ARTIST OPPORTUNITIES
Visual artist commissions
Kendal Pride, in partnership with Abbot Hall, are looking to commission two artists to exhibit as part of our 2026 programming. This project aims to platform LGBTQIA+ voices, celebrate queer art and creativity, and offer diverse cultural experiences within Kendal and the wider South Lakeland area.
The commissioned work will be publicly presented at Abbot Hall Art Gallery, aligning with both Kendal Pride’s values and Abbot Hall’s commitment to inclusive, engaging and high-quality arts programming.
There are two £1,000 commissions available.
The deadline for applications is Friday 20 March.
Performance artist commissions
We’re looking for queer performers to create new work to be presented on the weekend of 12-14 June 2026 as part of our festival. There are two commissions available, designed to help us bring a splash of colour to the ‘auld grey town.’
Our theme for 2026 is ‘this is home,’ so work should be linked to this in some way. We also have an ongoing ethos of ‘pride done differently’ and aim to capitalise on our beautiful natural environment, so work can also connect with this.
The performance created could be any artform or a mixture but it must only need minimal tech requirements – a microphone and a stage will be available, but not much more. It could be dance, comedy, singing, lip synching or something else entirely – that part’s up to you, but it needs to engage our audiences. Those audiences may be queer or allied adults, young people or families, or some combination of all those things. The versatility of performers being able to meet the needs of different audiences will be considered as part of our selection process.
There are two £1,000 commissions available, plus two £250 performance fees and travel and accommodation costs.
The deadline for applications is Friday 20 March.
Drag Lab Soapbox Stage
This year at the Pride Village on Saturday 13 June, we’re adding an extra stage to give emerging performers a chance to try out new work.
More information about how to apply to join the line-up of the Drag Lab Soapbox Stage will be released in the coming weeks.
To be the first to know how to apply, email soapbox@kendalpride.co.uk