Artist commission

We are seeking applications from artists who work in a socially responsive way, who would be interested in exploring notions of women’s beauty across the diverse communities of Sneinton, Nottingham, over a 1-3 month project or residency.

Background

The Renewal Trust is a Regeneration Trust, offering a range of services to our two key areas of benefit, St Ann’s and Sneinton. Our creative programme is now in its 6th year, having worked with over 2,500 people in these neighbourhoods. Following a successful application to Arts Council England, our creative programme is now based in the Creative Quarter on Sneinton Market, an area at the heart of our two very different and diverse communities.

http://renewaltrust.co.uk/what-we-do/creative-projects/

Theme

From questions about how to make homemade, natural lotions and potions to the need for women to take time for themselves through receiving beauty and ‘pampering’ treatments as self-care, women’s beauty has emerged as our key theme. A conversation with our local Muslim Community Organisation suggests that this is a rich area, with the potential to explore depth and meaning across both Muslim faith and other non-faith-based heritage and practices.

What would we like to see happen

Given some of the cultural sensitivities involved in this particular project, we are seeking applications from female artists only.

The focus on quality and professionalism of engagement and the resulting artwork will help people feel differently about where they live, what is possible, and what art can be.

Who we are looking for

The successful artist/s will have experience of and confidence in working in different environments and being responsive to change. Ideally, the successful artist/s will have sensitivity towards working with people from different cultural backgrounds, in particular women from the Muslim faith – support and information provided by MCO.