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25 Jul 24 | Job & Opportunities
OPEN CALL
CULTURAL PROGRAMME at the SCHWARZMAN CENTRE
We are looking for outstanding cultural projects inspired by University of Oxford research. We encourage anyone with an idea to get in touch. Applications are made by researchers and students at Oxford University.
It is never too early to start a conversation – and no project is too big or too small. If you are looking to work in a collaboration involving researchers and an artist or cultural organisation but aren’t yet sure who to approach, let us know and we may be able to help you build the necessary partnerships.
OPEN CALL PROGRAMMING PROCESS
We run a regular, two-stage Open Call process which enables researchers and students at the University of Oxford to propose projects for the Cultural Programme at the Schwarzman Centre. If your project is taken forward, you will lead on the delivery of your project with support from the Cultural Programme team; the nature of this support will vary depending on what you and the project need.
Cultural Programme activities may be one way of gathering evidence to be included in an Impact Case Study for the next REF, or as part of a faculty’s activities around a “People, Culture and Environment” statement.
We receive more proposals through the Open Call process than we have the resources to deliver. Projects can be supported with producing, administration and marketing time and expertise as well as with financial investment. Most programmed projects are supported with less than £10,000 of investment.
It is never too early to apply. Projects should normally begin delivery no sooner than six months from the point of award. Further criteria and guidance are below.
We currently have two open calls:
PUBLIC PROGRAMME: for ambitious audience-focused proposals with a clear strategy to reach a diverse audience
INCUBATOR PROGRAMME: for early-stage exploratory work with artists or cultural partners. At this stage a public engagement aspect is not essential, but the project must demonstrate the potential to engage with audiences in the future.
THE CULTURAL PROGRAMME
The Cultural Programme brings together local, university and global cultural communities in a physical and digital arts offer inspired by the University of Oxford’s research. Based in the Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities, we collaborate with outstanding artists and thinkers to produce bold and innovative cultural work exploring what it means to be human in a complex world and affecting positive change in the world. Innovative and diverse, our programmes are delivered in collaboration with university, local, national, and international partners.
The programme involves the development, creation, public performance/exhibition, dissemination and discussion of professional or community public cultural activity of all kinds (music, theatre, spoken word, comedy, dance, film, installations, exhibitions, digital work etc…). The programme includes both one-off projects as well as ongoing strands of work. These strands include work linked to Medical Humanities, Environmental Humanities, and AI & Creativity.
We are now considering projects to take place from 2026, in the Schwarzman Centre and elsewhere.
The Schwarzman Centre contains world class cultural facilities including a concert hall, theatre, cinema, whitebox, blackbox and music studios. More details about the facilities can be found here: https://www.schwarzmancentre.ox.ac.uk/About
HOW TO APPLY
FIRST STAGE – EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
The first application stage, Expression of Interest, enables us to understand the general idea behind a project. First stage applications should:
- propose an original cultural project inspired by research
- demonstrate value in relationship to Oxford research;
- demonstrate the quality and originality of the artistic/cultural work -where the proposal includes the work of specific artists/practitioners, please supply links to their work and include details of why and how the specific artist(s) was/were chosen;
- Where projects are developments of existing work, an overview of the existing work or a link to a sample of the work should be included;
- explain, with evidence, the public interest in the project;
- confirm the status of any partnerships (proposed/under consideration/agreed);
- detail the deliverables, timeframe, and outline budget for the project.
After assessment, we may then pick up a conversation with you to develop your ideas, support more detailed planning, or introduce you to potential partners.
Feedback will be provided following the first stage of assessment for proposals that are selected to progress. Second stage applications should take into account first stage feedback.
SECOND STAGE
The second application stage enables deeper evaluation of proposals and consideration in the context of Cultural Programme’s other activities. Second round applications are made on the same form as the first stage and should:
- demonstrate the value of public engagement both within and beyond the University, including giving expanded detail and evidence around audience;
- propose projects that are deliverable, financially sound, and that include plans for securing additional resources (partners and external funding) as required;
- respond to any feedback from the first stage;
- offer clear plans for evaluation.
Further Details:
Assessment:
Proposals are considered by a panel of academics at both stages of assessment. The panel considers the value of the project against these criteria:
- Artistic/cultural value
- Research value
- Public reach, including contribution to building new audiences
- Local roots, where relevant
- Deliverability
- Value for money and affordability
- Balance within the Cultural Programme
Planning requirements: Applicants should consider equity, diversity, inclusion, belonging and environmental sustainability in proposals.
Timeframe: Applicants are advised of the outcome within 4 weeks of the Second Stage deadline. Early applications are welcomed. Proposals must be for delivery at least 6 months after the point of award. We invite applicants to talk to us first if they exceptionally have a project on a shorter timeframe.
Venues: Activities can take place anywhere, physically, or virtually. We can consider activities to take place in the Schwarzman Centre from Trinity Term 2026. The Cultural Programme has a particular focus on developing audience relationships in Oxford and the region.
Research: Proposed activity may be part of an already planned research or education programme (such as a DPhil or developing research project). If this is the case, it is important to articulate how audiences and cultural work are at the heart of the project.
Applicants: We encourage applications which increase the diversity of the programme and pro-actively seek to support all academics and artists to make outstanding work in the context of any personal circumstances. Applications should be submitted by an individual with an employment contract or studentship that covers the entire timeline of the project.
Payments: University staff and students are not normally remunerated for working with the Cultural Programme, unless they can exceptionally demonstrate that this activity falls outside their existing contract. Due to the need to follow university financial systems/processes, approval of budgets / payments is usually subject to an initial conversation after the point of award.
Conflicts of interest: Any conflicts of interest, for example ownership or other interests in companies, organisations, or artists associated with the proposed delivery of the activity should be clearly documented.
24/25 DEADLINES
Thursday 1 May 5pm First Stage deadline – Expression of Interest
Monday 26 May 5pm Second Stage deadline
25/26 DEADLINES
Thursday 16 Oct 5pm First Stage deadline – Expression of Interest
Thursday 20 Nov 5pm Second Stage deadline
More 25/26 Deadlines to be announced in due course.
Please submit your proposal via the downloadable form below to culturalprogramme@humanities.ox.ac.uk , including the name of the scheme and the lead applicant’s name in the subject line of the email.
25 Jul 24