Midsummer Festival Commission Opportunities

Taking place on Sunday 21st June, 10am – 8pm, the third edition of the Midsummer Festival features a free, fun-packed family-friendly programme inspired by the summer solstice. Located on Midsummer Boulevard, which was built to famously align with the rising and setting sun, the festival transforms both the road and surrounding public realm into joyful, colour filled stage, hosting performances, creative workshops, concerts, art installations, a fantastic street food offer and more. To date, the 2024 and 2025 editions of the festival have attracted over 14,000 visitors and 2026 promises to be even bigger and better. www.midsummer-festival.co.uk Milton Keynes City Council invites proposals from artists, collectives, or creative practitioners for a newly commissioned artwork or participatory project to be presented as Milton Keynes Midsummer Festival in June 2026. We are seeking ambitious, engaging, and high-quality proposals that: Respond to the spirit of midsummer (light, renewal, connection, nature, celebration) Engage diverse communities across Milton Keynes Are suitable for presentation in an outdoor public setting Are accessible and inclusive Encourage participation, interaction, or shared experience The commission may take the form of (but is not limited to): Temporary public art installation Participatory performance or procession Light, sound, or digital artwork Interactive sculpture or immersive experience Community co-created work The total commission budget is up to £7,000 (inclusive of VAT if applicable). This must cover: Artist fees Materials and production costs Fabrication Technical requirements Transport Installation and de-installation Insurance Access costs Any engagement workshops or community activity For a full commission brief please head to www.midsummer-festival.co.uk