FACT gallery launches callout for new online commissioning scheme for artists in lockdown

The scheme is open to all early-career artists in the North of England, who are invited to submit work created under lockdown for the chance of one of ten grants of £1,500 each, plus three months of support from the organisation to develop an idea that will be presented online.

"The uncertainty caused by Coronavirus (COVID-19) is growing, and FACT recognises that there is a need for support by artists, freelancers and gig-workers, who are at the heart of our creative community," says the gallery.

"FACT Together has been set up in response to this uncertainty, offering both financial and career support over three months. In addition to the grant, the ten selected artists will form a network, receiving individual and online group mentorship." This mentorship includes access to technical expertise, advice on professional development, production support and promotion of their work.

Artists have until midnight on Sunday 26 April 2020 to submit their proposals, and all details of how to do so can be found here. For more information on accessibility or specific working requirements you can contact [email protected]

Each new digital work created will become part of The Living Planet, FACT's 12-month online programme that explores our relationship with the natural world. The programme, which will consist of newly commissioned artworks, live-streamed events, podcasts, interviews and other activities, has been created specifically for people to interact with the artworks remotely. As such, artists are asked to respond to the themes of the programme, which "examines our relationship with the natural world, exploring ways in which wildlife, plantlife and ecological systems have responded to the impact of human actions," as the gallery puts it.

All forms of online work are welcome. FACT says it encourages a diversity of media including audio, video, text, games, app design, virtual or augmented reality, performance, socially-engaged practice, web or desktop interventions, animation, social media takeovers and workshops. "We are particularly keen to receive proposals from artists who are looking to develop their practice, so you do not need to have previously created digital or online work," says the gallery.

Proposals will be assessed by FACT's Programme Team and selected on their response to this brief, how well they articulate The Living Planet theme and their feasibility within the budget and timeline. The final project should be ready to go online in July and August 2020.