Open to visual arts organisations located in or programming across the East Midlands & West Midlands to foster cross-regional connectivity and sustained artistic development.

Deadline: Monday 5 January 2026, 11.59pm
Notification: Tuesday 27 January 2026, 5pm

About Ode to the Midlands

Ode to the Midlands (OttM) is an ambitious, cross-regional programme delivered over 18 months by Contemporary Visual Arts Network East Midlands (CVAN EM) and Contemporary Visual Arts Network West Midlands (CVAN WM) to enrich cultural life in the Midlands by investing in local talent and publics.

Rooted in equity, collaboration, and digital innovation, OttM enriches cultural life across the Midlands by investing in Global Majority, Disabled, d/Deaf, and Neurodivergent mid-career artists. The programme supports the creation of new digital artworks that explore and celebrate the Midlands’ diverse cultural and geographical identity.

By fostering relationships between artists, organisations, and audiences across the East and West Midlands, OttM builds lasting connections and strengthens the region’s capacity for inclusive and sustainable digital commissioning. Artworks will be presented online, in galleries, and in public spaces, expanding access and visibility for Midlands-based talent.

Ode to the Midlands is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.

Call for Organisations

CVAN EM and CVAN WM are inviting visual arts organisations based in, or programming across, the East and West Midlands to apply to become OttM Commissioning Partners.

Up to ten organisations will be selected to work with CVAN EM and CVAN WM to commission one mid-career artist each. Through a unique cross-regional pairing process, every organisation will collaborate with an artist from the neighbouring region—building creative exchange and amplifying Midlands voices.

This opportunity is open to organisations of all sizes and models, including artist-led initiatives, community arts organisations, galleries, festivals, and digital platforms. We particularly welcome applications from organisations committed to inclusion, accessibility, and equitable practice.

What Organisations Are Applying For

Selected organisations will join a network of partners helping to deliver OttM. Each will work with a Global Majority, Disabled, d/Deaf, or Neurodivergent mid-career artist from the neighbouring region to commission and present a new digital artwork.

An open call for artists will launch in early 2026, with partners collaborating with the OttM Advisory Group to select participating artists. Digital artworks may include moving image, interactive, sound, virtual, or web-based works, among other forms, and may be presented in galleries, public spaces, or online.

Support and Expectations

Each organisation will receive:

• £8,000 commissioning support towards artist fees, production, and presentation
• Access to shared artist access and travel budgets
• Mentoring, consultation, and skill development for artists
• An Organisational Development Day to strengthen digital commissioning confidence
• Documentation and editorial coverage via Corridor8
• 2.5 technician days and ongoing visibility through OttM’s communications

Partner organisations are asked to contribute £2,000 to the artist’s fee, production, and presentation costs, and to actively engage in the OttM professional development and evaluation programme. Partners should demonstrate a strong commitment to inclusion, collaboration, and sustainability throughout the commissioning process.

Who Can Apply

Applications are welcome from visual arts organisations working in or across the following counties:

• East Midlands: Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Rutland
• West Midlands: Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, West Midlands, Worcestershire

Organisations should have the capacity to host and support a digital commission between March 2026 and February 2027 and be able to demonstrate a clear commitment to equitable and accessible practice.

How to Apply

To apply, submit an expression of interest outlining your organisation’s vision, capacity, and alignment with OttM’s aims. Applications can be submitted in written (up to 800 words), audio (up to 6 minutes), or video (up to 6 minutes)format.

Please include:

• An overview of your organisation, mission, and audiences
• Why you wish to be involved in OttM
• Your approach to collaboration and inclusion
• Details of your facilities and relevant experience
  

If you require this information in an alternative format or wish to discuss access requirements before applying, please contact Colette via email.