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Artist and Author in Residence 2026 Call Out

We are looking for a creatively curious visual artist and an author/writer who get excited about a blank page, like to think imaginatively and enjoy working in collaboration!

Gallery wall displaying colourful cartoon prints
Page taken from the In Residence book showing an illustration of a dragon with a child jumping into a puddle
Two cut out drawings. One pink owl with blue wing with yellow hearts, the other orange owl with green wing with orange trees
Poem about an ocean
Author Alice Harman talking to two school children sat at a table
School child looking at a framed piece of artwork
Author Donna David stood next to a white board talking to school children sat on the floor
Mark Grist and Amanda Rigby smiling in front of an exhibition of their poems and illustrations
Hand decorated Seed packets hung up in an exhibition

Each year Inspire: Culture, Learning and Libraries commission an artist and author to create and deliver a programme of visual art and literacy activity for children and families, inspired by and linked to the Summer Reading Challenge.

Stimulating creativity and imagination, we ask that they enhance our existing library programmes, influence new directions using their professional expertise and leave a legacy of collaborative work.

Apply now

Deadline for submissions: 9am, Friday 5 December 2025. 

Download the application information here, please choose the format you prefer:

For further information about past projects click on this link.

This project is part of out Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation funded work.

The Reading Agency logo - white text on bright pink background
Logo for Arts Council England