Open Awards for disabled artists announced
Open Awards for disabled artists announced

Open Awards for disabled artists announced

Full-Time 15000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Apply for funding to create innovative art across various disciplines.
  • Company: Unlimited supports disabled artists in England, Scotland, and Wales with substantial awards.
  • Benefits: Receive funding between £15,000 to £80,000 to bring your creative vision to life.
  • Other info: Ideal for both early-stage concepts and nearly finished projects seeking audience engagement.
  • Why this job: Join a movement that champions bold, boundary-pushing art and drives change in the arts sector.
  • Qualifications: Open to disabled artists with innovative ideas, regardless of previous funding experience.

The predicted salary is between 15000 - 80000 £ per year.

Unlimited is offering ten awardstotalling £413,000 to disabled artists across England, Scotland, and Wales – now open for applications.

With amounts ranging from £15,000 to £80,000, these commissioning awards will support the creation of extraordinary new work in artforms including theatre, dance, music, visual arts, literature, and combined arts.

We’re here to support bold creative visions from disabled artists – whether it’s a seed of an idea or something production-ready, we’ll help bring it to life.

Cat Sheridan, Senior Producer, Unlimited: “At a time when disabled artists, particularly those who are multiply marginalised, face increasing barriers and pressure, the Open Awards are a vital act of creative defiance. These awards are about saying yes to risk, yes to scale, yes to the urgent and yes to the joyful. We’re here to back ideas that stretch and push form and reimagine what’s possible. Making sure powerful, boundary-pushing art by disabled artists gets out into the world.

We’re not just funding artists’ project ideas. We’re committed to driving change across the arts sector. That means rethinking the kind of work that is supported, valued, and platformed. Open Awards under £25,000 are ideal for testing, exploring, and playing with early ideas. Awards over £25,000 are a chance to get that almost-there piece in front of audiences. Perfect for artists who’ve had some funding but haven’t been able to get the work out there yet.

Pete Massey, Director, Yorkshire, Arts Council England:“We’re thrilled to see Unlimited launch another round of Open Awards, giving disabled artists and disabled led companies the opportunity to make extraordinary work, for national and international audiences. At the Arts Council we want to ensure that people from every background can take part in, experience and create high quality art and culture. Unlimited’s Open Awards do just that.”

Amanda Loosemore, Portfolio Manager, Arts Council of Wales: “Unlimited commissions are crucial to raising the profile of disabled artists and shining a spotlight on the range of exciting work created across the UK. We’re thrilled to continue to be part of this here in Wales. Over a number of years our commitment to the programme has had a positive impact on Wales-based disabled artists, offering opportunities for support and creative development via a range of partnerships. It is only right that audiences are able to experience the extraordinary work created by these commissioned artists who promote change and challenge the arts sector.”

Kim Simpson, Head of Equalities, Diversity and Inclusion, Creative Scotland: “The Unlimited commissioning programme continues to celebrate and elevate the exceptional talent and creativity of disabled artists across the UK, offering a vital platform that drives real, lasting change within the cultural sector. It not only opens up pathways to flourishing artistic careers but also sets a powerful benchmark for how the industry can break down barriers and lead on accessibility.”

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Open Awards for disabled artists announced employer: arts.wales

Unlimited is an exceptional employer dedicated to empowering disabled artists across England, Scotland, and Wales through substantial funding opportunities. With a strong commitment to inclusivity and creativity, the company fosters a supportive work culture that encourages bold artistic visions and provides ample growth opportunities for employees passionate about driving change in the arts sector. By joining Unlimited, you become part of a transformative movement that not only champions diverse voices but also redefines the landscape of contemporary art.
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Contact Detail:

arts.wales Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Open Awards for disabled artists announced

Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the specific criteria and focus areas of the Open Awards. Understanding what Unlimited is looking for in terms of artistic vision and impact will help you tailor your approach when discussing your ideas.

Tip Number 2

Network with other disabled artists and organisations that support them. Engaging with the community can provide valuable insights, feedback, and potential collaborations that could strengthen your application.

Tip Number 3

Attend workshops or events related to the Open Awards. These gatherings often provide opportunities to meet the decision-makers and gain a deeper understanding of the application process, which can be beneficial for your proposal.

Tip Number 4

Prepare to discuss how your project challenges norms and pushes boundaries within the arts sector. Highlighting your unique perspective as a disabled artist can make your application stand out and resonate with the values of the Open Awards.

We think you need these skills to ace Open Awards for disabled artists announced

Understanding of Disability Arts
Grant Writing Skills
Project Management
Creative Vision
Knowledge of Art Forms (Theatre, Dance, Music, Visual Arts, Literature)
Networking Skills
Fundraising Experience
Communication Skills
Ability to Evaluate Artistic Proposals
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Collaboration Skills
Critical Thinking
Passion for Supporting Marginalised Artists

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Awards: Familiarise yourself with the Open Awards and their purpose. Read about the types of projects they support and the specific criteria for funding to ensure your application aligns with their goals.

Craft a Compelling Proposal: Your proposal should clearly articulate your creative vision. Describe your project in detail, including its significance, how it challenges norms, and what makes it unique. Be bold and let your passion shine through.

Highlight Your Experience: Include relevant past work and experiences that demonstrate your capability as an artist. Showcase any previous projects, exhibitions, or performances that highlight your skills and creativity.

Review and Edit: Before submitting, take the time to review your application thoroughly. Check for clarity, coherence, and grammatical errors. Consider asking a peer or mentor to provide feedback on your proposal.

How to prepare for a job interview at arts.wales

Understand the Mission

Before your interview, make sure you fully grasp Unlimited's mission to support disabled artists. Familiarise yourself with their values and how they aim to drive change in the arts sector. This will help you align your answers with their goals.

Showcase Your Creativity

Be prepared to discuss your creative vision and how it aligns with the Open Awards. Whether it's a seed of an idea or a nearly finished project, articulate how your work pushes boundaries and challenges norms in the arts.

Highlight Your Experience

Share specific examples of your past work, especially any projects that involved collaboration or innovation. Discuss how these experiences have shaped your artistic practice and prepared you for the opportunities offered by the Open Awards.

Ask Thoughtful Questions

Prepare insightful questions about the Open Awards and Unlimited's future plans. This shows your genuine interest in the organisation and helps you understand how you can contribute to their mission.

Open Awards for disabled artists announced
arts.wales

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