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Ode to the Midlands | Call for artists

Ode to the Midlands is commissioning six mid-career artists to develop and deliver new digital artworks between April 2026 – March 2027.

Digital Commissions Programme (2026–27)

Open to Global Majority, Disabled, Deaf, and/or Neurodivergent mid-career visual artists living or professionally-based in the East Midlands & West Midlands

Deadline: Wednesday 25 March 2026, 10am
Notification: Friday 24 April 2026, 5pm
Applicant Q&A: Wednesday 18 February 2026, 2pm (online, via Zoom)

To book onto the Q&A or request a 1–2–1 conversation, contact Colette Griffin at
colette@cvaneastmidlands.co.uk. (1–2–1s last 15 minutes and are an opportunity to discuss access needs, ideas, or the application process.)

 

About Ode to the Midlands

Ode to the Midlands (OttM) is an ambitious 18-month, cross-regional programme delivered by Contemporary Visual Arts Network East Midlands (CVAN EM) and Contemporary Visual Arts Network West Midlands (CVAN WM). The programme invests in artists, organisations, and audiences across the Midlands, strengthening regional connections and expanding access to digital visual arts. Rooted in equity, collaboration, and digital innovation, OttM supports Global Majority, Disabled, d/Deaf, and Neurodivergent mid-career artists to create new digital artworks that explore and celebrate the Midlands’ rich cultural and geographical identity.

Through partnerships with commissioning organisations across the East and West Midlands, OttM builds lasting relationships, supports sustainable artist development, and strengthens the region’s capacity for inclusive digital commissioning. Artworks will be presented online, in galleries, and in public spaces, widening access for diverse and time-poor audiences.

Ode to the Midlands is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.

Click “Find out more” below about eligibility and how to apply.

For more information and how to apply visit the CVAN Midlands website

Find out more
The Commission Opportunity

OttM is commissioning six mid-career artists to develop and deliver new digital artworks between April 2026 – March 2027.

Selected artists will:

  • Be paired with a commissioning organisation in the neighbouring region (East ↔ West Midlands)
  • Develop a new digital artwork with scope for experimentation and growth
  • Take part in mentoring, peer exchange, and professional development
  • Present work online, in a gallery, in public space, or through hybrid formats

Digital artworks may include (but are not limited to): moving image, sound, interactive or participatory works, web-based projects, creative coding, AI, AR/VR, projection, or hybrid physical–digital installations.

Artists do not need to already have a digital practice, this opportunity actively welcomes artists who want to develop digital skills.

Support Available

Each commissioned artist, working in partnership with a commissioning organisation in the neighbouring region, will receive the following support through OttM:

  • £10,000 (inclusive of VAT) Artist fee, production, and presentation costs
  • Access support funding, drawn from a £10,000 programme-wide access budget
  • Travel and accommodation support, via a shared £5,500 budget
    Mentoring and professional development, including 1–2–1 and group sessions
  • Peer learning with other commissioned artists
  • 2.5 technician days to support production and delivery
  • Documentation of the commissioned work (where relevant)
  • Editorial and critical writing commissioned and published by Corridor8
  • Promotion and visibility through OttM communications

In return, artists are expected to actively engage in collaboration, mentoring, evaluation, and public engagement activity throughout the programme.

Who Can Apply

This opportunity is open to mid-career visual artists who:

  • Identify as Global Majority, Disabled, d/Deaf, and/or Neurodivergent
  • Are living or professionally based in the East or West Midlands
    East Midlands: Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire (excluding NE), Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Rutland; or Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, West Midlands, Worcestershire
  • Are aged 18 or over
  • Are not currently studying at BA or MA level (PhD candidates are welcome)
    Have the capacity to deliver a digital commission between April 2026 – March 2027

Collectives, duos, and collaborative practices are welcome to apply (please note the artist fee is fixed).

Artists with established digital practices and those new to digital work are equally encouraged to apply.

Selection & Pairing

OttM Commissioning Organisations are: