Solihull Arts Complex

Small Is Beautiful – Micro commissions

Solihull Council

Project Summary

Applications are open for a new series of micro-commissions, which will be presented at The Core in Solihull on 9th February 2023 alongside the launch of ‘Core Creatives’ our new cultural hatchery.

We are looking for work right across the arts – theatre, music, dance, spoken word, film, visual arts and craft. There are up to 17 micro commissions available – 14 worth £500 each and 3 further micro-commissions of £1000. We want to try and achieve a good spread across all the artforms.

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 7th- 28th February, with installation of pieces between the 1st-6th February. On February 9th we will launch ‘Core Creatives’ our new cultural space, with the private view of the exhibition forming a central part of this.

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 theatre and 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 February 9th.

£1000 commissions

In addition we are offering a further three micro-commissions for a semi-permanent piece of work in ‘Core Creatives’. It is envisaged there will be one commission in each of the three main spaces: the crash zone, the work room and the collaboration room.

This could take the form of written word, visual art, photography, craft of sculpture. The selected piece must not hinder the spaces being utilised for meetings, planning and rehearsals by artists. Work can be painted directly onto walls, mounted, hung or be free standing. 

Commission Methodology

Both ‘Core Creatives’ and the launch event 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/r/nJ1bj5fMts

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 December 4th, decisions will be made the following week and successful applicants notified week commencing Monday 12th December.

Timeline and Schedule

Stage 1 – Proposals submitted: 4th December 2022.

Stage 2 – Selection process: w/c 5th December 2022.

Stage 4 – artists notified of decision: w/c 12th December 2022.

Stage 5 – Visual work installed: 1st-6th February 2023

Stage 6 – Small Is Beautiful event and launch of Core Creatives: 9th February 2023

Budget

14 x £500 commissions

3 x £1000 commissions of permanent pieces of work for ‘Core Creatives’

Contact

Lisa Cleaver Cultural Development Officer lisa.cleaver@solihull.gov.uk 0121 704 6996