Applications are open for the first series of Solihull Work in Progress micro-commissions, which will be presented at The Core in Solihull in the New Year.
Solihull Council has partnered with Parrabbola to offer up to 20 micro-commissions, each worth £500, for work from right across the arts, including theatre, music, dance, spoken word, visual arts and crafts.
The micro-commissions are designed to support artists with a project in development, where the opportunity to present an element of their piece will help to move their project on to the next stage. Creative artists should present their work as it currently is, in a raw state or partially finished. Examples of a ‘work in progress’ could include reading an extract of a new script or displaying a new experimental technique in photography or ceramics.
Councillor Karen Grinsell, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Tourism and Sport, said:
“With COVID-19 lockdowns forcing the temporary closure of the cultural sector, it’s been a really difficult few years for the performing arts and creative industries.
“That’s why I’m so excited about the first series of the Solihull Work in Progress micro-commissions. They give our local artists the opportunity not only to get their creative juices flowing but also to display their work at Solihull’s cultural hub, The Core.
“We’re particularly interested in hearing from artists and companies that are currently under-represented within the performing arts, as these micro-commissions are designed to kickstart a creative idea or move a project on to the next stage of development
“I encourage all of our local artists to apply, and I can’t wait to see a variety of works on display.”
Commissions are open primarily to artists and companies based in or operating from the borough of Solihull, although applications from elsewhere in the West Midlands are accepted. All applicants and any performers must be over the age of 18.
The online application also allows artists to apply with a video rather than a written form.
The deadline to apply is midnight on Sunday 5 December, and works will be selected for commission in the following week.
Successful applicants will then showcase their work at The Core on Thursday 27 January. Visual arts and crafts pieces will be exhibited throughout the day, with performances and films presented in the evening.
For artists submitting a film or performance piece, it should last no longer than ten minutes. It can be an extract of a longer piece or fragments from a larger work, but it must be original content and performed live. For film submissions, the filmmaker or wider team should be present on the night to talk a little about their work. Visual artists and makers should propose a piece that is easily located within the space of The Core, without substantial hanging or presentation requirements.
For further information or for assistance with an application, please email solihull@parrabbola.co.uk.