Up and coming local artists given chance to win commission and work with Herbert curators

06 February 2024

Up and coming local artists are being given the opportunity to work with curators at Coventry’s Herbert Art Gallery & Museum and have their work promoted by the venue.

The Herbert regularly supports local artists through its Micro-Commission Programme, which sees artists receive a fee of £700 and the opportunity to create a piece with the guidance of experts.

Artists at the beginning of their career or from under-represented backgrounds are specifically encouraged to apply. Artists who use any artistic format from paintings or poems to sculpture or performance art are invited to apply, but the finished work must be a photo essay or film so it can be featured online.

The only caveat is the theme for the work must be in response to counterculture - this means relating to a culture whose values and norms of behaviour differ from those of mainstream society.

The theme is inspired by the exhibition After the End of History: Contemporary Working Class Photography 1989 – 2024. This exhibition is curated by Johny Pitts with Hayward Gallery Touring and will be on show at the Herbert from 29 March to 16 June 2024.

The works will be selected by Kerrie Suteu Head of Digital at the Herbert, as well as Rosie Addenbrooke who is Head of Exhibitions and Events and leading local artist Hardish Virk.

Applications must be submitted by 26 February. The top three applications will  be selected. These artists will then be contacted to discuss the work in greater detail with the judging panel.

The winner will then be announced on March 1. As well the £700 commission, the winner will have their work promoted on the Herbert’s website and social media channels. They will also be invited to the After the End of History private view later that month.

Kerrie said: “We always look forward to commissioning talented local artists.

“It’s fantastic being able to give an opportunity to someone taking their first steps in the industry or maybe someone who has struggled gaining coverage for their work via the traditional routes.

“The quality of applications we receive is always high as there is such a rich pool of undiscovered artistic talent here in Coventry.”

Applicants must be over 18-years-old and must live in Coventry or Warwickshire in a CV post code.

Find out more information about how to apply here.