Frequently asked questions

Who is involved?

The initiative has been set up by Artangel in association with BBC Radio 4.

Has this been done before?

Yes, twice, in 1999 and 2006.

Why another Open now? Does it differ in any way to previous years?

Artangel is predominantly known for seeking out artists to commission. Open is the exact opposite in that it encourages artists to instead come to us with their boldest and most ambitious site-specific ideas. Since our last Open in 2006, we've worked with some exceptional artists from a wide range of disciplines. But we're also very aware that there are artists we don't know about with brilliant projects who may need support to realise them. This is what Open is for; and it feels like the right time for Artangel to be open again. And does it differ? Yes in that this year we'd like to actively encourage proposals that could take place in the digital space. We're also keen to see applications from all over the UK as this is a truly nationwide initiative.

What are the conditions for entry?

You must have been living and working in the UK for a minimum of three years prior to January 2013. You should not be in higher or further education below PhD level at the first application closing date of Monday 29 April 2013. Other than this, we're keen to hear from artists (and producers) working in, but not limited to, visual and digital arts, film, choreography, music, writing, theatre and applied art.

Do I have to pay to enter?

No. All we ask is that you closely follow the submission guidelines (click here to download as a PDF) and make sure, if you'd like to be considered sooner rather than later, that your entry is with us by Monday 29 April 2013. 

What do I have to submit?

The full list is in the submission guidelines [PDF] but includes a CV or biography, a 50 word proposal synopsis and a more detailed outline in 1000 words. You're welcome, but are not required, to submit no more than five images and video and audio files that shouldn't run for more than a combined total of five minutes. At this stage, we don't need to know what you think your project would cost. Artangel and the commissioned artists will work out productions budgets together.

Can I apply with other people?

Yes. We welcome proposals from individual artists, collaborative groups of artists, or producers or curators working with artists on a specific proposal. We recommend that any proposal is submitted in the name of an artist or a collaborative group of artists.

Can I apply with an artist who is based outside the UK? 

If you are based in the UK and wish to make a proposal, but your work involves liaison with or some form of collaboration with others outside of the UK, this would not prevent you from making a submission.

What kind of ideas are you looking for? Do they have to be complete?

No, ideas don't have to be complete; but they should be developed enough for us to see how the finished project could look and what production requirements may be needed.

Where can the work take place?

We're looking for site-specific proposals that could take place anywhere in the UK from the tip of Scotland to the belly of England over to Wales and Northern Ireland.

Can I include site-specific research that takes place outside the UK as part of my proposal? 

Yes but you'll need to explain why it's important to your project development. 

Who decides which projects are taken forward?

There is a selection panel comprised of James Lingwood and Michael Morris, Artangel's Co-Directors; Tony Phillips, Arts Commissioning Editor at BBC Radio 4; Clio Barnard; and Roger Hiorns.

How is Open funded?

Open is funded by BBC Radio 4, Arts Council England and the private patronage of Artangel International Circle, Special Angels and the Company of Angels. Open Mentors is supported by Diversity Art Forum. 

How much money will be awarded? Will the money be awarded equally or different amounts to different commissions?

The amount of money awarded will depend on the scale of the proposed project. So no, money won't be awarded equally. Each commissioned artist or collaborative group of artists, however, will receive the same fee of £15,000.

Is it a competition?

We'd rather think of it as an open call for interesting ideas and proposals as opposed to a competition. All Artangel projects are always collegiate and collaborative in nature due to the very fact that so many people – from production to communications to front of house – are involved in making a project a success. Open is no different. It's just a slightly altered process of finding the artists to work with.

Is there a deadline?

Yes. The deadline is 6pm on Monday 29 April 2013.

What kinds of art form are eligible?

We're interested in any proposals from artists of all disciplines.

How is BBC Radio 4 involved? Does my idea need to have something to do with radio?

BBC Radio 4 is our partner in Open in several ways. They are one of our funders, along with Arts Council England. They are also our creative collaborators on Open Air, our series of short audio pieces to broadcast one a day at the end of March and will be involved in selecting the proposals for commission. The partnership represents a new alliance between the two organisations. Both of us place creative ambition and daring at the heart of what we do. And does your idea need to be for radio? It can be, but it doesn't have to be.

Who are Artangel?

Artangel commissions and produces exceptional projects by outstanding contemporary artists. In 2011 it celebrated 20 years of James Lingwood and Michael Morris as Co-Directors. Over the past two decades, Artangel projects have materialised in a range of different sites and situations and in countless forms of media, from film and video to sculpture and sound installations. Artangel has generated some of the most talked-about, contentious and acclaimed art of recent times, including work by Francis Alÿs, Clio Barnard, Matthew Barney, Jeremy Deller, Brian Eno, Douglas Gordon, Roger Hiorns, Michael Landy, Susan Philipsz, Gregor Schneider, Rachel Whiteread and Robert Wilson. Artangel is generously supported by Arts Council England and the private patronage of Artangel International Circle, Special Angels and the Company of Angels.

Is there a Twitter hashtag?

Yes, it's #open2013. You can follow Artangel on @Artangel.

I'm having problems submitting my proposal or have a question you haven't answered here.

You can contact Artangel about Open by sending an email to open@artangel.org.uk. We'll get back to you as soon as we can.