Solihull Arts Complex

Applications are open for a new series of micro-commissions, which will be presented alongside the opening of the ‘Surreal Solihull’ exhibition between 6th – 9th March 2025. The theme for all work should be based around surreal, surrealism or Emmy Bridgwater. Please feel free to be playful and experimental with the theme. We are looking for surrealism to be the starting point of your creative process.

We are looking for work right across the performing arts – theatre, music, dance, spoken word and film. There are up to 20 micro commissions available – worth £500 each and 5 further cross art-form micro-commissions of £1000 (minimum of two artists collaborating).

The commissions for the exhibition have already gone out so we don't envision supporting visual arts commissions unless they sit outside a normal gallery exhibit.

We are particularly interested in work that could be performed or shown outdoors. 

£500 commissions

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 either outside on the High St, in Touchwood, in a public space in the town centre or in the Core.  

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 still link to the theme of surrealism.

£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.

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/94kCK4xfks

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 January 5th, decisions will be made the following week and successful applicants notified by Friday 17th January.

Timeline and Schedule

Stage 1 – Proposals submitted: Sunday 5/1/2025

Stage 2 – Selection process: w/c 6/1/2025

Stage 3 – artists notified of decision: by 17/1/2025

Stage 4 – Small Is Beautiful performances: 6-9/3/2025

Budget

20 x £500 commissions

5 x £1000 collaborative commissions

Contact

Lisa Cleaver Cultural Development Officer lisa.cleaver@solihull.gov.uk