Open Call: Exhibition Commission

Applications

Modern Painters, New Decorators are pleased to invite proposals from artists, based in the UK, from Africa or the African Diaspora for an exhibition commission.

This is an opportunity for an artist to realise a project with the support of Modern Painters, New Decorators as part of our new exhibition programme focusing on folk cultures and ecology. The project will be the very first exhibition presented in our new gallery space and arts venue in Loughborough, East Midlands, opening in September 2025. We want to invest our time, energy and resources into an ambitious proposal which supports an artist’s practice by developing new work or realising ideas which would not otherwise be possible.

The theme for this project is folk cultures and ecology. This project will feature alongside a 12-month programme that will broaden our work around placemaking, reframed through ecology, story-telling and connection. Our theme is open and cross-cultural, expansively exploring folk cultures. It is specific to our locality by Charnwood Forest and the River Soar, sites of mythic, prehistoric, industrial and future importance. All submissions to the open call should expand on this theme.

Public outcomes will take place from 5th September to 1st November 2025 and will open alongside our new arts venue, which will house an exhibition space, project space, studios, shop and micro-bakery. The project is funded by Studio Atta Kwami and Arts Council England.

About Us

Modern Painters, New Decorators is an artist-led organisation running a gallery, shop and studios in Loughborough, East Midlands, UK. We believe that artists can positively impact where we live and why we live there. We make visual art projects, community workshops and creative networks. The project was started in 2017 by artists and makers with a connection to the town. In September 2025, we will open the doors to a new public arts venue on Aumberry Gap in Loughborough, near Pinfold Gate. An exciting opportunity has come up for Modern Painters, New Decorators to relocate and expand. The new arts venue will include a public gallery and project space, artist studios and micro-bakery.

What’s On Offer

The successful proposal will receive:

£1,500 artists fee
Up to £1,000 for production and other costs related to making the project including materials, fabrication, travel, accommodation and transport.
Curatorial and installation support from the Modern Painters, New Decorators team.
Marketing, documentation and additional wrap-around administration.
An interview published with Young Artists in Conversation*.

Proposals for solo or group projects are welcome, but if you work as part of a duo or group the fee must be shared. Existing work may be exhibited, but we expect the majority of the application to form a new commission.

We are keen to support artists to apply and welcome conversations with artists around access needs. If you would like to discuss any access needs in advance of applying please email us to arrange a chat.

*The term ’young’ isn’t about age but refers to the early stages of a creative career, where many artists and practitioners face a unique set of challenges. The conversations hosted on YAC are aimed at opening up the perspectives of a wide range of artists, curators and creatives and offering a resource for others looking for guidance in the sector. If you are not an emerging artist, other publishing platforms will be considered.

Timeline

9am, Thursday 27th March 2025 – Application Deadline

Thursday 3rd April 2025 – Shortlisted artists invited to discuss their ideas online with our panel. Conversations will last 30-45min each. Shortlisted artists can claim a fee of £40 for their involvement in the interview process.

Friday 4th April 2025 – Artist selected and informed.

Tuesday 5th August 2025 – Installation to commence. Artworks to arrive on site ahead of this date.

5th September to 1st November 2025 – Project outcome at Modern Painters, New Decorators.