Unlimited, the arts commissioning programme that supports disabled artists to create new work, has announced the artists shortlisted for its third round of commissions and R&D awards.
A partnership between Shape Arts and Artsadmin, the latest round includes 45 commissions and 15 awards. The Shortlisted artists and companies will receive guidance from Unlimited to develop their full applications to be submitted in February 2017. Successful applicants will be announced the following month.
Commissions are divided into three strands – ‘main’, ‘emerging’ and ‘international’ – each with its own selection panel.
Sarah Pickthall, chair of the international panel, said: “It has been an honour to read through so many exciting expressions of interest within this new strand and to consider what incredible art, imagined now, will be developed further with Unlimited’s support.”
The visual arts is well represented in the commission proposals. Featured artists include Jason Wilsher-Mills (The Calliper Kid Versus The 20-Metre Rule), Amy Rosa (Gallanach) and previous Unlimited awardee and current chair of the emerging selection panel, Aidan Moesby, whose [between language and skin] is shortlisted in the international category.
Said Moesby: “Unlimited was a catalyst to realising my ambition; it enabled me to create work which became my ‘calling card’.
“In being chair of the emerging artists panel I hope to afford a range of other artists who have the vision and ability the same opportunity to realise their ambition I had, through the essential elements of funding, time and support.”
Those shortlisted for R&D awards include David Sinden, Anna Berry and Omeima Mudawi-Rowlings.
Commenting on the shortlist, Jo Verrent, senior producer of Unlimited, said: “The range of applications we’ve received this time is staggering – barrier breaking, intriguing, thought provoking work across all artforms and combinations, including digital.
“We’ve had artists wanting to create work focusing on identity, politics, climate change, isolation, ethics… Those shortlisted have provoked the panels with ideas that are confident, ambitious and truly extraordinary.”
Read the full Unlimited commissions and awards shortlist here
Image:
Noemi Lakmaier’s Cherophobia at Southbank Centre’s Unlimited Festival. Photo: Grace Gelder for Unlimited
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