Open Call: Arts Lab Emerging Artists

Overview

This paid development opportunity is for three emerging artists based in Cornwall who are looking to gain experience of delivering participatory arts projects.

Working closely with an established artist, you’ll help deliver creative sessions for young refugees and their peers aged 10 to 18 across Cornwall. We hope this opportunity will lead to you running your own Arts Lab project in the future.

About Arts Lab

Arts Lab is a creative programme for young refugees and their peers aged 10 to 18, offering opportunities to explore ideas, build confidence and create meaningful connections through the arts. Delivered in partnership with schools and community settings across Cornwall, each project is shaped collaboratively with the young people involved and culminates in a showcase as part of Refugee Week.

The Opportunity

We’re looking for three emerging artists, working in any creative discipline, to support the delivery of Arts Lab projects across Cornwall.

Working closely with a lead artist, you’ll support the delivery of creative workshops with young refugees and their peers, gaining practical experience of participatory and socially engaged arts practice.

Participants will receive:

• £150 per session

• One paid training session on 28th September 2026 (all day)

• Three paid project sessions between November 2026 and April 2027

Project sessions typically last around half a day, with locations varying across Cornwall.

Who Can Apply?

We’re interested in hearing from artists at the early stages of developing their practice, from any creative discipline.

You might already have experience of facilitating workshops, or you may be looking for your first opportunity to learn alongside an experienced artist. We’re looking for people who are curious, collaborative and enthusiastic about working creatively with young people.

Applicants must:

• Be a Creative Kernow Associates (CKA) member. Membership starts at £5/month – find out more, and sign up, here.

• Be available to attend a training session on 28th September 2026 (all day).

• Be available for six project sessions between November 2026 and April 2027.

• Be able to travel to project locations across Cornwall.

Selection Criteria

Participating artists will be selected based on:

• The strength of their creative practice.
• Their understanding of, or interest in, participatory and community-based arts.
• How this opportunity will contribute to the development of their practice.