Coventry City of Culture Trust has launched three call-outs for local people to lead and take part in different projects and events in 2021.
The call-outs are for Window Wanderland, a community project that sees neighbourhoods create artwork trails; International Changemakers Bursary, a digital international exchange in partnership with the British Council; and Abundance, a call-out for new and emerging artistic talent from those with South Asian backgrounds to develop their skills on an eight-week course and help to co-create the Carnival of Lights next year.
The Trust has issued a wide range of call outs this year in preparation for 2021 and the final three illustrate the core values of the UK City of Culture programme, community, accessible artwork, international collaboration and shining a light on the creative talent of Coventry.
- Window Wanderland - The Trust is looking for people to nominate and rally their communities to take part. People can organise and spread the word through community, faith and residents’ groups and share the news that their neighbourhood is taking part in Window Wonderland through leafleting or online.
The Trust will support participating communities and neighbourhoods across the city by providing planning kits and promotional materials. Selected areas will be featured on the Window Wanderland website so people can follow the trails in Coventry.
Applications close on 4 January 2021.
- International Changemakers - Coventry City of Culture Trust, in partnership with the British Council, is supporting the creation and development of up to 15 online projects that will link changemakers in Coventry with international counterparts from a range of different countries. Bursaries of up to £4,000 are available for new or existing projects that demonstrate how they can bring global communities together digitally for a shared international goal. Applications close on 4 January 2021.
- Abundance – The Trust is looking for 10 creative individuals of South Asian heritage based in Coventry and Warwickshire (CV postcode). Successful applicants will form part of a network of artists to co-create next year's Carnival of Lights with communities in Coventry. If you are selected for Abundance, you will get a seed commission of £1000 to develop your idea, alongside an eight to 10-week programme of workshops, mentoring and support. Applications close 10 January 2021.
Chenine Bhathena, Creative Director of Coventry City of Culture Trust, said: “Each of these call-outs presents a range of different opportunities for citizens living in Coventry. Whether you’re an artist working locally, or even if you’ve never thought of yourself as artistic and want a to try your hand at being creative, there are opportunities here for all.
“We know there is a groundswell of creative talent across our grassroots communities. We want to make ensure that as many people as possible can take advantage of the city’s big year of culture to really show off their talents and creativity.
“The past 12 months has not been the year many of us had hoped for. The pandemic has hit all of us as individuals, families and communities very hard, here at home, across the UK and globally. But, as we look towards 2021 and reflect on the year we are leaving behind, we should also be proud of the resilience of our people, and see our UK City of Culture year as a time to come back together, build hope and kick start our recovery.”
You can find out to apply for the call-outs on the City of Culture website https://coventry2021.co.uk/get-involved/