The 2026 Blueprint Open Call is for the Research & Development (R&D) of bold and innovative outdoor arts projects.

It’s an opportunity for artists to experiment, collaborate, and refine new ideas. 

• You can apply for up to £10,000 to support the research and development of an outdoor arts project. Access costs for people on the project can be costed for on top of the 10k.
• As part of the programme, you will receive training on integrating access provisions, environmental sustainability and production training in outdoor arts.
• You will receive tailored support and guidance to make the project you want to make from the Programme Team at Without Walls during your research and development process.

Without Walls is a leader in the development of exceptional outdoor art. We are a network of cultural organisations and festivals dedicated to bringing engaging, transformative work to communities across the UK. Festivals in our network predominantly occur in urban environments during the summer.

For 2026, we particularly welcome proposals from the following artforms:

• Music / Sound / Installation 
• Walkabout 

We would also like to see proposals that explore innovative approaches to environmental sustainability including the use of methodologies that challenge standard production practices. We are especially interested in hearing from artists who are currently under-represented in the sector, including: 

• Artists who identify as being from the Global Majority
• Artists who identify as d/Deaf or disabled
• Artists who identify as neurodivergent
• LGBTQIA+ artists

When we use the term, ‘Identify as being from the Global Majority’, we are referring to people who are Black, Asian, Brown, dual-heritage, indigenous to the global south, and/or might have been racialised as ‘ethnic minorities’. Without Walls recognises that not everyone will identify with this description, but we remain committed to regularly reviewing the language we use in all areas of our work in unison with our Diversity and Inclusion Action Group. 

All supported artists have full freedom of choice on what themes, narratives or concepts are explored through their R&D. Without Walls does not expect these to be specifically about, or of particular relevance to audiences who identify as being from the Global Majority, d/Deaf, Disabled and/or LGBTQIA+, although they might be.

It is not expected that proposals should address all of these priorities simultaneously. While proposals addressing one or more of these priorities are of particular interest it is not mandatory for them to do so. Above all, we seek ideas that are innovative and artistically ambitious.

We are committed to making all our processes as accessible as possible. The guidance document and submission materials are available in various formats.

Please note the deadline for access requests has now passed, but please contact us on [email protected] if you have any questions about your proposal.

We’ve collated the commonly asked questions to help guide you through what we’re looking for on our FAQ page.

If you have any questions about the Blueprint Open Call, and you can’t find the answers you’re looking for on the website or have specific questions relating to your proposal, you can request a 1-1 phone or video call with a member of the programme team at Without Walls to answer any questions.

To arrange a call, or ask any questions, please email [email protected].