Calling Artists and Creatives
New Opportunities Coming to Devon and Torbay’s Libraries.
We are proud to announce a new call-out for innovative artists and creative practitioners working across all disciplines to become part of our Creative Communities programme for 2027–28.
From theatre, music and visual art to creative technology, performance, workshops and thought-provoking discussions, we are looking for exciting ideas that can transform libraries into places where people can discover, create, connect and be inspired.
Through our Creative Communities programme, we work with artists, performers, makers and cultural organisations to bring high-quality arts and cultural experiences directly into the heart of local communities.
Since becoming part of Arts Council England’s National Portfolio in 2018, Libraries Unlimited has built a strong network of creative partners and artists, helping to make arts and culture accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds. Our libraries have hosted everything from live theatre and music to exhibitions, films, creative workshops and large-scale cultural projects.
Three seasons of creativity
Artists and creatives are invited to submit proposals for one of three themed seasons running from April 2027 to March 2028:
Pride of Place, April – July 2027
Celebrating community, cultural pride and belonging, inspired by heritage and our local environment.
This season coincides with a range national initiatives, you may want to align your proposal to feed into one of these, here are some examples below, but it’s not a requirement:
- Earth Day
- Pride Month
- Great Big Green Week
- Easter holidays
- Summer Book Quest – theme: animals
Get Creating, August – November 2027
Celebrating creativity through play and exploration, encouraging people to try something new, meet others and develop new skills.
This season coincides with a range national initiatives, you may want to align your proposal to feed into one of these, here are some examples below, but it’s not a requirement:
- Black History Month
- Green Libraries Week
- International Literacy Day
- World Mental Health Day
- School Summer Holidays
- Summer Book Quest– theme: animals
A Better Tomorrow, December 2027 – March 2028
Exploring our relationship with the environment and nature through creative approaches, while imagining hopeful futures and celebrating diversity.
We are looking for proposals that can work across a variety of library locations and bring something exciting, engaging and meaningful to our communities.
This season coincides with a range national initiatives, you may want to align your proposal to feed into one of these, here are some examples below, but it’s not a requirement:
- Mid-winter and Christmas holidays
- Chinese New Year
- British Science Week
- February half term
- International Women’s Day
Proud to support artists and creative talent
Supporting artists is an important part of what we do at Libraries Unlimited.
We believe libraries are more than places to borrow books. They are welcoming community spaces where creativity can thrive, ideas can be shared and people can experience arts and culture close to home.
By working with artists and creative practitioners, we can create opportunities for people to discover new talents, experience different perspectives and take part in activities they may not otherwise have access to.
Artists and creatives are at the heart of our Creative Communities programme. We’re incredibly proud to work with talented practitioners who bring new ideas, experiences and perspectives into our libraries.
Our libraries are vibrant community spaces where people can creatively explore ideas, develop new skills and experience high-quality arts and culture close to home. Through our projects and partnerships, we’re able to support artists while creating opportunities for communities across Devon and Torbay to come together, try something new and be inspired.
We’re excited to hear from artists and creatives with fresh and imaginative ideas for our 2027–28 programme and to continue building a diverse and exciting range of cultural experiences for everyone to enjoy.
Libraries Unlimited is committed to creating welcoming and inclusive spaces where everyone feels they belong. We particularly encourage applications from artists and creatives who are likely to be underrepresented in our communities, and from those whose work seeks to engage audiences from underrepresented communities.
Could you be part of our next creative programme?
We welcome proposals from artists and creatives working across a wide range of disciplines, including workshops, performances, exhibitions, creative activities, talks, discussions and new ideas that don’t fit neatly into a category.
Successful proposals will form part of a diverse menu of creative opportunities that libraries across Devon and Torbay can bring to their local communities throughout 2027 and early 2028.
The deadline for submissions is 9 am Monday, 19th of October 2026.
To find out more about the opportunity and submit your proposal, please complete our Submission Form for Artists and Creatives 2027.
For questions, contact the Creative Communities team at creativecommunities@librariesunlimited.org.uk.
We can’t wait to discover the ideas, talent and creativity that will help shape another exciting year of arts and culture in libraries across Devon and Torbay.
