BlackInk: Launchpad 2024
Call for Commissions

Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage are looking for emerging Black female artists based in the UK. Launchpad is an initiative that works across all art forms to mentor and share their ideas and showcase their work as part of BlackInk, a magazine focusing on Black arts, heritage and cultural politics published each year for Black History Month. For Launchpad 2024, the commission seeks to support artists to navigate new multifaceted ways of working by developing a project that translated across a print magazine and online content.

Deadline for applications: 28 March 2024, 5pm GMT

Application Form:

For more information please call 0116 482 1394 or email info@serendipity-uk.com

Launchpad is offering artists:

• A feature as part of issue four of BlackInk Issue 5 (published in October 2024) and online.
• £750 fee.
• Support and mentorship.
• Opportunities to build industry network.
• Consideration for future opportunities.

 To be considered for the Launchpad programme each artist will need to:

• Be an independent artist from the African and African Caribbean Diaspora and based in the UK (this includes England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and British Isles), who identify with our goal of celebrating and supporting women as they share their stories in ways that align with their own understanding of their gender identity.  This includes trans women, non-binary individuals, and cisgender women.
• Complete the Launchpad application form demonstrating a track record of producing quality work which is innovative, diverse and suitable for this platform.
• Submit photographs, video clips, web links, images or documents that evidence existing work.
• Be in a position to complete an artistic commission by the deadline.
• Be available for artistic mentorship sessions (via Zoom).

The Brief

Serendipity are looking to commission up to three artists to create work for that will feature as part of the 2024 edition of BlackInk, a magazine for Black History Month Leicester exploring art, heritage and cultural politics. As a multifaceted platform, the magazine is available in print and online, alongside a supporting showcase of digital content.

Serendipity are looking for proposals that would be suitable for publication in a print magazine but also can be creatively adapted for online formats. Previous examples have included; a poetry and dance film that breaks down into text and stills, a comic book and animation, a series of illustrations with a time-lapse of their creation that could be featured in print or in an exhibition, and a series of photographs with audio interviews with each sitter. Examples can be seen in BlackInk issues 1-4. Applicants are encouraged to be creative and innovative with their ideas. Selected artists will be mentored throughout the process.

Terms and Conditions

1. Up to four commissions of £750 are available, which will be published as part of BlackInk magazine in October 2024.
2. Applicants must be from the African and African Caribbean Diaspora.
3. We welcome applicants from those who identify with our aim of celebrating and supporting women telling their stories in ways that reconcile with their understanding of their own gender identity. This includes trans women, non-binary and cis women.
4. Applicants must be over 18 years old.
5. The commission is open to applicants in the UK.
6. The selection panel of representatives from Serendipity will be responsible for choosing the selected commissions and reserve the right to select alternative artists if those initially chosen do not confirm their participation within 10 days of notification.
7. Entries received after the deadline will not be accepted.
8. The application must be the entrants own original work and previously unpublished (this includes self-published).
9. Artists will retain all copyright in your submission. Serendipity will retain publishing rights for the commissioned work in BlackInk.
10. By entering, you are agreeing that, if successful your name, photograph and work may be a) used for the purpose of any related publicity by Serendipity and its partners, without additional payment or permission.
11. All data collected will be processed in accordance with privacy policies, available to view at serendipity-uk.com.
12. Serendipity will not be responsible unless required by law, for any loss, changes, costs or expenses, which may arise in connection with this commission beyond those covered by the fee.
13. Any dispute relating to the competition shall be governed by the laws of England and Wales and will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.

Timeline

• 10 March 2024 – Deadline for Applications
• 1 June 2024 – Deadline for Commissioned Work
• 1 October 2024 – BlackInk Published

Application Form