ACE Project: Grounding
Grounding – Community | Collaboration | Creativity
Lighthaus Arts is inviting emerging and established artists to be part of Grounding – Community | Collaboration | Creativity, the first major creative programme at The Stoneleigh Arms, our new community arts hub in South Leamington.
This eight-month programme brings together artists, community participants and partner organisations to explore creativity as a tool for connection, wellbeing and shared experience. The project culminates in a major public exhibition in September 2026, presenting work made through workshops alongside work by emerging and professional artists, with lived experience and artistic practice valued equally.
Who We’re Looking For
We are seeking artists who are:
- Emerging artists looking to develop their practice, confidence and professional experience
- Established artists with experience of participatory, socially engaged or community-focused practice
- Open, empathetic and interested in collaboration
- Comfortable working in supportive, inclusive and trauma-informed ways
- Curious about working alongside people from diverse backgrounds and life experiences
We welcome artists working in (but not limited to):
- Ceramics
- Mixed media
- Photography
- Creative writing
- Interdisciplinary and socially engaged practices
Artists from underrepresented backgrounds are particularly encouraged to apply.
Roles and Opportunities
Emerging Artists will receive:
- Mentoring and professional development support
- Opportunities to collaborate with lead artists
- Space to test ideas and develop new work
- Inclusion in the final public exhibition
- Experience of working within a supported community arts programme
Established / Lead Artists will:
- Design and deliver free creative workshops with partner organisations
- Collaborate with emerging artists
- Contribute their own work to the final exhibition
- Play a key role in shaping an inclusive and welcoming creative environment
All artist roles are paid.
About the Programme
Grounding works in partnership with:
- Emmaus Coventry & Warwickshire
- NCT Parents in Mind
- The Esther Project
- LAMP
Workshops will take place at The Stoneleigh Arms and are free to participants, with access support, travel assistance and childcare bursaries available where needed.
The programme values:
- Process as well as outcome
- Care, collaboration and creativity
- Choice and consent around sharing work
- Making art accessible, human and meaningful
Timeline
- February 2026 – Artist recruitment and partner listening sessions
- March – July 2026 – Weekly workshops and mentoring
- July – August 2026 – Curation and exhibition preparation
- September 2026 – Public exhibition and events programme
How to Apply
Artists will be asked to submit:
- A short statement about their practice
- Why they are interested in this project
- Relevant experience (formal or informal)
- Any access needs
Please email your proposal to hello@lighthausarts.com with the subject line: Grounding Project: Artist Application. We are happy to accept applications in written, audio or video formats.