Artists for Creative Socials

Taking place weekly during university term time, Creative Socials give participants the chance to get hands-on with creativity, meet new people and unwind. Sessions are student-focused but open to anyone aged 18+. They are drop-in, welcoming and accessible, with activities that can be completed in 10 minutes or explored for the full session. No previous creative experience is required.

Who we're looking for

We welcome artists and creative practitioners working across disciplines including:

• Visual arts, drawing and painting
• Printmaking and illustration
• Sculpture, making and textiles
• Craft and design
• Photography and moving image
• Writing, poetry and spoken word
• Socially engaged and community-based practice

What we're looking for

Creative Socials might respond to an exhibition, explore an idea from a performance or take inspiration from our wider programme.

Workshops should:

• Give participants opportunities to experiment and make
• Welcome different levels of creative experience
• Encourage conversation, curiosity and social connection
• Have a clear but flexible connection to our programme
• Be adaptable for drop-in participation
• Use accessible approaches and materials where possible
• Be suitable for participants aged 18+
• Create a relaxed environment without pressure to produce a particular outcome

We are open to unexpected connections and creative responses rather than work that directly illustrates an exhibition or performance.

Who can apply?

We welcome artists at all career stages, including emerging and early-career practitioners. We particularly encourage applications from artists who are:

• Based in the Midlands
• From groups currently underrepresented in the arts
• Interested in working with student and adult audiences
• Self-employed with a UTR number and have Public Liability Insurance

Note: You do not need to meet every point above to apply.

What you'll receive

Selected artists will receive:

• A fee of £275 for planning and delivering a Creative Social.
• Materials budget of £50 per workshop and access to our materials store
• An opportunity to introduce your practice to new audiences.
• The opportunity to build a relationship with Warwick Arts Centre and contribute to our artist network.

How to apply

Please send us:

1. About you

A short introduction to your creative practice and the work you make. This can be written, or submitted as a short video/audio introduction if more accessible. We are interested in your creative practice, your ideas and your ability and interest in creating an inclusive environment for our audiences to learn and create.

2. Examples of your work
Please provide a link to your website, online portfolio or up to 3 examples of your work.

Please email applications to creativelearning@warwick.ac.uk with the subject line Creative Socials Artist Call-Out. Applications should be no more than 300 words.

Closing date for applications

Midday on Thursday 15 October

Next steps

We will be in touch with shortlisted artists by Wednesday 21 October 2026. Shortlisted artists will then be invited to a 15-minute Teams call with the Creative Learning team.

Access

We want the application process to be accessible. If you have access requirements or would like to discuss the opportunity before applying, please contact asha.eade-green@warwick.ac.uk.

About Warwick Arts Centre

Warwick Arts Centre is one of the largest multi-artform arts centres outside London, at the heart of the University of Warwick campus. Our programme spans visual arts, theatre, dance, music, comedy, film and participatory activity, bringing artists and audiences together through ambitious and welcoming cultural experiences.

Creative Socials are part of our commitment to helping people engage creatively with our programme while supporting a broad and diverse community of artists and practitioners.

We are committed to developing a more diverse and representative pool of artists and practitioners and will consider the range of voices, practices, experiences and perspectives represented across the programme.