Artist Call Out
CALL OUT CLOSED - Announcements of Successful Applicants coming soon...
Warwick District Council's Arts Section are calling out for local artists to present their work as part of the Ignite event, taking place at the Royal Pump Rooms, Leamington Spa, on the evening of Thursday 13 July 2023.
Summary
- 4 x £500 fee (ex VAT)
- Open to creatives whose work explores performance, visual art, literature, film, music, and digital practices.
- Early career artists or organisations are encouraged to apply.
- We are keen to hear from artists or organisations from underrepresented groups living in the district.
- Applicant must be based in, or actively working within, Warwick District (Warwick, Leamington, Kenilworth, Whitnash).
- The fee is to present works in progress and/or works ready to present to the public during the event.
- We are interested in work that can respond to or reimagine 4 spaces in the Royal Pump Rooms, which will be used as part of the Ignite event.
Context & Background
Ignite is an annual event that provides an opportunity to connect members of our creative community and celebrate and showcase our rich and vibrant sector.
The event will take place at The Royal Pump Rooms in Leamington Spa from 6pm - 9:30pm on Thursday 13 July 2023. The tone of the event is light and celebratory. As part of this event, we will be offering 4 x £500.
This call out is for works in progress or work that are ready to present to an audience. We are particularly interested in work that either responds to the spaces in the Royal Pump Rooms or 'reimagines' them. This is not a commission to develop new work.
The spaces in the Royal Pump Rooms that we would like to feature are:
1. Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum's Main Gallery
The Main Gallery will be exhibiting the new Water, Water Everywhere exhibition, which celebrates the history and legacy of swimming at the Royal Pump Rooms.
This space can accommodate performance, digital practices, and music, but any proposals must consider the safety and protection of exhibits.
We are particularly interested in work that responds to the history of the space (swimming pool, health, and wellness), the architecture, environment, or objects presented as part of the exhibition.
The space is accessible to view Tuesday to Sunday, between 10am and 4pm. No prior booking is required. Full visitor information can be found on the website.
Approximate size of open spaces:
Width: 7.3 meters
Depth: 5.7 meters
Height: 3.3 meters
2. The Hammam
The Hamman is a beautiful space located just off the main gallery. 'Hammam' is Arabic for a 'Turkish bath' and this space was used as part of the spa treatments when the building was a functioning swimming pool.
The Hammam lends itself to small and intimate performances, visual art, literature, film, music, and digital practices. Due to the historic nature of the space, we are unable to affix work to the walls or ceilings.
We are particularly interested in work that responds to the history of the space (Turkish bath, wellness), the architecture, and/or environment.
The space is accessible to view Tuesday to Sunday, between 10am and 4pm. No prior booking is required. Full visitor information can be found on the website.
Approximate size of space:
Width: 5.1 meters
Length: 5.1 meters
Height: 2.7 meters
3. The Conservatory
This bright and airy space is used for events and functions and will be used during the Ignite event as a social area, serving drinks from the bar.
The Conservatory can accommodate visual arts, films, music, and digital arts. Any proposal must take into consideration the large numbers of people using this space during the event.
We are particularly interested in work that utilises or benefits from natural light which floods the room via large glazed and stained-glass window. Due to the historic nature of the space, we are unable to affix work to the walls or ceilings.
The space is not open to members of the public, but we are opening it to applicants during the following times:
Wednesday 12th April, 11am-1pm
Monday 24th April, 2pm-4pm
Tuesday 25th April, 10am - 1pm
Approximate size of space:
4. Assembly Room
The Assembly Room hosts weddings, concerts, and fairs. It is the largest space in the Royal Pump Rooms and will be used for networking during the Ignite event.
Please note, performance with live sound may struggle as the main door to the street will be open. There will be tables in the space for guests to gather round so only a section of the space would be available to use.
This space could be used for performance, visual arts, film, music, digital practices. Due to the historic nature of the space, we are unable to affix work to the walls or ceilings.
A baby grand piano is also available in the room, which could be used for performances.
The space is not open to members of the public, but we are opening it to applicants during the following times:
Wednesday 12th April, 11am-1pm
Monday 24th April, 2pm-4pm
Tuesday 25th April, 10am - 1pm
How to Apply
Simply complete and return the expression of interest form to arts@warwickdc.gov.uk by Sunday 30 April 2023.
Selection Process
Warwick District Council's Arts Officer, Arts Manager, and Project and Development Manager (Arts) will form the selection panel.
The final selection will be based on the strength of the artistic idea and approach to interpreting or reimagining the Royal Pump Rooms spaces listed above.
We will be considering the suitability of the work for this event and will consider technical and logistical feasibility.
Successful and unsuccessful applicants will be notified by Wednesday 3rd May 2023.
Frequently Asked Questions
I don't live or work in Warwick District. Can I still apply?
No. This fund is only available to people who live or have an artistic / creative practice in Warwick District.
Can I hang or suspend work from the ceilings and walls?
No. As a Grade II listed building, we are unable to attach work to the fabric of the building. 2D work can be presented on easels and objects on plinths or the floor. Projections and screen-based work are welcomed. Temporary fixings on windowpanes are permitted, subject to approval from the Arts Team.
When can I install / remove my work in the Pump Rooms?
We can provide access to the spaces from 9.30am on the day of the Ignite event. Works in the Hammam and the Gallery must be taken down on the evening of the event, around 9.30pm. Works in the Assembly and Conservatory can be removed on the morning of the following day.
What support is available?
The Arts Section has a team of Technical and Facilities staff who can help with any install, subject to the size and scope of the work. Our Customer Services Assistants can also be on hand during performances and interventions to ensure the safety of audience members. Our Marketing team can promote you and your work as part of the wider Ignite promotional work.