At a Glance
- Tasks: Create innovative outdoor art projects addressing climate and environmental issues.
- Company: Collaborative initiative between Inspirate and Art Reach, celebrating South Asian artistry.
- Benefits: Up to £10,000 funding for research and development, plus mentoring support.
- Other info: Opportunity to showcase work at major Leicester festivals in 2026.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on climate change through your artistic vision.
- Qualifications: South Asian artists or companies with a strong artistic vision.
The predicted salary is between 8500 - 11500 £ per year.
South Asian-Led Outdoor Arts on Climate & Environment. Inspirate and Art Reach are excited to be working together to offer this co-commission. We are seeking proposals for a new outdoor arts project exploring environmental and climate issues, led by South Asian artists or companies. This opportunity offers up to £10,000 to support a Research & Development process, with sharings at the following Leicester based festivals during 2026.
- An Indian Summer Festival: 1st - 5th July 2026
- Journeys Festival: explores migration and community, uncovering new perspectives, and celebrates the rich diversity that makes our city, and our world, a more connected place.
Beyond 2026, further funding will be provided to complete the creation process and share the work through both festivals as part of the 2027 programme.
The Opportunity
This co-commission supports South Asian artists to develop bold, environmentally conscious outdoor work. Proposals can be from a range of different artforms including theatre, dance, installation, music, visual arts, and multidisciplinary practice. We encourage proposals exploring, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Climate justice and environmental change – examining human impact on the planet, sustainability, and global environmental inequalities.
- Biodiversity and ecosystem resilience – highlighting species, habitats, and the natural environment under threat.
- Community and cultural responses to climate issues – how communities experience, adapt to, or resist environmental challenges.
- Intergenerational dialogue and future imaginaries – exploring the legacy of climate change for future generations.
- Connection to place and identity – how landscapes, cities, and cultural heritage intersect with environmental concerns.
- Innovation in audience engagement – immersive, participatory, or interactive approaches that inspire reflection and action.
Work should consider sustainable production and ethical practice including low-carbon, eco-conscious artistic methods, materials, and presentation.
£10,000 total commission fee, which will support the following:
- A Research and Development process - including artist fees, materials, hire of space, all producing, production and festival sharing costs.
- Sharings at An Indian Summer Festival and Journeys Festival.
Additionally, the selected artist/company will receive mentoring, advice and creative support from Inspirate and Art Reach, and the festival production/tech teams for each festival will also support the sharing of work at both An Indian Summer and Journeys Festival.
South Asian-led artists or companies
We welcome proposals from South Asian artists/companies across the UK. This includes artists whose heritage is from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Afghanistan.
Strong artistic vision addressing climate or environmental themes. Work designed for outdoor and public spaces. Commitment to sustainable, environmentally conscious creative practice.
Application Process
To apply, please complete the application form, which includes the following sections:
- Details: Artist/Company: Lead contact name for this proposal, and preferred pronouns (e.g. he/him, she/her, they/them)
- Address
- Phone Number
- Access Requirements for lead contact
- Region you are based in (London, Midlands, North, South East, South West, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland)
- Project Name - (this can be a working title)
- Concept & Idea – Describe the work you want to create, its form, and intended audience - up to 300 words
- Environmental & Climate Relevance – Explain why this project is important within the context of climate change and/or environmental issues - up to 200 words
- Artistic Approach – Outline your creative approach and process, how you plan to research and develop this work - up to 200 words
- Community Engagement - while this is not a compulsory part of this project, if engagement and/or socially engaged practice is part of your process, describe how you would integrate this into your project - up to 200 words
- Outdoor Arts – Include how the work will be developed specifically for outdoor/public spaces - up to 200 words
- Supporting Materials – Applicants can submit links to previous work, images, concept sketches, or videos.
Budget outline:
Provide a proposed budget, outlining how you will allocate the funds to support your R&D and sharing process, including artist/creative team fees, resources/materials, travel, transportation, accommodation, rehearsal space/studio hire etc. Please mention any match funding or in kind support you’ve secured, although this is not a formal requirement for this application. Video submissions are welcomed as an alternative to written proposals, videos must be no longer than 5 mins long.
Timeline:
- Deadline for written submissions - Sunday 29th March.
- Applications will be reviewed by representatives from Art Reach and Inspirate - w/k beginning 30th March
- Shortlisted applicants may be invited for a conversation to discuss their ideas further - w/k beginning 20th April
- Selected candidate will be informed by 30th April 2026
- Research and Development Process - between May-June 2026
- Sharing at An Indian Summer Festival - 3rd -5th July 2026
- Continue the Research & Development process - between July-October 2026
- Sharing at Journeys Festival - 17th - 25th October 2026
If you have any queries, questions or need to talk through access needs to complete your application, please contact shiven@inspirate.org.
Inspirate and Art Reach Artist Call-Out in Leicester employer: Inspirate
Inspirate and Art Reach are committed to fostering a vibrant and inclusive work environment that champions South Asian artists and their unique perspectives on climate and environmental issues. By offering substantial funding, mentorship, and creative support, we empower artists to develop innovative outdoor projects that resonate with the community and promote sustainability. Located in Leicester, our festivals provide a dynamic platform for artistic expression, ensuring that employees engage in meaningful work that contributes to cultural dialogue and environmental awareness.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Inspirate and Art Reach Artist Call-Out in Leicester
✨Tip Number 1
Get your networking game on! Connect with fellow artists and organisations in the South Asian arts scene. Attend events, workshops, or festivals to meet people who can help you get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your work online! Use social media platforms to share snippets of your projects, especially those related to climate and environment. This not only builds your portfolio but also attracts attention from potential collaborators and funders.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t shy away from reaching out! If you see a project or festival that excites you, drop them a message. Express your interest and ask about opportunities. You never know what might come from a simple conversation!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for talented South Asian artists like you. Make sure to keep an eye on our listings and submit your proposals to get noticed!
We think you need these skills to ace Inspirate and Art Reach Artist Call-Out in Leicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get Personal with Your Proposal:When you're writing your concept and idea, make it personal! Share your unique perspective and experiences that connect you to the themes of climate and environment. We want to see your artistic vision shine through!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your descriptions straightforward and to the point. You've got word limits for a reason, so make every word count! We’re looking for clarity in your artistic approach and community engagement plans.
Show Us Your Previous Work:Don’t forget to include links or images of your past projects! This helps us understand your style and how you tackle similar themes. It’s your chance to impress us with what you’ve done before!
Budget Wisely:When outlining your budget, be realistic and detailed. Break down how you’ll use the £10,000 effectively. We want to see that you’ve thought about all aspects of your project, from materials to artist fees!
How to prepare for a job interview at Inspirate
✨Know Your Art and Its Impact
Before the interview, dive deep into your artistic vision and how it relates to climate and environmental issues. Be ready to discuss how your work can inspire change and engage audiences in meaningful ways.
✨Showcase Your Community Engagement
Think about how your project can involve the community and address their experiences with climate challenges. Prepare examples of how you plan to integrate community voices into your work, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Sustainability
Since the focus is on environmentally conscious practices, come prepared to talk about your approach to sustainable production. Highlight any eco-friendly materials or methods you plan to use in your project.
✨Practice Your Pitch
Craft a concise and compelling pitch for your project that covers its concept, relevance, and artistic approach. Practising this will help you communicate your ideas clearly and confidently during the interview.
