BlackInk Launchpad 2025: 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 2025, the commission seeks to support artists to navigate multifaceted ways of working by developing a project that translates across a print magazine and online content.

Deadline for applications: 28 March 2025, 5pm GMT

Launchpad is offering artists:

• A feature as part of BlackInk Issue 6 (published in October 2024) and online.
• £750 fee.
• Support and mentorship.
• Opportunities to build industry networks.
• Consideration for future opportunities.

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

• Be an independent artist from the African, African Caribbean and Latin American Diaspora and based in the UK (this includes England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and British Isles).
• 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 4 July 2025.

The Brief

Serendipity are looking to commission up to three artists to create work for that will feature as part of the 2025 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.

Serendipity are looking for submissions that reflect the them Intersection: Diasporic Dialogues.  

Application Form

Terms and Conditions

1.  Up to four commissions of £750 are available, which will be published as part of BlackInk magazine, issue 6 in October 2025.
2.  Applicants must be from the African, African Caribbean and Latin American Diaspora.
3.  Applicants must be over 18 years old.
4.  The commission is open to applicants in the UK.
5.  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.
6.  Entries received after the deadline will not be accepted.
7.  The application must be the entrants own original work and previously unpublished (this includes self-published).
8.  Artists will retain all copyright in your submission. Serendipity will retain publishing rights for the commissioned work in BlackInk.
9.  By entering, you are agreeing that, if successful your name, photograph and work may be used for the purpose of any related publicity by Serendipity and its partners, without additional payment or permission.
10.  All data collected will be processed in accordance with privacy policies, available to view at serendipity-uk.com.
11.  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.
12.  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.