AN AUDIO INTRODUCTION FROM OUR HEAD OF PROGRAMME

Each year, Without Walls and our Commissioning partners present a curated programme of new touring work, showcasing the best outdoor arts being made in the UK. 

This open call is for artists to submit proposals for new outdoor arts projects to be included in the 2027 programme. Shows which are selected will tour to our partner festivals throughout next year.

You can find out more about how the Open Call works via last year’s snapshot.

An image of a masked performer wearing black costume and head dress with a woman taking a photo in the background
An image of a group of dancers on top of a cube shaped structure with a church or cathedral behind them.
An image of two female performers balancing on a wooden plinth that is standing at a 45 degree angle. One of the performers is sat down with her back to the camera and the other is stood up in front of her. There is a pull up banner and crowd behind them.
An image of four dancers wearing bright and colourful traditional Indian dress

SELECTION CRITERIA

 

The projects that we’re looking for are intended to represent the best that the outdoor arts sector has to offer. Shows that are innovative and ambitious, that challenge the idea of what outdoor arts can be.

We’re keen to work with artists from all regions of the UK. Your project must:

  • Be a new piece of work. 
  • Be suitable for touring to outdoor arts festivals. 
  • Be available for touring from the beginning of May 2027.
  • Be made by artists based in the UK. We can support work made in association with international artists, but the lead partner for the project must be based in the UK.

ACCESS SUPPORT 

ACCESS SUPPORT

Without Walls is committed to making all our processes as accessible as possible. This guidance document and submission materials are available in various formats.

If you have specific access requirements, please complete the Access Support Form.

We are able to support up to two days of an access worker’s time per application for a finite number of applicants.

If you prefer, your proposal can be submitted via video or audio. Simply provide a link to your file in the relevant section of the submission form or email your video/audio file to [email protected], including your name, company name, and project title in the subject line.

If you need further guidance in how to complete your proposal, you can find out more via our How To Complete Your Proposal page.

BSL VIDEO AND LARGE PRINT / EASY READ DOCUMENTS

BSL VIDEO

DOWNLOAD THE LARGE PRINT GUIDANCE DOCUMENT

DOWNLOAD THE EASY READ VERSION

GUIDANCE DOCUMENT

DOWNLOAD THE OPEN CALL: 2027 PROGRAMME GUIDANCE

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

SUBMIT YOUR PROPOSAL

ONLINE PROPOSAL FORM

DOWNLOAD THE EXAMPLE BUDGET

TIMELINE

Open call goes live: Thursday 14 May
Deadline for access support requests: Tuesday 9 June, 12pm (midday)
Deadline for all submissions: Tuesday 7 July, 12pm (midday)
Final decisions: Late October 2026
First performances to take place early May 2027

Image credits:

Image one © Wild Rumpus
Image two © Luke Witcomb
Image three © Jamie Morgans
Image four © Adrienne Photography