Artist Call Out: Made in the Middle (2025-26)

We are making an open call to invite artists based in the East and West Midlands to apply for free to feature in our exhibition Made in the Middle, an exhibition which attracts audiences of around 30,000.

Work selected will highlight the wide range of innovative and excellent contemporary crafts being Made in the Midlands today. We are interested in work that experiments with materials, techniques, form and new technologies. Also work that reflects the world we live in; it may connect with issues e.g. climate justice or sustainability or reference personal experiences.

Made in the Middle plays an important role in raising the profile of individual artists and excellence in making. It also aims to develop visitors' appreciation of craft processes, expertise, skills and thinking. The exhibition creates accessible opportunities to see and purchase work by regional artists across a range of venues.

Artists chosen to be part of the exhibition will receive £100 free; a curator visit to discuss your work; invitations to attend development, advice, and networking sessions; the chance to invite curators and buyers to see your work; and being featured in both a printed catalogue and on the Craftspace website. Exhibiting artists can also choose if their work is for sale or not. There may also be the opportunity to sell smaller works as shop stock. Exhibitors will receive 50% commission on sales.

We want to support artists to make and show work which extends their interests and practice. We will accept applications to show existing works but encourage exhibitors to use the time and curatorial support during the exhibition development to create new work.

Visit our website for more information, and for a subtitled video with our Director explaining the callout, as well as a BSL video about the opportunity.