Open Call – Artist Opportunity

Open Call: Mural Commission

Bridgwater Arts Centre – 80th Anniversary Celebration

Bridgwater Arts Centre is proud to celebrate its 80th anniversary, marking eight decades of creativity, community, and cultural heritage. To commemorate this milestone, we are inviting artists to submit proposals for a bespoke mural to be installed on the front of the theatre balcony at the Arts Centre.

The Commission

We are seeking a talented artist (or collective) to design and create a striking mural that:

• Celebrates the rich history and heritage of Bridgwater Arts Centre
• Reflects its role as a creative centre for the local community
• Honours 80 years of arts, performance, participation, and storytelling
• Creates a bold, welcoming visual statement visible to audiences and the wider public
• Looks to the future—imagining the next chapter of creativity, community, and cultural life at the Arts Centre

The completed mural will become a lasting legacy artwork, unveiled as part of the Centre’s 80th anniversary celebrations

 

Location

• Site: Front of the theatre balcony, Bridgwater Arts Centre
• Size and Surface: Balcony is 1070cm in length, 77 cm in height with one panel at 92cm in height on left hand side.. Front of tech box  H = 200cm x W = 240cm approx. the front of balcony is painted wooden board
• The mural should be designed specifically for this architectural setting and its visibility within the building.

Who Can Apply

We welcome applications from:

• Professional artists
• Emerging artists with a strong portfolio
• Artist collectives or collaborations

Artists with connections to the Southwest or an interest in community, heritage, and storytelling through art are especially encouraged to apply.

Artistic Direction

While we encourage creative freedom, proposals should:

• Respond to the history and identity of Bridgwater Arts Centre
• Consider themes such as community, creativity, diversity, and legacy
• Be suitable for a public-facing indoor space
• Demonstrate durability and longevity

Budget

A total budget will be provided to cover:

• £1500 Artist fee plus materials (at cost, agreed in advance)

Timeline

• Deadline for submissions: 17.08.26
• Artist selected: 21.08.26
• Installation period: from 21.09.26 ideally 2 days
• Unveiling: As part of the 80th anniversary celebrations

 

 How to Apply

Please submit:

• A short artist statement
• A proposal concept (max 500 words)
• Proposed design
• Examples of previous work (portfolio or links)
• A brief outline of your approach to this commission

Send applications to: [email protected]

 About Bridgwater Arts Centre

For 80 years, Bridgwater Arts Centre has been a cornerstone of the region’s cultural life, supporting artists and welcoming communities through performance, exhibitions, and creative engagement.

We look forward to receiving your ideas and celebrating this milestone together through a powerful new artwork.