At a Glance
- Tasks: Create a 7-minute live performance inspired by artworks from Falmouth Art Gallery.
- Company: Falmouth Art Gallery and Small Acts, promoting innovative live art.
- Benefits: Receive a £175 bursary for expenses and gain valuable performance experience.
- Other info: Participate in workshops and enjoy mentorship from experienced artists.
- Why this job: Showcase your creativity and connect with diverse art forms in a vibrant setting.
- Qualifications: Open to artists at all career stages with a passion for live performance.
Supported by Falmouth Art Gallery, Small Acts and Creative Kernow Associates are thrilled to be partnering to offer an opportunity for artists who embody liveness and performance in their practice, or who would like to expand the possibilities of performance in their work.
In October 2026, Small Acts are taking over Falmouth Art Gallery! 7 Small Acts will be an exhibition and performance salon – an evening of small acts that each take as their starting point an artwork from Falmouth Art Gallery’s extraordinary collection. Largely held in storage, the collections include a diverse range of artforms, periods and themes including significant holdings of surrealist works, automata and work by women artists in Cornwall.
Curated and hosted by Small Acts (artists Katie Etheridge and Simon Persighetti), 7 Small Acts will invite a diverse selection of live artforms into Falmouth Art Gallery. These could include, but are not limited to, spoken word, drag, live music, dance and performance lectures. Guided by the question, ‘What is a small act?’ participating artists will choose an artwork from the gallery’s collection to respond to, creating an original 7‑minute live performance that will be performed alongside an exhibition of the selected artworks at the 7 Small Acts evening salon on 2nd October 2026.
The creative making process will be supported through 2 half day workshops/performance labs facilitated by Small Acts including individual mentoring, plus a technical run/rehearsal on the day of the performance.
Who Can Apply?
- Artists at all stages of their careers, and working in any medium, are welcome to apply.
- Applicants must be reasonably comfortable getting up in front of people, and have a keen and committed interest in performing or presenting to a live audience.
- You must be available and able to commit to the key project dates.
- Artists who have not previously exhibited or performed at Falmouth Art Gallery are encouraged to apply, although this is not a criteria for selection.
- Artist duos can apply but please note, the total bursary available will be the same as for a solo artist (£175).
- You do not need to be a member of CKA to apply, but if selected you must become a member for the duration of the process. Membership starts at £5/month.
Bursary
A bursary of £175 will be paid to each participating artist (or duo) to cover all expenses including travel, materials and any other costs.
Key Dates
- Deadline for applications: Monday 25th May, 6pm
- We will inform all applicants of the outcome of the panel’s decision within 2 weeks of the deadline.
- Friday 17th July, 9.30am to 12.30pm – Workshop with Small Acts and store tour, Falmouth Art Gallery
- Thursday 10th September, 1pm to 5pm – Sharing of performances in progress. Lab with Small Acts.
- Friday 2nd October – 7 Small Acts at Falmouth Art Gallery (7-9.30pm TBC), plus technical runs/rehearsals during the day.
Small Acts Artist Takeover at Falmouth Art Gallery in Redruth employer: Visual Arts South West
Falmouth Art Gallery, in collaboration with Small Acts and Creative Kernow Associates, offers a vibrant and supportive environment for artists to explore and expand their performance practices. With a focus on creativity and community engagement, the gallery provides unique opportunities for professional growth through workshops, mentorship, and a platform to showcase original works in an inspiring setting. This initiative not only celebrates diverse art forms but also fosters connections among artists at all stages of their careers, making it an exceptional place for meaningful artistic development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Small Acts Artist Takeover at Falmouth Art Gallery in Redruth
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the gallery and its collection! Spend some time exploring Falmouth Art Gallery's artworks, especially those in storage. This will help you choose an artwork that resonates with you for your performance.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Rehearse your 7-minute act multiple times before the performance. This will not only boost your confidence but also help you refine your delivery and timing.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with other artists! Connect with fellow participants during workshops and share ideas. Collaboration can spark creativity and lead to exciting new directions for your act.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application online for a smoother process. Plus, it’s a great way to stay updated on all things Small Acts and Falmouth Art Gallery.
We think you need these skills to ace Small Acts Artist Takeover at Falmouth Art Gallery in Redruth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see who you are as an artist, so don’t be afraid to express your unique style and voice.
Connect with the Artwork:Make sure to choose an artwork from the gallery that resonates with you. Explain how it inspires your performance idea in your application – we love seeing that connection!
Keep it Concise:We appreciate clarity and brevity. Stick to the word limits and get straight to the point. Highlight your key ideas and experiences without waffling on too much.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of everything and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Visual Arts South West
✨Know Your Art
Familiarise yourself with the artworks in Falmouth Art Gallery’s collection. Understanding the pieces will help you articulate how your performance connects to them, which is crucial for this role.
✨Practice Your Pitch
Prepare a concise 7-minute presentation of your proposed act. This is your chance to showcase your creativity and how it embodies the theme of 'small acts'. Practising will help you feel more confident during the interview.
✨Engage with the Audience
Since this role involves live performance, think about how you can engage with an audience. Be ready to discuss your ideas on audience interaction and how you plan to create a memorable experience.
✨Show Your Passion
Let your enthusiasm for live art and performance shine through. Share your journey as an artist and why this opportunity excites you. Passion can be contagious and may leave a lasting impression on the interviewers.
