Commission Opportunity

We are seeking to appoint an outstanding visual artist for a paid commission to create a design for a new public artwork. The artwork will use visual storytelling to communicate the contribution of early photographer George Shaw (1818–1904) to the development of photography in Birmingham.

Commission Fees:

• A small number of shortlisted artists will be paid £500 to develop a design that will be shared with a panel of experts and a public vote.
• The final selected artist will receive £3,000 to work up their design to the production stage, collaborating with the project curator and expert glass manufacturers.

Deadline for Expressions of Interest: Friday 8 May 2026
Shortlisted Artists Contacted By: Friday 22 May 2026

About George Shaw

George Shaw was a patent agent, chemist, photographer, and artist who contributed to civic life in nineteenth-century Birmingham. He was an expert in electrometallurgy, worked closely with manufacturers and industrialists, and shared technological expertise through public lectures and publications.

Coming from a family background in glass manufacture, Shaw advised inventors, created artworks in the landscape, and produced early daguerreotype photographs. He served as a juror for the Great Exhibition of 1851 and International Exhibition of 1862, vice-president of the Mechanics Institution, and Professor of Chemistry at Queens College on Paradise Street, Birmingham.

See more about the George Shaw project here.

The Commission Brief

The successful artist will create a design that reflects elements of George Shaw’s story. The design should be sympathetic to the heritage environment in which it will be installed. Please see the enclosed inspiration document for guidance.

We encourage a diverse range of applicants and are actively seeking applications from a wide range of individuals to reflect the diversity of our city.

Expression of Interest Requirements

Expressions of interest should include:

• An outline of your approach to the brief and sources of inspiration (300 words or a 3–5 minute video or audio recording – please contact Felicity Blades if you wish to submit your EOI in a different format).
• Images of previous artworks or rough sketched drawings that are relevant to the commission.
• A brief CV / bio.
• Links to view previous works or an online portfolio (website, Instagram, or other social channel).

We will also be holding a workshop/talk/introduction session in April at the BMI, giving artists the opportunity to learn more about the project before shortlisting.

Resources

• Inspiration Document PDF – download here.
• FAQ PDF: A downloadable document with further information about the commission and submission process will be available here.
• Birmingham Colmore Privacy Policy.

For any questions or access requirements, please contact: felicity.blades@birminghamcolmore.co.uk

Please see the open call submission form below.