Nature Calling
25 March 2024
New Writing and Artistic Commissions
We are looking to commission writers and artists to take part in a brand new £2 million 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), for a programme that culminates in a Season of Art between May and October 2025.
We are working in partnership with the Mendip Hills National Landscape and will be playing a key role in this exciting project as one of six hubs, focused on Weston-super-Mare, 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 Landscapes Association, Activate Performing Arts, Poetry School, the six regional National Landscapes that will act as ‘hubs’ (Chilterns, Dorset, Forest of Bowland, Lincolnshire Wolds, Mendip Hills and Surrey Hills) and two National Parks (New Forest and Yorkshire Dales).
Each of the 34 National Landscapes in England will work collaboratively with their local communities, with key activity taking place at the six National hubs.
How to Apply
Applications are now open for commissions, one per hub National Landscape! The closing date for applications is midnight on Friday 24th May 2024
View the Commission Brief for more information and instructions on how to apply [PDF Download 1.8MB]
Further information on the six hub locations can be found in the appendices, or view the Mendip Hills and Weston hub appendix here [PDF Download 0.5MB]
There’s also a Frequently Asked Questions document that can be viewed here [PDF Download 0.5MB]
This information can also be found on the National Landscapes Association website.
Cheddar Gorge
Hub Locations
Find out more about the other five hubs and their work:
- Chilterns National Landscape
- Dorset National Landscape
- Forest of Bowland National Landscape
- Lincolnshire Wolds National Landscape
- Surrey Hills National Landscape
Useful links to find out more about the Mendip Hills National Landscape:
- Special Qualities
- Nature Recovery Plan and Champion Species
- Mendip ‘super’ National Nature Reserve
- The Mendip Way
To register your interest for the Mendip Hills & Weston hub information day for prospective applicants in early May (date TBC), please email mendip@mendiphillsaonb.org.uk
