Artist Commission for Journeys Festival International

Journeys Festival International was first delivered in Leicester in 2013 and since then has hosted regular editions in Manchester and Portsmouth too. With this festival, we create a platform for artists from diverse backgrounds, a showcase to share artistic talent, community cultural exchanges and incredible live events.

For our festival in 2024, we have an exciting partnership with the newly refurbished Leicester Cathedral and are seeking artistic submissions for an exhibition within the Cathedral around the theme of Play: the art, joy and need of it! Exploring traditional play within different cultures and how play is a universal right and need. The piece could also explore what is lost without play.

It is worth noting that the Cathedral has a high ceiling and is particularly interested in the idea of suspended pieces and something of a scale to create a big impact in the venue. The piece could also have an interactive element (example ideas could include suspended playground equipment e.g. suspended swings) and site visits to the space can be arranged in advance of the selection process.

Artists from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply and we want to see proposals for new work including proposals that are suitable for family audiences.

Artist Fee: £5,000 (+VAT) not including materials, installation costs and workshop preparation and delivery, which will be funded separately.

Please submit your proposals to hello@artreach.org.uk

Please include:

• Cover letter (2 pages max) explaining your ideas and project proposal
• Budget and timeline for your work
• CV (including 2 referees) and at least 2 examples of your previous artistic work
• A completed Equal opportunities form. Complete Monitoring Form here.

Deadline: 11:59pm, 24 June 

Interviews: 2 July

Work to begin from July / August

Completion and installation: Week beginning 7 October

Art Reach is an inclusive organisation, from our trustees and team members to our audience and participants. We treat all applicants equally, regardless of class, age, disability, gender identity or gender expression, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or any other equality characteristic. We particularly encourage applications from individuals who are underrepresented in the cultural sector. 

*Timelapse of Arabella Dorman’s Suspended Exhibition Install, Journeys Festival International, Leicester 2018.