Calling all artists & makers! Open Call – Dare to Dream Installation Finale 2027

Derbyshire Makes is a three-year cultural programme celebrating creativity, making and place across the county, working with artists, heritage sites and community partners.

Dare to Dream is a flagship participatory strand, inviting communities to share hopes for the future through collective making. We are commissioning an artist, maker or collective to create a visually impactful, interactive installation at Masson Mills (part of the Derwent Valley UNESCO World Heritage Site), bringing together community-made flags and banners created through workshops and Sewing Bees.

The installation will launch during the Derbyshire Makes Festival (April-May 2027) and remain on display for an agreed period.

What’s involved

• Research and development during 2026, including visits to Festival Hubs and Sewing Bees

• Working with community-made textiles and banners

• Designing an interactive installation allowing public participation

• Working sensitively within a heritage setting

• Collaboration with the Derbyshire Makes team and partners

• Contributing documentation to the Digital Loom archive

Potential spaces

• Ground-floor installation areas

• Museum and heritage machinery spaces

• Tea Room (talks / workshops)

• External fa ade or temporary outdoor banner

Who we’re looking for
Artists, makers or collectives working in installation, textiles or interdisciplinary practice, with experience of participatory projects and sustainable making. Heritage, outdoor or digital experience is desirable.

Fee & support

• Artist fee: £10,000 (inclusive of research, delivery, documentation, travel and expenses)

• Materials budget: Negotiated with the producer, with emphasis on sustainability and reuse

• Support includes:

  • Curatorial and production support

  • Creative engagement support

  • Technical and site guidance

  • Access to community networks

  • Documentation support