Depford X Online

Depford X has launched two new opportunities for artists to tackle 'vulnerability' in light of the current times.

'Artists on the Phone' will pair selected artists with a service user living in the Lewisham area in London, who has been identified, or identified themselves, as an isolated, lonely or vulnerable person. Through a series of telephone conversations, the artist will work with the service user to imaginatively explore a creative idea or develop a creative project. You can apply to this paid opportunity here.

'How to be together again' are six paid one-month residencies for disabled, queer, non-binary and BAME artists, writers and/or thinkers whose experiences of COVID-19 and lockdown draw lines between pre-pandemic structural violences and post-pandemic desires and fears. More information on this residency here.

SANE Creative Awards Scheme

The SANE Creative Awards Scheme was created to improve the quality of life for people with mental health problems, their families and carers. Awards range from £75 to £300 to cover the cost of materials, projects, training or relief cover for carers. The scheme is open to anyone with a mental health problem, or a carer. To find out more about this scheme go here.

Grain Open Call

As part of their Arts Council England funded online programme, Grain are calling for photographers, artists and writers based in England to create new work that responds to and documents the current historical situation. They are offering two artist commissions of £2000 each and eight micro bursaries of £250 and £500 each, ending on the 10th and 15th June respectively. Outcomes of work will be shared with audiences online. Read more about this opportunity here.

Festival Echoes Programme

Festival Stoke is calling for proposals from artists to respond to the theme 'Creating art in a different landscape'. The resulting artwork will be available to view by members of the public online and offline. You can read more about this opportunity here.

Essex Virtual Summer of Art

Essex Summer of Art, an event which has facilitated over 160 art trail and open studio exhibitions in Essex over the last 12 years, has launched a virtual gallery of work by local artists, including artists from ACAVA Hadleigh Old Fire Station, Ardleigh and Gatehouse Arts Studios. All works are for sale and may be bought from the artists directly. You can visit the gallery here.

Arts Council England Survey

Arts Council England are organising a survey to help assess the financial position the arts sector is currently in, and might be facing, over the next few months. You can complete the survey here.