Nature Calling New Artists Commission
We are looking to commission writers and artists to take part in a brand new £2M ground-breaking national project called Nature Calling. We are seeking an exceptional, diverse range of artists to explore and celebrate nature and our National Landscapes (formerly known as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty – AONBs), for a programme that culminates in a Season of art between May and October 2025.
The Forest of Bowland National Landscape will be playing a key role in this exciting project as 1 of 6 hubs, where a lot of the activity will take place. The aim of Nature Calling is to listen to our communities and ensure our landscapes are a place for everyone. It will engage new audiences across England and inspire the whole National Landscapes family, whilst bringing the special qualities of our National Landscapes to the fore.
Nature Calling is a nationally significant partnership project Funded by Arts Council England and Defra (Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs), as well as National Landscapes in England (34 in total). Partners include the National Landscape Association, Activate Performing Arts, Poetry School and the six regional National Landscapes that will act as ‘hubs’ (Chilterns, Dorset, Forest of Bowland, Lincolnshire Wolds, Mendip Hills and Surrey Hills).
Each of the 34 National Landscapes in England will work collaboratively with their local communities, with key activity taking place at the 6 National hubs.
Hub Locations
Find out more about the hubs and their work here:
- Chilterns National Landscape
- Dorset National Landscape
- Lincolnshire Wolds National Landscape
- Mendip Hills National Landscape
- Surrey Hills National Landscape
Here in the Forest of Bowland National Landscape we will be working with young people, exploring their response to the landscape in addition to tackling issues around isolation, low confidence and a lack of knowledge and support to pursue creative or environmental careers. We are working closely with Blaze Arts and our Advisory Group also includes young people's representatives, youth and community workers and other local arts organisations.
We want to work with inspirational artists who will meet, listen to and be influenced by young people; who in turn will be inspired by artists and other arts professionals to develop their own practice and career.
The Commission
We are now inviting applications for commissions, one per hub National Landscape.
Instructions on how to apply are in the commission brief below. Please also visit https://www.national-landscapes.org.uk/news/nature-calling-new-artists-commission
CLOSING DATE: 24th MAY