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HomeExploreProjectsNorthern Expressions Open Call Out 23/24

Northern Expressions Open Call Out 23/24

Scarborough Museums and Galleries (SMG) in partnership with Crescent Arts are launching Northern Expressions open call out. A creative development programme for emerging artists who have not studied art at university and live in Yorkshire and the Humber.

>> We will be holding an Open Call Out Day on Saturday 20th January, 10am – 3pm at Woodend Gallery and Studios <<

What we offer
SMG and Crescent Arts aims to foster emerging talent through the development programme by:

  • Research visits within the North
  • Workshops
  • Open studio access (Fixed period from 27 April – 29 June 2024)
  • One-to-one support with a programme mentor
  • Receive a grant of £700
  • Group exhibition in January 2025

The programme intends to support up to 10 emerging artists who have not been to university with the opportunity to develop themselves and improve pathways towards achieving early artistic careers.

Why it’s important to us
Northern Expressions forms part of SMG and Crescent Arts’s aim to support emerging practitioners with opportunities to explore, connect, and grow their creative potential. By showing participants what has been achieved elsewhere and bringing them into a national creative network, the programme seeks to build aspirations and raise the benchmark for visual arts in the North.

We acknowledge that artists outside of larger towns and cities often experience isolation, are disconnected from opportunities, and have limited access to grow their practice. The programme will investigate ways of strengthening a community through workshops focused on specific topics that build expertise and centre around collaboration, community, and provide an active voice for new Northern talent.

Who is it for?

We are looking for dedicated individuals who aspire to begin their creative career in the visual arts.

You need to be:

  • 18 or over.
  • Have not studied art at university.
  • Live in Yorkshire and the Humber.
  • Open to learning new skills.
  • Willing to talk about your artistic practice with peers, artists, and professionals.

How do I apply?

To apply please complete the following steps:

Step 1. Application form with contact details – Download the Word document

Step 2. Expression of Interest – can be completed in the application form or a link to a voice note or video recording, covering the points outlined below.

  • Why do you want to apply?
  • How will it benefit you and your work?
  • Please include a link to a website or social media for your work if you have one (don’t worry if not)

Step 3. Three images of your artwork

  • What inspired you and why
  • Title of artwork (if it has one)
  • Medium and why you chose to work in this

Step 4. Equal opportunities and diversity monitoring form – Download the Word document

Application checklist:

  • Application form with contact details
  • Expression of interest (in the application form or link to voice note or video)
  • Three images of your work
  • Equal Opportunities and Diversity Monitoring Form

Ready to apply?
Please email your full application, with the subject title ‘Northern Expressions Open Call Out’, to sara.nowell@smtrust.uk.com
by 11.59pm on Monday 24th January 2024.
Late applications will not be accepted.

What’s next?
The final selection will take place on Thursday 8th February 2024. The selection committee is made up of members of SMG and Crescent Arts staff.

Applicants will be notified if they have been successful by Friday 9th February 2024.

If you have not heard from us by this date, unfortunately you have been unsuccessful in your application. We are unable to provide feedback on individual applications.

Need help with your application?

Open Call Out Day, Saturday 20th January, 10am – 3pm, Woodend Gallery and Studios.

If you need help to complete the application process, show work submissions, and ask questions, you are welcome to join our Open Call Out Day. 

Please email sara.nowell@smtrust.uk.com to notify of your interest in the Open Call Out Day.

If you have any further questions or need any support in preparing your application, please email sara.nowell@smtrust.uk.com

 

Summary of key dates

*Please note that dates will be kept as close as possible but may be subject to change due to booking availability of artists.

Fri 9th Feb Successful applicants notified
Fri 16th Feb Session 1 – Welcome session 10:15 – 4pm
Fri 01st March Invite to preview ‘Sensing Creativity’
Mon 25th March Session 2 – Workshop introduction to ‘A Sense of Place’
*Fri 12th April Session 3 – Research visit (full day)
Fri 26th April Invite to preview “Coastal Ecologies”
Sat 27th April – Sat 29th June Open studio access
*Fri 17th May Session 4 – Research visit (full day)
*Fri 31st May Session 5 – Workshop collaboration
*Mon 10th June Session 6 – Workshop artist led practice
*Fri 19th July Session 7 – Research visit (full day)
*Mon 12th Aug Session 8 – Workshop artist led practice
*Mon 16th Sept Session 9 – Workshop and critique
Mon 25th Nov 2025 DEADLINE to submit artwork for marketing of exhibition and curation of space
Available from Fri 10th Jan – 17th Jan 2025 Install from 10th -16th Jan with preview Friday 17th Jan.

Exhibition open to public Sat 18th Jan 2025

*Prior meetings will be arranged to discuss tech installation

Equal Opportunities and Diversity Monitoring

We recognise there has been systemic exclusion within the arts sector and are striving to put equity at the heart of our decision-making. We are committed to increasing the diversity of people working in the visual arts and especially welcome applications from those who identify as having characteristics which are currently under-represented.

As part of the application process, we ask that you complete an equal opportunities and diversity monitoring form. You can download this here.

We encourage proposals from applicants with specific access needs and we are happy to work with you to the best of our ability to help with both the application process and to realise your idea.

The information you provide in this form helps us to identify areas of under-representation among applicants and assists in developing strategies to attract people from these groups, also ensuring there is no discrimination in the allocation of support and / or opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is meant by the term ‘not studying art at university?’

  • Not currently on a creative subject degree programme.
  • This captures all creative subjects at degree and post degree level.
  • Started a creative subject but did not complete, you are eligible to apply.
  • Studied a foundation degree but not moved onto an arts degree, you are eligible to apply.
  • Studied private and short-term courses, you are eligible to apply.

Can I apply if I don’t live in the Yorkshire and the Humber?

No, the project is restricted to applicants living in Yorkshire and the Humber.

How much time do I need to commit to the programme?

  • You will need to commit one full day per month starting in February 2024.
  • A brief will be provided to work on in your own time.
  • Please see the Summary of Key Dates for more information.

Are there any fees?

  • Workshops, mentoring, materials in sessions, field trips from Scarborough, and all programming is fully funded.
  • Travel to Woodend Gallery and Studios will be at the cost of the individual. 
  • Work for the exhibition in 2025 is not an artist commission and is at the cost of the individual purchasing materials and production of artwork.