The New Art Gallery Walsall is delighted to collaborate with The Bumblebee Conservation Trust to offer one West Midlands-based artist the opportunity of studio space to support the creation of a legacy artwork, which is being commissioned by the Trust as part of Bee Inspired, a 2-year project taking place across the Black Country and Greater Birmingham. This initiative will connect diverse audiences and deliver lasting change within communities by empowering local people to care about bumblebees and initiate positive actions to help grow native populations in urban habitats.
Key information
Submissions open week commencing: 29 May 2023
Submissions close: 26 June 2023, 9am
Shortlisting week commencing: 26 June 2023
Selected artist advised: 30 June 2023
Unsuccessful applicants advised: 30 June 2023
Announcement of selected artist: 3 July 2023
Please note: for capacity reasons, we are unable to engage in feedback to unsuccessful applicants.
Residency: 11 July – 24 September 2023
Deadline for final commission design: 11 August 2023
Bee Safari: 2 August 2023
Open studio event: 19 August 2023
Installation and launch of Legacy artwork commission: Spring 2024 TBC
The successful artist will receive:
- Use of a fully-equipped artist studio in The New Art Gallery Walsall for the duration of the residency period, for research and making
- Curatorial support while in residence
- Support with access costs, if appropriate
- Access to technical advice during the residency
- A £4000 fee
- £5,300 materials budget (this includes any weatherproofing, maintenance and install costs)
- Online exposure via TNAGW and BBCT platforms