Interactive Installation for Journeys Festival International 2026

Application Deadline: Sunday 22 March 2026, 11.59pm
Project Timeline: May–October 2026
Exhibited: 17–31 October 2026

Commission Opportunity

Art Reach is seeking an artist (or collaborative practice) to create an interactive installation at Leicester Cathedral for Journeys Festival International in October 2026, inviting work that encourages meaningful moments of connection for people of all ages and backgrounds.

We are looking for new installation ideas exploring the theme of:

Community – our shared cultural and historic heritage, and its increasing importance in an ever-fractured world.

Previous successful installations have included a swing for individuals or pairs—we welcome imaginative proposals, such as giant chairs, storytelling tents, or communal spaces that encourage people to come together.

Other things to consider:

Leicester Cathedral is a dynamic installation space with the capacity for elements of work to be suspended from the ceiling. A site visit is strongly advised before submitting your application.

There may be an opportunity for the commissioned work to tour to other cathedrals and civic buildings following the exhibition. Artists may wish to consider portability in their design. Production advice and support will be provided.

Support Available

Artist Fee: £6,500 (+VAT if registered*), covering artists time and materials.

The artist fee above does not include any installation costs; this will be discussed and arranged with our production team following the selection process.

You will also have access to support and guidance from Art Reach and Leicester Cathedral during development and installation.

*VAT-registered artists or organisations may submit a budget including VAT, which Art Reach can reclaim. Non-registered artists will receive the standard £6,500 fee.

Who Can Apply

We welcome applications from artists aged 18 and over from all backgrounds, and we especially encourage global majority and disabled artists to apply.

Collectives, duos, and collaborative practices are eligible to apply (please note the artist fee is fixed).

Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed by Art Reach's Creative Director and Head of Programme and Development, along with Leicester Cathedral's Head of Visitor Experience.

Selection considerations:

• Artistic quality and clarity of proposal
• Strength of response to the theme of Community
• Quality of the interactive concept and the potential to offer meaningful experiences
• Suitability for mixed age audiences
• Feasibility within the budget, space and timeframe
• Consideration of the Cathedral as a site-specific environment

Shortlisted artists:

• Will be contacted W/C 30 March 2026
• Will be invited for a panel interview, preferably in-person W/C 13 April 2026
• May be invited to attend an in-person site visit at Leicester Cathedral (Date TBC)

The selected artist will be notified W/C 20 April 2026.

How to Apply

Submit your proposal to hello@ArtReach.org.uk, including:

• Cover letter (max two pages) explaining your concept and proposal for the instillation, along with any sketches and mock-ups
• Budget (a breakdown of how you would use the £6,500 artist fee)
• Artist CV and examples of previous work

Please reference "JFI 2026 Installation" in the subject line of your email.

We welcome written, video or audio applications. If you have any access needs to complete your application, please contact Elaine Doherty from our programming team on hello@ArtReach.org.uk to discuss how we can best support you.

All Important Dates

Application Deadline: Sunday 22 March 2026, 11.59pm
Shortlisted Artists Notified: W/C 30 March 2026
Shortlisted Artist Interviews: W/C 13 April 2026
Selected Artist Notified: W/C 20 April 2026
Project Timeline: May – October 2026
Completion and Installation Date: W/C 12 October 2026
Installation Exhibited: 17 – 31 October 2026

Find out more on ArtReach's website.