News, Updates and Opportunities from CVAN EM

Parto Sem Dor / Notes on Portuguese-ness explores the construction of national identity through family histories, personal memory and Portugal’s political and colonial past. Combining family photographs, archival material, portraits, landscapes and digital manipulations, Rita examines how national ideals are inherited across generations, shaping our relationships, cultural identities and sense of belonging.

Through a collaborative strand developed with migrants living in the East Midlands whose histories are connected to Portugal through colonialism, trade and other historical encounters, Pena explores alternative ways of understanding Portuguese-ness.

Based in Nottingham, Rita Pena is a Portuguese photographer and visual artist whose lens-based practice explores the relationships between place, identity, memory and socio-political narratives. Her work often involves collaborative research and community participation, bringing overlooked histories and perspectives into focus.

Working with light, sound, responsive technologies and textiles, Andy is exploring ideas around lace, absence, breath and the textile heritage of the Midlands. Through hands-on experimentation in his studio, he is testing materials and technologies, learning from what doesn’t work and discovering new possibilities for an immersive installation.

Reflecting on the process, Andy considers the importance of uncertainty in artistic practice, describing how the commission has given him permission to experiment, take risks and allow the work to emerge through making.

Ode to the Midlands is a major cross-regional programme led by CVAN EM and CVAN WM, investing in six ambitious new digital contemporary art commissions in partnership with cultural organisations across the Midlands. Funded by Arts Council England through the National Lottery, the programme explores the cultural, historic and geographical identities of the region.

Jobs & Opportunities

No Jobs in the Arts: Advisory Board Members (voluntary)
Deadline Monday 2 November 

Nottingham Contemporary: Play & Learn Facilitator
Deadline Monday 2 November 

BACKLIT: Building & Operations Manager
Deadline Wednesday 11 November 
The Building & Operations Manager oversees the day-to-day operation of BACKLIT’s new ground-floor public facility and is responsible for the safe, efficient and well-maintained operation of Alfred House.

MPND: Winter Fair Stall Holder
Deadline Saturday 14 November 

FORMAT27 Photobook Market Callout
Deadline Sunday 15 November 

British Ceramics Biennial: Call for Filmmakers – Mentee Artist Films 2026/27
Deadline Wednesday 18 November 
We are looking for a filmmaker to produce seven short films, one for each selected mentee. Each film will introduce the mentees to our audiences and highlight their individual practices. We would like each film to incorporate interviews and various shots of the artists in their studios.

Eastside Projects: Radical Sabbatical 2027 Residencies
Deadline Friday 20 November 

Transform National: Call for Visual Arts Host Organisations
Deadline Monday 23 November 
Transform National is inviting four visual arts organisations across England to become host organisations for paid Associate Executive Director (AED) placements. The programme aims to create meaningful opportunities for Global Ethnic Majority and Disabled, Deaf and Neurodivergent emerging leaders to develop their experience and progress towards executive leadership, while supporting organisational learning and change. Led by New Art Exchange (NAE) in partnership with CVAN England and Disability Arts in Shropshire (DASH).

Rugby Art Gallery & Museum: Open Show 2026
Deadline Monday 23 November 

Creative Black Country: THIS IS TIPTON: OWEN STREET Artist Residency
Deadline Wednesday 25 November 
– Location: Tipton, Sandwell
– Artist fee: £15K inclusive VAT
– Delivery period: January 2027 to December 2027
– Open to: Artists, creatives and collectives working in any art form. A deep understanding of community based and place-based creative practice required.

Freelands Foundation: Two Together: Porthmeor Studios Residencies 2027
Deadline Monday 30 November 
The 2027 Two Together: Porthmeor Studios Residencies offer the opportunity for three pairs of visual artists to undertake a shared residency at the historic Porthmeor Studios in St Ives, Cornwall, to enable exchange and learning. Artists from Devon or Cornwall are invited to apply with another UK-based artist. Residents will receive:
– Use of Studio 5 at Porthmeor Studios (shared with your collaborator).
– Accommodation in St. Ives, Cornwall (shared with your collaborator).
– Travel expenses covered to and from St. Ives, Cornwall.
– £2,000 stipend per artist to participate and cover living costs during the residency.

Flanders Art Institute: Call for 2027 curatorial research fellowship
Deadline Monday 30 November 

New Art Exchange: Reside 2027/28 Open Call
Deadline Wednesday 9 December
Successful applicants will receive:
– Free access to NAE’s Studio Space for up to 8 weeks
– A bursary of £4,000
– Mentoring and professional development support from the NAE team
– Opportunities to raise the profile of their work through NAE’s networks and platforms
– Time and space to research, experiment and develop new ideas

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New Art Exchange: Saturday Art Club Facilitators
Deadline rolling

Common Ground – Community Land Art Project
Dealdine rolling

Lincoln Arts Centre: Open to Ideas (Queer Stories)
Deadline rolling

Babe Station: Send us your work!
Ongoing online platforming opportunity for artist mothers

No Jobs in the Arts: Open Call for Submissions: Reflective Creative Journal (RCJ)
Deadline rolling

ARTCRY Funding
Deadline rolling

Creative Debuts: Black Artist Grants
Deadline rolling

White Pube Creatives Grant
Ongoing opportunity for working class creatives