Notification: Friday 24 April 2026, 5pm
Applicant Q&A: Wednesday 18 February 2026, 2pm (online)
To book a place or request a 1–2–1 conversation, contact
Colette Griffin at colette@cvaneastmidlands.co.uk
About the Programme
Ode to the Midlands (OttM) is an 18-month, cross-regional programme delivered by CVAN East Midlands and CVAN West Midlands. It supports Global Majority, Disabled, d/Deaf, and Neurodivergent mid-career artists to create new digital artworks exploring the cultural and geographical identity of the Midlands.
The programme builds connections between artists, organisations, and audiences across the East and West Midlands, with work presented online, in galleries, and in public spaces. OttM is supported by public funding from the National Lottery through Arts Council England.
The Opportunity
OttM will commission six mid-career artists to develop a new digital artwork between April 2026 – March 2027.
Selected artists will:
- Be paired with a commissioning organisation in the neighbouring region
- Develop a new digital work (digital experience not required)
- Take part in mentoring, peer exchange, and professional development
- Present work online, in a gallery, or in public space
Digital work can include moving image, sound, interactive or web-based work, creative coding, AI, AR/VR, projection, or hybrid formats.
Support
Each commissioned artist receives:
- £10,000 (artist fee, production, and presentation – inclusive of VAT)
- Access funding (from a shared programme budget)
- Travel and accommodation support
- Mentoring and peer learning
- 2.5 technician days
- Documentation and editorial coverage via Corridor8
- Promotion through OttM communications
Who Can Apply
You must:
- Identify as Global Majority, Disabled, d/Deaf, and/or Neurodivergent
- Be living or professionally based in the East or West Midlands
- Be mid-career, aged 18+, and not currently studying at BA or MA level
- Be able to deliver a commission between April 2026 – March 2027
Artist collectives and artists new to digital practice are welcome.
How to Apply
Apply in:
- Written form (up to 800 words), or
- Audio or video (up to 6 minutes)
Include:
- An overview of your practice
- Why you want to take part in OttM
- How this supports your development
- Your approach to collaboration, inclusion, and access
- Examples of your work
Send applications to colette@cvaneastmidlands.co.uk by
Wednesday 25 March 2026, 10am.
Access
If you need this information in another format or want to discuss access needs before applying, please contact Colette Griffin at colette@cvaneastmidlands.co.uk.