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ARTIST OPPORTUNITY: PROTO Digital Art Commission

CALLING ALL PROTO ARTISTS! This is your opportunity to get commissioned to create digital artwork for an exhibition in Stockport!

The Brief

FutureEverything is seeking proposals from PROTO participants for new digital artworks or works-in-progress pieces to be showcased at the PROTO Group Show and public exhibition at Stockroom in Stockport. Running for six weeks from the end of May 2025, the exhibition will be a vibrant reflection of the PROTO programme, showcasing the innovative knowledge, skills, and creative experiences that participants have developed throughout their journey and will celebrate the creativity and innovation of artists exploring digital arts practices. This is an incredible opportunity for artists in the PROTO network to present their work in a public exhibition that will engage a wide range of audiences.

The artworks may include both completed works and in-progress pieces, recognising the evolving nature of the creative process. If you’re already working on a project, your proposal could also align with an artwork you’re currently developing. All selected works must be designed for a public exhibition in a digital display and will not only serve as a showcase of the artists’ creative vision but also highlight the possibilities of digital art as a medium.

Artists are encouraged to think boldly, imaginatively, and consider the ways in which technology can be used to tell compelling narratives and challenge perceptions. There are no thematic restrictions, and applicants are free to use any digital tools. However, submissions should align with PROTO’s ethos of inclusivity and experimentation.

FutureEverything will commission eight PROTO artists in total, two artists based in or working in each region of Leigh, Stockport, Barnsley and Doncaster to be a part of this exciting showcase. As part of the commission, selected artists will benefit from up to eight hours of dedicated, one-to-one guidance from creative technologist and artist, Nicholas Delap.

Stockroom offers a variety of screens for artists to display their digital artworks or works-in-progress, however, there is also an option to put forward proposals for artworks that have a gameplay option.

The artwork should:

– Be accessible to all, and include subtitles if needed.
– Be screen-based and presentable upon a digital platform.
– Be delivered without any additional licensing or external copyright requirements.

Stockroom Screen Specs:

X1 86” Display screen (Landscape)
X1 75” Display screen (Landscape)
X2 55” Display screens (Portrait)
X3 50” Display screens (mixed portrait and landscape)
X3 43” Display screens (mixed portrait and landscape)

SUPPORT AND BENEFITS FOR SELECTED ARTISTS

We’re committed to empowering artists by providing resources, guidance, and opportunities to help bring their creative visions to life.

What we offer:
Expert Creative and Technical Support: Selected artists will receive eight hours of support from a creative technologist. This invaluable support will not only help you create your piece but also equip you with skills and insights that can be carried forward, creating a lasting foundation for future projects and career growth.

Commission Fee: Each artist will be awarded a £1,300 commission to develop and produce their artwork or work-in-progress piece.

Exhibition Opportunity: Artists will have the chance to showcase their work for four – six weeks at the Stockroom venue.

Public Engagement: Participants will have the opportunity to share their creative journey and deliver a presentation on their work at a public event at Stockroom.

Expectations:
– Artworks must be completed and ready for installation by 16/05/2025.
– Artists are encouraged to use tools and knowledge gained through PROTO activities, though other digital mediums are welcome.
– Artists are to make use of the screens at Stockroom however we are open to proposals for artworks with gameplay elements.
– Attendance at the Group Show event in May is required. A selection of artists will be invited to deliver presentations about their work during the event.

The Timeline

Application Deadline – 10 March 2025
Interviews (30 minute conversation) – 18 & 19 March 2025
Confirmation of Successful Applicants – Friday 21 March 2025
Dates with Creative Technologist – Beginning of April – Mid May
Public Group Show and Exhibition Launch – Late May

WHO CAN APPLY & HOW TO APPLY

This opportunity is available to PROTO participants and we will prioritise those based in or working in Barnsley, Doncaster, Leigh and Stockport. Only artists who have registered to attend PROTO events (by email) and have attended one or more PROTO activities or events, are eligible to apply. When applying you must confirm the email address that you registered to attend the PROTO event so we can verify your attendance.

Interested artists should submit the following:

Initial Response to the Brief: Describe your current artistic practice and explain your interest in participating in the PROTO Group Show and exhibition (no longer than 300 words).

Artwork Proposal: Outline your idea for the digital artwork or work-in-progress piece including its visual concept and the tools/programmes you intend to use to create it. You can also highlight the type of support you would hope to receive during the eight hour session with a creative technologist as well as the screen dimensions you would prefer to present your artwork on (one side of A4 max).

CV & Portfolio or Examples of Work: Share examples of your previous work, including any physical and digital artworks (preferably in PDF format or weblink – one A4 page max).

This opportunity is exclusively open to PROTO attendees and proof of PROTO event attendance will be requested. Applications must be submitted by 10/03/2025. Any late submissions may not be considered.

Please send expressions of interest to Hayley Kerridge, FutureEverything Producer at hayley@futureeverything.org with the subject line PROTO SUBMISSION.

ABOUT PROTO & THE GROUP SHOW

PROTO is FutureEverything’s innovative creative engagement programme designed to support creatives across the North in enhancing their digital arts skills and learning. Through a combination of in-person and online activities, the programme provides a platform for learning, collaboration, and artistic growth.

PROTO has delivered a diverse range of events and opportunities including:
Tech-Labs: Hands-on workshops introducing the latest digital tools and technologies, such as Motion Capture, 3D Modelling with Z-Brush, World building in Blender, and Augmented Reality.
Network Events: Engaging gatherings aimed to bring artists and creatives together, spark ideas, and discover new and exciting digital art practices.
Masterclasses: Online sessions led by international artists, creative practitioners, and arts professionals, offering guidance, insights into their careers, and how they engage with creative technologies in critical ways.

The PROTO programme will culminate in a Group Show, uniting all the PROTO artists to celebrate their achievements and the connections formed throughout the programme. This event will also launch a four/six-week public exhibition at the Stockroom venue in Stockport, showcasing the work of the PROTO artists.

If you have any questions or queries then please direct them to the PROTO Lead, Hayley Kerridge.

Taking place in May 2025, the Group Show and exhibition will highlight the exceptional talent and diverse perspectives of the PROTO participants. It offers a unique opportunity for artists to share their work with the public and engage with a broad audience.

PROTO is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England and is part-funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.