We are looking for artwork that will celebrate Cumbrian culture and heritage. The commission may be any medium, including sculpture, audio, video, digital, textiles, performance, site-specific installation, or something else besides!

The commission must be portable so that it can be featured during the Krakenhaus Fringe Festival in Ravenglass Village Hall and at Harbour Fest on Whitehaven Harbour. 

Thematically, the proposed commission should also refer to the importance of the natural world.

We are particularly interested in work that references the context of our festivals’ locations: the sea, mountains, and lakes of Cumberland. Each of these elements is important to the special identity of the region.

Most successful festival commissions are immersive and encourage people to interact with the work or ‘do something’ in relation to it.

The work will be part of two busy festival programmes and as such, it should be designed to engage, enchant, or entertain audiences. 

Due to the short timescales associated with this opportunity, it would be best suited to experienced practitioners who have undertaken similar-scale commissions previously.

We are happy to accept proposals which restage or build on existing work, particularly if this commission will develop your artistic practice by funding you to realise a pre-existing idea.

Commission Fee

The artist will receive a £3,500 inclusive fee for delivering this commission.

It is expected that this will include being present at the exhibition during Krankenhaus Fringe Festival (22 - 25 August 2025) and Harbour Festival (30 August 2025) although this may depend on the nature of the commission proposal. 

How to apply?

Please provide a written proposal (1 side of A4 maximum) or a link to a video explaining your proposal (5 minutes maximum).

Written or video proposals should be submitted alongside a visual portfolio in the form of a document and/or website/social media links.

Portfolio submissions should accurately reflect your practice and demonstrate the scale and quality of previous projects/commissions that you’ve undertaken. 

The deadline for proposals is 09:00, Friday, 18 July 2025.

Interviews will take place on Monday, 21 July 2025.

What support is available for the applications?

If you need help writing the application or have any access requirements, please contact us, and we will do everything we can to support you.

Our Recruitment Approach

We are particularly interested in hearing from people who live in or are from West Cumbria, or who have a particular connection to the heritage and culture of the area. The review panel will consist of Muncaster, Rosehill, and Krankenhaus representatives who will be assessing proposed commissions and will help to shape the final selection.

Who are Rosehill Arts Trust?

Rosehill Arts Trust is an award-winning cultural charity in West Cumbria. They are based in a unique and historic rural venue, Rosehill Theatre, but work across the region.

As part of Arts Council England’s National Portfolio, they deliver high-quality cultural projects by, for, and with the people of West Cumbria. Now entering its fourth year, Harbour Fest is Rosehill’s flagship event, produced in collaboration with Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners.

rosehilltheatre.co.uk/harbour-fest-2025  

Who are Muncaster Castle?

Muncaster Castle is operated by a not-for-profit company whose objective is to protect and enhance the heritage and natural environment of West Cumbria.

The core of its operation is as an award-winning attraction; it is, however, expanding its offering to include festivals, live music, and being a cultural centre.

muncaster.co.uk  

Who are Krankenhaus Festival?

The founders of the festival are Sea Power, a band with multiple links to Cumbria. They are an established, nationally important band with a large international following.

They have worked hard over the last 5 years to build and establish the festival with support from Muncaster Castle. 

krankenhausfestival.com