I was invited by Claire Newton to film Voice of the Child, a long-form, socially engaged artist residency led by UK-based artist Judith Davies. The project was embedded in a primary school setting, where the aim was not to instruct but to listen — to create a space where children could explore and express their lived experiences through art.
Filming Creative Practice in a School Setting
My role as filmmaker was to capture the residency as it evolved organically: the workshops, studio visits, and one-to-one moments between Judith and the children. Rather than focus on outcomes or final artworks, this project called for a gentle, observational approach — one that could reflect the quiet sensitivity at the heart of Judith’s practice.
Using a minimal setup, I filmed in a documentary style, blending into the environment to allow the children and artist to interact naturally. This kind of filmmaking allows for a deeper level of authenticity — ideal for capturing socially engaged art projects and artist residencies working with young people.
Filming in a school also required a flexible and sensitive approach. There were moments of excitement and laughter, but also quiet pauses, hesitant questions, and silent reflection — each a valid expression of what the children were processing and communicating. By maintaining a respectful distance and allowing scenes to unfold without interference, I was able to document moments of genuine connection that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Judith Davies: Artist and Facilitator
Judith Davies is a multidisciplinary artist whose practice centres on empathy, care, and communication. Her work often unfolds through conversation, drawing, and material exploration, with a strong focus on creating inclusive, nurturing spaces. In Voice of the Child, she transformed a classroom corner into a temporary studio where children could drop in, explore, and reflect. Some drew pictures, others wrote or sculpted, but all were encouraged to share their thoughts — about school, friendship, family, and growing up.
What made this project so distinctive was its emphasis on giving children time and agency. Judith didn’t direct the children toward specific outcomes; instead, she responded to their ideas and allowed the creative process to emerge on their terms. As a result, the residency became a space of trust, creative freedom, and quiet transformation.
Why Film Artist Residencies?
Filming artist residencies like Voice of the Child is central to my work as a documentary filmmaker. These projects allow me to document the subtleties of creative process and socially engaged practice — capturing how artists build relationships, adapt their methods, and co-create meaning with communities. They are slow, reflective, and often deeply moving — and the films that result are valuable records of both artistic intent and lived experience.
Voice of the Child is a testament to the power of art in educational settings. It shows how thoughtful artist residencies can amplify young voices, foster emotional intelligence, and support creative expression in ways that traditional school structures often overlook. And for me, as a filmmaker, it was a chance to witness how small acts of creativity — shared, nurtured, and documented — can leave a lasting impression on everyone involved.
I am drawn to projects that centre on real voices, especially those of young people. My work often involves filming in schools, youth groups, and community settings—creating space for children and teenagers to express themselves through art, conversation, and shared experiences. I take a sensitive, observational approach, aiming to amplify their perspectives without intrusion, capturing moments of trust, creativity, and quiet transformation.
🎥 Explore more artist residency films and artist portrait documentaries:
https://alanfentiman.co.uk/vimeo-videos/artist-films