Open call - Tell the Story of Gaelic Medium Education in Glasgow

Artist talks to primary school pupils

Deadline for applications - 30 May 2026, 5pm 

A unique visual arts commission from Glasgow Life and Glasgow City Council to support the Local Organising Committee of Royal National Mòd 2026 in Glasgow 2026.

Artists are invited to submit proposals that reflect the impact that over 40 years of Gaelic Medium Education has had on Glasgow - its communities, cultural awareness, and young people.

Visual artists and graphic designers are encouraged to engage with physical artefacts, records and photographs from across the last four decades.

The commission may take the form of a single cohesive installation or a series of works presented as a unified exhibition. Proposals should demonstrate a clear approach to how the work will function within a shared exhibition environment, including consideration of scale, layout, and audience experience.

Submissions are welcomed in all media that span the visual arts. We are seeking fresh perspectives and strong creative concepts that tell the story of GME in Glasgow in compelling and imaginative ways.

The selected artist(s) will work with a small reference group to support the development of the work. This will include engagement with archival material, community perspectives, and historical records, with the artist leading the creative interpretation and overall exhibition concept.

Fee and Budget
•    Artist fee: £3,000 
•    Production budget: £1,000 (inclusive) 
This fee includes installation and deinstallation

Application Information
In one PDF, please include:
•    Up to three examples of previous work 
•    Artist biography and relevant information (website, short bio, social media links) 
•    A statement of no more than 500 words explaining why you believe this is an important story to tell visually 
•    An exhibition proposal of no more than 500 words 

Please note:

  • Artists and makers are responsible for their own work, including insurance
  • Proposals may include (but are not limited to): photography, drawing, print, installation, digital work, collage and collaborative approaches
  • All media is welcome; however, proposals should include engagement with archival material. 

How to Apply
Email your PDF to amcv@glasgowlife.org.uk by 5pm on 30 May.
Us the email subject line:
GME 40+ Years Open Call – (Your name)

Dates / Process
•    Deadline: 30 May 2026, 5pm 
•    Exhibition Dates: 1–18 October 2026 
The development period will run from June to September 2026, allowing time for research, concept development, production, installation and deinstallation.

About the Venue
This will be a temporary exhibition (physical and digital) presented within a public-facing venue in Glasgow. The exhibition will sit independently within the spaces being considered and will not be connected to existing fixtures or fittings.

The space will selected in relation to the proposal but should support a flexible layout that may include freestanding elements, and/or digital display.