Strike A Light: Artist Call Out

Strike A Light: The Art and Science of Occupational Therapy

Artist Call Out

We are looking for an artist based in Warwickshire, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire or Coventry to lead on the co-creation of a new artwork for our upcoming exhibition “Strike A Light – The Art and Science of Occupational Therapy” in the First-Floor gallery at Rugby Art Gallery and Museum. The exhibition will share the history of occupational therapy through engaging, thought-provoking displays and interactive elements.

We are looking for an artist who

• has experience working in the space of arts and health
• has experience working with community groups, specifically people living with dementia and their carers
• makes artworks which are participatory, interactive and/or sensory in nature.

About the commission

There is no specified output for this commission, only that it is co-created and responds to the theme of “occupation” which the exhibition is based on.

You will be supplied with a body of material collected from occupational therapists on what “occupation” means to them.

“Occupations” refer to the activities that we want, need or like to do in order to live our lives and bring our life meaning – you can read more here: What is occupational therapy | RCOT

As part of the commission, you’ll be working with “The Good Times”. This is an established group at Rugby Art Gallery and Museum for people living with dementia and their carers. During these sessions participants take part in crafting and reminiscence activities, meeting new people and developing new skills. You can read about the group here: The Good Times – Rugby Art Gallery & Museum – Rugby Borough Council

The group meets at the library on the following dates

• January 22^nd 2026
• February 19^th 2026
• March 19^th 2026

The museum also runs sessions in local care homes as part of The Good Times. We would like the selected artist to also engage those participants in some way.

You will have regular check-ins and support from the exhibition curator and an occupational therapist throughout the project, with virtual supervision sessions included as part of the commission, to support your own wellbeing.

Additional Information

The artwork needs to be robust enough to withstand the length of the exhibition and if necessary, be able to be securely fixed to a wall or plinth. We will share specific hanging requirements and exhibition space layout with the selected artist.

• The exhibition opens on Tuesday 14th April 2026
• You should deliver your work to the gallery on Monday 13th April 2026 at 1pm

The fee for this commission is £2000 and includes all materials and travel.

The selected artist is responsible for paying their own VAT and tax contributions.

You must have public liability insurance to apply.

How to apply:

Please send applications to Suzanne Rowlands at [email protected]

Your application should include:

1. A copy or link to your portfolio of previous works
2. A copy of your Public Liability Insurance
3. Your proposal outline, which should include:

• An introduction to your practice and why you are interested in this commission (300 words max)
• How you intend to approach this commission (500 words max) including:
  • How you plan to engage The Good Times group in the development of the artwork
  • What you envisage the final artwork will be

The closing date for applications is Monday 24^th November 2026

We will inform you of the outcome of your submission by Friday 19^th December 2026 via email.

The exhibition and this commission are funded through the generous support of the Elizabeth Casson Trust. You can find out more about the trust here: Home – Elizabeth Casson Trust