This year, we invite artists and creatives to apply for three small arts grants to present their work as part of the event.

Deadline to apply - Friday 26 April 2024

Summary 

• 3 x £750 (ex VAT)  
• Artists whose work explores performance, visual art, literature, film, music, and digital practices.
• Early Career Artists are encouraged to apply.
• Keen to hear from underrepresented groups living and working within Warwick District.
• Applicant must be based in, or actively working within, Warwick District
• The fee is to present works in progress and/or works ready to present to the public during the event. 
• We are interested in work that can respond to or reimagine 3 spaces in the Royal Pump Rooms, which will be used as part of the Ignite event. 

Download application form to apply

 
Context & Background 

Ignite is an annual event, that provides an opportunity to connect members of our creative community. It celebrates and showcases our rich and vibrant sector.

The event will take place at The Royal Pump Rooms in Leamington Spa from 6pm - 9:30pm on Thursday 11 July 2024. The tone of the event is light and celebratory.

This call out is for works in progress or works that are ready to present to an audience. We are particularly interested in work that either responds to the spaces in the Royal Pump Rooms or 'reimagines' them. This is not a commission to develop new work.  

The spaces in the Royal Pump Rooms that we would like to feature are:  

1. Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum's Main Gallery  

The Main Gallery will be exhibiting art works with a theme of ‘known, and unknown’.

This space can accommodate performance, digital practices, and music, but any proposals must consider the safety and protection of exhibits. 

We are particularly interested in work that responds to the history of the space (swimming pool, health, and wellness), the architecture, environment, or objects and paintings presented as part of the exhibition. 

The space is accessible to view Tuesday to Sunday, between 10am and 4pm. No prior booking is required. Full visitor information can be found on the website. 

Approximate size of open spaces:  

Width: 7.3 meters 

Depth: 5.7 meters 

Height: 3.3 meters 

2. The Hammam 

The Hamman is a beautiful space located just off the main gallery. 'Hammam' is Arabic for a 'Turkish bath' and this space was used as part of the spa treatments when the building was a functioning swimming pool.   

The Hammam lends itself to small and intimate performances, visual art, literature, film, music, and digital practices. Due to the historic nature of the space, we are unable to affix work to the walls or ceilings. 

We are particularly interested in work that responds to the history of the space (Turkish bath, wellness), the architecture, and/or environment.  

The space is accessible to view Tuesday to Sunday, between 10am and 4pm. No prior booking is required. Full visitor information can be found on the website. 

Approximate size of space: 

Width: 5.1 meters 

Length: 5.1 meters 

 Height: 2.7 meters 

3. Assembly Room  

The Assembly Room hosts weddings, concerts, and fairs. It is the largest space in the Royal Pump Rooms and will be used for networking during the Ignite event.  

Please note, performance with live sound may struggle as the main door to the street will be open. There will be tables in the space for guests to gather round so only a section of the space would be available to use.  

This space could be used for performance, visual arts, film, music, digital practices. Due to the historic nature of the space, we are unable to affix work to the walls or ceilings. 

A baby grand piano is also available in the room, which could be used for performances.  

The space is not open to members of the public, but can be arranged for view by contacting connor.elliman@warwickdc.gov.uk

Frequently Asked Questions 

I don't live or work in Warwick District. Can I still apply? 

No. This fund is only available to people who live or have an artistic / creative practice in Warwick District. 

Can I hang or suspend work from the ceilings and walls? 

No. As a Grade II listed building, we are unable to attach work to the fabric of the building. 2D work can be presented on easels and objects on plinths or the floor. Projections and screen-based work are welcomed. Temporary fixings on windowpanes are permitted, subject to approval from the Arts Team. 

When can I install / remove my work in the Pump Rooms? 

We can provide access to the spaces from 9.30am on the day of the Ignite event. Works in the Hammam and the Gallery must be taken down on the evening of the event, around 9.30pm. Works in the Assembly and Conservatory can be removed on the morning of the following day. 

What support is available? 

The Arts Section has a team of Technical and Facilities staff who can help with any install, subject to the size and scope of the work. Our Customer Services Assistants can also be on hand during performances and interventions to ensure the safety of audience members. Our Marketing team can promote you and your work as part of the wider Ignite promotional work.