Artist commission: a new Christmas tradition
Godolphin Cross is seeking to commission an artist or collective to develop a new annual Christmas tradition beginning in December
The commission should result in a public event, or installation that combines local relevance, collective participation and spectacle and should take place in the Godolphin Cross.
The commissioned artist will work with local residents and groups, creating opportunities for participation through making sessions, rehearsals, shared meals, conversations, or other forms of involvement.
We are especially interested in proposals that draw on seasonal folk customs and traditions of collective performance, such as mummers plays, and might involve the development of original characters, costumes, processional elements, music, storytelling, or ritual actions that can be learned, performed, and passed on by local residents in future years. We are looking for an artist that can balance playfulness and innovation with accessibility, creating a ‘tradition’ that feels rooted in place while remaining open to evolution over time. The final outcome should be achievable by the community in future years with minimal specialist input.
Timeline
- Commission confirmed: August 2026
- Community development and production period: Autumn 2026
- Public event: December 2026
Who Can Apply
We welcome applications from artists, designers, makers, performers, architects, writers, collectives, and socially engaged practitioners working across disciplines.
Experience of working collaboratively with communities and delivering public-facing projects is desirable.
Submission Requirements
Please send:
- Please submit a short proposal no longer than 1 page outlining your idea and how local people would be involved
- 3 examples of previous work or relevant projects (images, or link to website/portfolio)
- A CV or biography
- An brief indicative materials / production budget
- Email the above to Rosie.gcca@gmail.com with the email heading Christmas commission
Selection Criteria
Proposals will be selected based on:
- Quality and originality of the idea
- Potential to become a lasting annual tradition
- Strength of visual and social impact
- Suitability for Godolphin Cross and its community
- Feasibility within the available budget and timeframe
We are not looking for a finished answer in advance, but for an artist with a compelling approach to making something people will want to return to and carry forward each year.
