Solihull Arts Complex
Small Is Beautiful 2024
Small is Beautiful 2024
Project Summary
Applications are open for a new series of micro-commissions, which will be presented at The Core in Solihull on 1 st and 2nd February 2024.
We are looking for work right across the arts – theatre, music, dance, spoken word, film, visual arts and craft. There are up to 25 micro commissions available – 20 worth £500 each and 5 further microcommissions of £1000 for two artists from different disciplines to work together.
Micro-commissions are about new ideas. Perhaps you want to experiment in a new art form, try something out ahead of a grant proposal, wondering if something will work, collaborate with someone different, or just have an idea you want to try.
£500 commissions
Visual arts and crafts: pieces can be in any medium and will be installed in the Courtyard Gallery, Heritage Gallery and around the building from the 23rd January – 13th February 2024, with installation of pieces between the 16th and 23rd January.
Performance and Film: Pieces should be no longer than 10 minutes, though they could be part of a longer piece. Performance and film work will be presented in the studio. Film pieces should be presented by the film maker or someone from the creative team at the event.
Community and place-based practice: micro commissions can be used for community or place-based work however in this instance the work must happen within the borough and include some element of sharing at the launch event on the 1st and/or 2nd February.
£1000 commissions
In addition we are offering a further five micro-commissions for collaborations between artists. Only one application is needed for a collaboration application.
Commission Methodology
Small is Beautiful should be a celebration of creativity and the rich and diverse artists that live, work and are associated with the borough. We are therefore interested in commissioning as wide a breadth of work and ideas as possible.
Small Is Beautiful is open to artists across the West Midlands, although preference will be given to artists living or working in Solihull, previous residents, or those with a connection to the borough.
Work will be presented at a sharing event at The Core on Thursday 1 st and 2nd February. This does not mean we are looking for finished pieces, work in progress, scratch performances or documented creative practice is fine.
Application Process
All applicants and any performers must be over 18.
To apply you should complete the Microsoft form found here https://forms.office.com/e/NRdUCAEK8n
We would particularly like you to consider how this opportunity will develop your practice and help your work to grow.
The application deadline is midnight on Sunday November 19th , decisions will be made the following week and successful applicants notified week commencing Monday 27th November.
Timeline and Schedule
Stage 1 – Proposals submitted: Sunday 19th November 2023
Stage 2 – Selection process: w/c 20th November 2023
Stage 4 – artists notified of decision: w/c 27th November 2023
Stage 5 – Visual work installed: 16th – 23rd January 2024
Stage 6 – Exhibition opens: 23rd January 2024
Stage 7 – Small Is Beautiful event: 1 st and 2nd February 2024
Budget 20 x £500 commissions 5 x £1000 collaborative commissions
Contact Lisa Cleaver Cultural Development Officer lisa.cleaver@solihull.gov.uk 0121 704 6996
Conversations