Artist Opportunities

The second issue of The Printing Room invites emerging Sandwell & Black Country artists to propose a piece of experimental writing, criticism, or fiction that explore pluralistic and multivocal perspectives on the climate crisis; Black Country ecologies; multispecies perspectives; plant systems; queer ecology; land activism; unloved spaces or ‘edgelands’ reclaimed.

Eligibility: We are accepting proposals from emerging artists currently based in Sandwell and the Black Country only. Sandwell is: Oldbury, Rowley Regis, Smethwick, Tipton, Wednesbury and West Bromwich; the wider Black Country is: Dudley, Wolverhampton and Walsall.

What you get: Selected artists will receive a £250 fee and editorial support from Multistory. The yearly opportunity is supported through a writing masterclass and crit led by a guest mentor; for this year’s programme we’ve invited Cathy Wade.

Deadline 15 September 2024

We are excited to launch ILLUMINE, an ambitious light art commissioning opportunity for Black and POC artists. This is a positive action that recognises and responds to the lack of artist diversity at festivals of light art. The opportunity is to create a new, striking light art installation that will tour multiple light art festivals in the north of England, be seen by more than one million people, and capture the hearts and minds of audiences.

Eligibility: We invite applications from UK-based Black and POC artists who may be working in light art, other media, or other artistic practices. As this is a mid-to-large-scale commission, we expect artists to have an established professional practice with a demonstrable portfolio of previous work. This commission is not suitable for new or emerging artists.

What you get: The ILLUMINE commissioning opportunity includes an artist’s bursary of £8,000 to research, create, and present an original, exciting, and captivating proposal for a new light artwork. A projected production/creative budget of up to £70,000 is also available — full details in the link to call.

Deadline 20 September 2024

We seek an engaging public performance that will ignite the Richmond Arts and Ideas Festival. UK-based dance collectives, artists, and companies are invited to apply for our new Dance Commission. Contribute to our impressive program and help transform our streets and venues into a lively hub of events.

Eligibility: UK-based dance artists, collectives, and companies. You must have at least three years of professional experience and a track record of performed work. The commission is open to all dance genres. Proposals must speak to the theme Cultural Reforesting.

What you get: here is an overall budget of up to £ 18,000 available. This is to cover all costs, such as artist fees, rehearsals, licenses, equipment, staffing, production, etc. Gain exposure through the festival's marketing and public relations efforts. Showcase your project in a major cultural event, contributing to a larger dialogue about the ecological crisis and connecting with local communities in Richmond.

Deadline 23 September 2024