UP ProjectS & John Hansard Gallery
Free to Apply
Closing: 1st December ’25
This open call seeks expressions of interest from socially engaged artists with public realm experience to create playful interventions across the North East Quadrant development at University of Southampton’s Highfield campus. Artists with a connection to or existing knowledge of Southampton are particularly encouraged to apply. The commissions respond to The Welcoming Campus Public Art Strategy themes: Knowledge Exchange (promoting dialogue between university, city, and communities), Wellbeing (enhancing physical and mental health), and Play (inviting intergenerational creative interaction).
Artists must demonstrate: public realm experience, work with multiple stakeholders, ability to produce work in various mediums and scales, experience inspiring playful engagement, sensitive community engagement in creative projects, commitment to diverse voices, and environmental responsibility. The commissions will connect communities, reflect diversity, respond to nature, and support environmental sustainability, serving as a unifying thread between campus green and blue spaces.
Applications require a single PDF (max 10MB) including: one-page cover note, artist biography with contact details, up to four case studies of relevant previous work (max 4 pages), confirmation of 2026 availability (1/2 page), and details of Southampton connection if applicable (1/2 page).