CVAN EM | Call for Artists

Rooted in equity, collaboration, and digital innovation, OttM commissions Global Majority, Disabled, Deaf, and/or Neurodivergent mid-career artists to create new digital artworks that explore and celebrate the Midlands’ rich cultural and geographical identity. The programme invests in artistic development, inclusive digital practice, and cross-regional exchange, strengthening connections between artists, organisations, and audiences.

As part of OttM, we are now inviting applications to the Open Call for Artists. Six artists will be commissioned to develop and deliver new digital artworks between April 2026 – March 2027, working in partnership with a commissioning organisation in the neighbouring region.

OttM brings together a network of commissioning organisations across the East and West Midlands, supporting meaningful collaboration and exchange. OttM Commissioning Organisations are:

• Film and Video Umbrella (East Midlands)
• NN Contemporary Art (East Midlands)
• The Hub (East Midlands)
• British Ceramics Biennial (West Midlands)
• Hereford Museum & Art Gallery (West Midlands)
• Meadow Arts (West Midlands)

OttM champions inclusive digital practice and sustainable artist development. Each commissioned artist will receive:

• £10,000 (artist fee, production, and presentation costs)
• Access support funding
• Travel and accommodation support
• Mentoring and professional development
• Technical support and documentation
• Editorial coverage via Corridor8

We welcome applications from artists with established digital practices and those new to digital work, and encourage proposals that allow space for experimentation and development.

Deadline for applications: Wednesday 25 March 2026, 10am

An Applicant Q&A will take place on Wednesday 18 February 2026, 2pm (online), with opportunities to book 1–2–1 conversations.

For queries, access support, or to book onto the Q&A, please contact
Colette Griffin at colette@cvaneastmidlands.co.uk.