The Box announces programme of micro-commissions for local artists

The Box is inviting artists based in Plymouth, Devon and Cornwall to apply for 20 paid micro-commissions as part of a new initiative in response to Covid-19.

‘State of Emergency’ will award £500 to each successful artist to cover their fees and production costs.

Applicants are asked to consider the impact the ongoing health situation has had on our notion of freedom and to produce a new piece of work that responds to this.

Applications in any medium or discipline are welcomed and could include a painting, a piece of writing, a video, a GIF, a performance, dance or sound piece. The final outcomes of each commission will be shared via The Box’s digital platforms this summer.

Plymouth City Council Leader, Tudor Evans OBE said: “The restrictions we’ve been following over the last few weeks have made many people re-evaluate and adapt the way they live, work, communicate and create. What does freedom mean in a state of crisis? The Box has a key role in supporting the cultural sector in Plymouth and the South West. We’re really keen to explore and document how artists respond to this question and, most importantly, provide opportunities for them to showcase their creative talents at such a difficult and unprecedented time.”

Artists who are interested in applying must live and work in Plymouth or the wider Devon or Cornwall areas. The production of their work must not break any of the current guidelines around social distancing.

Anyone interested in applying should send a proposal (maximum 500 words) that outlines their ideas with a short CV totheboxenquiries@plymouth.gov.uk by 5pm on Monday 25 May. Any attachments submitted with their application should not exceed 3MB.

The successful artists will be announced on Friday 29 May and the contemporary arts team at The Box will then work with them to finalise their content by Friday 12 June.

You can find out more about The Box at www.theboxplymouth.com