We are delighted to announce an exciting opportunity for talented textile artists based in Yorkshire!

Our upcoming exhibition at Sunny Bank Mills in Spring 2025 aims to bring together the creative forces of artists from Yorkshire and the Netherlands in a unique collaboration.

We are looking for three artists from Yorkshire to join our team of three textile artists based in the Netherlands. As a selected participant, you will contribute your distinctive artistic voice and vision to the exhibition through individual works and by participating in a larger than life collaborative installation.

We will  also be looking for performance artists, poets, and/or musicians to participate in a series  of accompanying events. If you're interested, please keep an eye out for a separate call out on SBM’s social media.

The theme: Loops and Continuums

Loops and Continuums as concepts capture the essence of the interconnectedness of life and the cyclical nature of our experiences. The theme is an invitation to explore the intricate patterns that weave through our lives and the world around us, revealing injustice, suffering and destruction as well as the beauty and complexity of existence.

Loops and Continuums also refers to the exhibition's venue, Sunny Bank Mills. The former textile factory used to be located near the waterway (continuum), which provided the water supply for various stages of the manufacturing process and powered machinery through mills (loops). Today, Sunny Bank Mills is a vibrant hub for creative courses and events, often focusing on textile arts and crafts. Many of these crafts involve repetitive actions and the creation of loops, such as knitting, which is the process of forming fabric by interweaving loops and threads.

All participating artists will explore the theme from different angles and contribute in their own way to the exhibition and to a common artwork. Loops and continuums can be found in many areas, including history, nature and life, psychology and the creative process itself. Both literally and figuratively.

The exhibition

For 12 weeks, the works of the six different artists will be on display. Each artist contributes a few  works - existing or new - depending on size. At the heart of the exhibition, in the centre of the Gallery, all six artists will work together to create a large installation.

Collaborative artwork

Based on the idea that complementarity is more inspiring than competition, our project seeks to push the boundaries of individual expression. By bringing together different artistic voices and investing in a creative alchemy, we aim to create a collaborative artwork that is greater than the sum of its parts. Starting in September 2024, we will meet online to get to know each other and work on a solid concept. Later, we will show each other our work in progress and give each other feedback.

By working together, we want to spark a dialogue that bridges the gaps in our polarised world. Our goal is to create a dynamic, thought-provoking collaborative artwork that reflects our shared insights into the theme, our own experiences and our shared commitment to artistic unity. Gradually, we will consider and examine our own patterns, loops and habits of collaborating and creating. This exhibition is a testament to the power of (international) collaboration and a reminder that, despite our differences, art has the power to unite us all.

Artists can be:

❖    Any age

❖    At any point in their careers

❖   Can be utilising any textile medium

Artists must be:

❖    Based in Yorkshire

❖    Using textiles in their artwork

❖    Open to collaborating

❖    Willing and able to join online meetings. The first online meeting will take place at the end of September at a convenient time for all participants on either the 25th or 26th.

To apply, please submit the following:

❖    A short artist statement describing your creative process, influences and vision.

❖    A selection of 3-5 high quality images representing your existing (textile) work or proposed new pieces.

❖    A short explanation of how your work contributes to the theme of loops and continuums and why you are interested in collaborating.

Successful applicants will have the opportunity to:

❖    Showcase their talent and creativity alongside internationally recognised artists.

❖    Participate in the creation of a large-scale collaborative installation.

❖    Gain exposure through our 12-week-long exhibition and accompanying promotional activities.

❖    Make lasting connections with fellow artists and art lovers.

The timeline of this project is funding dependent, but artists will receive a fee for their time spent on the project.  The budget is to be determined depending on funding.

If you're interested in an unforgettable artistic adventure that values trust, inclusivity and the limitless potential of collective creation, and if you're able to commit time and effort as well as show existing work, we want to hear from you!

Submit your application by 10th September 2024 and embark on a journey that transcends borders and artistic boundaries. We look forward to reviewing your submissions and welcoming you to our team. We want to meet you!

About us 

Gea van Eck  
Hanneke van Broekhoven
Monika Loster 

The venue

Sunny Bank Mills Gallery showcases, supports and sells the work of artists and makers from Yorkshire and beyond; investing in and developing the next generation of artists, makers and curators through an ongoing programme of exhibitions, events, workshops and artist residencies.