Call for artists
Exhibition Commission
Modern Painters, New Decorators are inviting proposals from artists from Africa or the African diaspora based in the UK for an exhibition opportunity.
This is an opportunity for an artist to realise a project with the support of Modern Painters, New Decorators as part of their new exhibition programme focusing on folk cultures and ecology.
The project will be the very first exhibition presented in their new gallery space and arts venue in Loughborough, East Midlands, opening in September 2025. They want to invest their time, energy and resources into an ambitious proposal which supports an artist’s practice by developing new work or realising ideas which would not otherwise be possible.
The theme for this project is folk cultures and ecology. This project will feature alongside a 12-month programme that will broaden their work around placemaking, reframed through ecology, story-telling and connection. The theme is open and cross-cultural, expansively exploring folk cultures. It is specific to their locality by Charnwood Forest and the River Soar, sites of mythic, prehistoric, industrial and future importance. All submissions to the open call should expand on this theme.
Public outcomes will take place from 5th September to 1st November 2025 and will open alongside their new arts venue, which will house an exhibition space, project space, studios, shop and micro-bakery. The project is funded by Studio Atta Kwami and Arts Council England.
The successful proposal will receive:
£1,500 artists fee
Up to £1,000 for production and other costs related to making the project including materials, fabrication, travel, accommodation and transport.
Curatorial and installation support from the Modern Painters, New Decorators team.
Marketing, documentation and additional wrap-around administration.
An interview published with Young Artists in Conversation*.
Proposals for solo or group projects are welcome but if you work as part of a duo or group the fee must be shared. Existing work may be exhibited, but we expect the majority of the application to form a new commission.
DEADLINE:
9am, Thursday 27th March 2025
For further info on the opportunity and application process, please visit their website.
The project will be the very first exhibition presented in their new gallery space and arts venue in Loughborough, East Midlands, opening in September 2025. They want to invest their time, energy and resources into an ambitious proposal which supports an artist’s practice by developing new work or realising ideas which would not otherwise be possible.
The theme for this project is folk cultures and ecology. This project will feature alongside a 12-month programme that will broaden their work around placemaking, reframed through ecology, story-telling and connection. The theme is open and cross-cultural, expansively exploring folk cultures. It is specific to their locality by Charnwood Forest and the River Soar, sites of mythic, prehistoric, industrial and future importance. All submissions to the open call should expand on this theme.
Public outcomes will take place from 5th September to 1st November 2025 and will open alongside their new arts venue, which will house an exhibition space, project space, studios, shop and micro-bakery. The project is funded by Studio Atta Kwami and Arts Council England.
The successful proposal will receive:
£1,500 artists fee
Up to £1,000 for production and other costs related to making the project including materials, fabrication, travel, accommodation and transport.
Curatorial and installation support from the Modern Painters, New Decorators team.
Marketing, documentation and additional wrap-around administration.
An interview published with Young Artists in Conversation*.
Proposals for solo or group projects are welcome but if you work as part of a duo or group the fee must be shared. Existing work may be exhibited, but we expect the majority of the application to form a new commission.
DEADLINE:
9am, Thursday 27th March 2025
For further info on the opportunity and application process, please visit their website.