Opportunities for Creatives

We regularly work with the artistic community in the North East, nationally and internationally, and appreciate the huge value artists and other creative practitioners can bring to our work and research. 

On this page, you will find details of our current opportunities for creatives including commissions, workshop and programming call outs, and collaborative project proposals. 

If you would like to introduce your work to our curators, or find out more about our upcoming programme please contact us. 

Current opportunities

Call for Artworks: Expressions of Interest
Durham University Library and Collections

Durham University Art Collection is seeking to expand its ‘Art in Schools’ loans programme, an initiative that provides local schools with access to inspiring works of art, by acquiring 4 new artworks. The scheme, launched in 2021, is a key feature of our arts engagement programme and has offered over 3000 to interact with original artwork in their own schools.

Art Loans in Schools - Durham University

We are inviting artists based in the North East to help us to expand the programme, by suggesting artworks that could be purchased or created. Our theme for these new acquisitions is space. We can offer £500 per artwork and are asking for expressions of interest for new or existing works that align with the theme of space (as in the cosmos).

Artwork Requirements:

• Theme: Space (open to creative and broad interpretations).
• Format: Must be wall-mountable and easily transportable. Must be able to be framed and glazed, 2 dimensional, maximum size A0.
• Fee: £500 (inclusive of materials, production, and artist fees).

Who Can Apply:
We welcome applications from artists at any stage of their career, provided they are based in the North East region of England. We are particularly keen to support diverse perspectives and creative approaches to the theme.

Submission Details:
To apply, please submit the following:

1. Introduce yourself: Briefly describe your artistic practice (max 300 words).
2. Proposal: Include details of the proposed artwork, whether it is an existing piece or a new work, and how it responds to the theme.
3. Image: Up to 5 images of the work(if available).
4. Technical Information: Specify dimensions, materials, and any other relevant details about the work’s display requirements.
5. Selection process: Successful works will be selected by a panel including; university professionals, teachers and  school pupils.

Deadline for Submissions:
Friday 28^th March 2025

How to Apply:
Please send your submission via email to e.v.dowler@durham.ac.uk with the subject line: Schools Loans Programme – Call for Artworks. If you have any questions or require additional information, please contact Emily Dowler at e.v.dowler@durham.ac.uk

We look forward to seeing your creative interpretations of the theme and your contributions to inspiring the next generation through art.