Open Call 2026
We are looking for three Collaborative Micro-commissions.
In 2026, Modern Art Oxford celebrates 60 years of internationally acclaimed exhibitions with a renewed focus on commissioning ambitious new work. As part of this new chapter, we are launching an open call for collaborative micro-commissions responding to the question:
How can collective practice/s help us to embrace uncertainty and complexity?
This opportunity invites collectives, duos, partnerships and collaborative groups based across the South East of England to propose new small-scale experimental works for a group exhibition at Modern Art Oxford. The exhibition will run alongside a major new solo exhibition by Mike Nelson, who will also be part of the selection panel.
Interested in joining the online briefing/Q&A session? Email creativelearning@modernartoxford.org.uk to receive the Google Meet link.
About the Open Call
Recent years have seen seismic shifts across the world – from escalating climate crises to increasingly divided political and economic landscapes. This open call asks how collective and cooperative ways of working might help us navigate these conditions, work across difference and build new forms of resilience.
We are interested in proposals that embrace experimentation, shared methodologies and collaborative thinking. This could take the form of multidisciplinary research, site-responsive work, grassroots organising, performance, visual art, sound, poetry or other creative practices.
Central to the opportunity is a commitment to supporting collective working. We recognise that collaborative practice can create space for risk-taking, exploratory making and new ways of thinking together.
Who Can Apply?
We are looking for groups of two or more people. This could include:
- Established artist collectives
- Newly formed collaborations
- Interdisciplinary partnerships
- Informal or community-led groups
- Family collaborations
Applicants must be based within the Arts Council England South East area, including:
- Oxfordshire
- Berkshire
- Buckinghamshire
- Hampshire & Isle of Wight
- Surrey
- Kent
- East Sussex
- West Sussex
What We’re Looking For
Selected proposals will form part of a shared group exhibition in our Ground Floor Gallery.
We welcome ambitious but achievable ideas that:
- Respond to the theme of collective practice and uncertainty
- Explore collaborative or cooperative approaches
- Experiment across disciplines or formats
- Can be realised within the available budget and timeline
- Are original to this open call, though they may build on existing research or projects
Three collectives will be selected.
What Selected Artists Receive
Each selected collective will receive:
- £1000 artist fee
- Up to £500 production budget
- Curatorial mentorship from the Modern Art Oxford team
- Four months of public exhibition display
- Professional installation photography
- Promotion across Modern Art Oxford’s website and social channels
- Technical and production support
- Peer networking and exchange opportunities
- Artwork transport support within the South East
- Inclusion in a public preview event
Key Dates
- Briefing & Q&A session: Monday 15 June, 6pm (online – email creativelearning@modernartoxford.org.uk to receive the Google Meet link.)
- Proposal deadline: Sunday 26 July, 11.59pm
- Selection confirmed: Friday 14 August
- Production period: August – November 2026
- Install period: 23 November – 4 December 2026
- Preview Party: 4 December 2026
- Exhibition dates: 5 December 2026 – April 2027
How to Apply
Applications should be submitted via the online form and include:
- A short biography (max 200 words)
- A proposal responding to the question:
How can collective practices help us to embrace uncertainty and complexity? (max 500 words) - Up to five examples of previous work (images, video or audio links)
This is a paid opportunity and there is no fee to apply.
Listen to the Audio Information Pack
To submit documents via the Google application form, you will need to have a Google account. If you do not have a Google account, please download the application as a Word doc and email this, along with any supporting documents, to creativelearning@modernartoxford.org.uk.