Artist Call Out for Community Artwork

Roots Group Piece for Journeys Festival International 2022

Journeys Festival International, produced by ArtReach, curates, presents and commissions a varied programme of work created by artists exploring the refugee experience and global cultures through artistic and creative encounters.

We are currently seeking an artist to co-create a visual piece of artwork along with community group members to be showcased at the festival in Leicester, which takes place from 12th -14th August 2022. The artist will be working alongside our Roots Group, who are a group of individuals from sanctuary-seeking backgrounds, to create a piece of stunning artwork that would be showcased/exhibited during the festival. We are open for proposals on what this artwork could be and how it will be displayed. The work must be shown outdoors or in a way that is accessible to large audiences.

Applicants will be required to apply by sending a 3-5 minute video introducing themselves, outlining their idea and sharing examples of any previous work created with community groups. The selection panel will consist of members of the Roots Group, along with the Programming Team for Journeys Festival International. Selected artists will be invited to deliver a taster session in May 2022.

Following the taster workshop, the selected artist will be commissioned to work with the Roots Group from June to August to complete and showcase the final piece.

We are open to whatever ideas you may have, so feel free to be as creative as you want!

Details and Eligibility

Artist Fee:

Taster workshop: £150

Commission fee: £1,500

Budget for materials: Up to £1,000 (to be agreed based on proposal)​

To apply, artists must be:

• Able to produce high quality artworks suitable for exhibitions in public spaces

• From a sanctuary-seeking background or with refugee heritage or have experience of working within migrant communities with a willingness and cultural sensitivity to explore themes related to the sanctuary-seeking experience

• Leicester-based or able to travel to Leicester on a regular basis for in-person workshops

• Permitted to work in the UK

• Experienced in creating/exhibiting artworks for the public realm

• Experienced in delivering workshops with community groups to co-create artworks

• Able to inspire and encourage our Roots Group

For details on how to apply please read further below.

Timeline Overview:

• May: Deadline for applications

• May: Shortlisting

• May: Taster workshops

• May: Artist selection and contracting

• June - August: Workshop delivery and artwork creation

• August: Artwork showcased at Journeys Festival International

• September: Wrap up and evaluation with a Thank You/celebration event

Applications:

Please apply via this online form: Artist Application

Application deadline: Friday, 6th May at 5:00pm

To submit your application in another format please email lydia@artreach.biz

We are particularly interested in thought-provoking responses to the current social climate, in line with the themes explored at this year’s festival programme which include healing, nature and climate change.