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Up to £5,000 is available to support outstanding contributions to Arts by the Sea, with supporting awards of up to £500 also available.

Applications are now open for artists, organisations and creatives to contribute to the 10th edition of Arts by the Sea, Bournemouth’s annual celebration of art, culture, people and place. Funding streams of £5,000 will be allocated for exceptional, outdoor commissions, and a selection of projects costing up to £500will also be supported at the anniversary event, taking place from Friday 25th to Sunday 27th September 2020. From art installations, performance – including music and film screenings – through to active and fitness-based events, sustainability-focused activities, crafts and making workshops, Arts by the Sea is particularly interested in receiving applications from those based in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, although anyone in the UK is eligible to apply. Those wishing to submit an idea must complete the online form by 30th March 2020 at http://bit.ly/ABTS2020_OpenCall.

For ten years, Arts by the Sea has been committed to increasing opportunities for people to participate in the arts, incorporating experiences that offer depth, insight and excitement. Over 100,000 descended on Bournemouth Town Centre for the 2019 event to witness and participate in a programme featuring over 100 performances, workshops and exhibitions.

The creation of funding opportunities for artists and creatives to have their ideas realised at Arts by the Sea is a key strand of the festival’s ethos. Festival Director and Cultural Development Management at BCP Council, Andrea Francis explains;

“We value emerging and established artists and the high-quality work that can make a strong impact on our audience and our town. We support artistic work that is relevant, connects with, and is meaningful to, our audience. Anybody residing in the UK is eligible to apply, but we will prioritise applications from those who are based locally in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. We also welcome applications from the surrounding region of Dorset. Arts by the Sea is committed to promoting equality and diversity across our programme and we actively encourage applications from artists of any ethnicity, gender and irrespective of any disability.”

For Band One funding, consisting of two £5,000 commissions, Arts by the Sea is calling for experienced artists, organisations and practitioners to deliver exceptional, ambitious projects suitable for presenting outdoors in locations including: The Gardens, Pier Approach, Horseshoe Common, the Beach / Beach Front, or in Bournemouth Town Centre. It is particularly interested in applicants that wish to develop outdoor light art, performance, installations, or mass participation events.

Band Two funding for up to £500 is also available, to run, or contribute to the running of, public-facing projects during Arts by the Sea. This band is suitable for early-career artists, workshop practitioners, sports and well-being-based activity leaders, craft and community interest groups. Projects eligible can be based in either outdoor or indoor spaces.

Detailed application guidelines are available from www.artsbythesea.co.uk. Those who are unsure what Band would be best suited to a project idea, or with any other arts commissions related enquiries, should contact Arts by the Sea direct, on arts.bournemouth@bcpcouncil.gov.uk.

This Open Call provides a fantastic opportunity for both established and emerging talents. The works of previous Artist Open Call winners were a festival highlight at Arts by the Sea this year, including the bespoke ‘BeachHUTS’ commission by 2019 winner, Andy McKeown, which used light, sound and projection to create a mesmerising display of footage captured from the local area. And the work of 2018 winner, Jack Wates was also staged this year. His piece titled ‘Colour Curve’ was a mind-bending, large-scale light installation where 120 coloured streetlights were lit along Bournemouth Beach (both pictured above).

Successful applicants for the 2020 funding will be announced on and after 15th April 2020.  Follow Arts by the Sea online for all the latest news and updates: www.facebook.com/artsbythesea and www.instagram.com/artsbythesea.