What types of ideas do you accept?

The key is to submit a new, original, innovative idea...Whether your creative idea is for an artwork, event, film, exhibition or digital initiative, you can bring your idea to life with a Micro Commission of £500 or less. Ideas don’t always have to be at the forefront of new technology, but you must think about what is new, original, innovative, about your idea - either in terms of content, furthering your practice or experimenting with something new. Read more in our 'Should I send my idea?' section.

Do I have to be a professional artist?

No, Micro Commissions are open to everyone living in the North West, from professional artists, curators, designers, developers and producers to amateur creatives and budding entrepreneurs.

Is this a funding scheme?

This is not a funding scheme but a commissioning one. Our aim is to develop new, original and innovative ideas via Micro Commissions. For example, if you have produced a body of photographic work and are looking for funding to print and hang your exhibition, Micro Commissions is not the place to seek funding (for information about this, check out Redeye’s guide on how to get your work exhibited). Or if you have done an exhibition and are looking for funding to produce a straightforward 20 page catalogue documenting it, it wouldn’t be the place to seek funding for this further.

Can I submit for less than £500?

Absolutely, the limit is £500, but you might only need £50 - whatever it takes to bring your idea to life.

I live in ..., can I send you my idea?

Micro Commissions are open to everyone living in the North West. If you are unsure of which regions your town is in, have a look at the North West map
Exceptionally, in honour of our partnership with Abandon Normal Device Festival, the specific AND Micro Commissions are open to artists based in the whole of the UK. Deadline for this specific opportunity is 24 May 2012 and it must respond to the theme of success. Further information can be found on the AND website.

If my idea is accepted, is there any prospect of exhibiting the finished work at Cornerhouse?

You can request space from Cornerhouse, as help in kind, but we can’t guarantee we’ll be able to provide you with it, as our programme is often scheduled months or years in advance. We will do our best to showcase your project to our audiences.

What is the deadline?

This is an ongoing scheme, so you can submit your idea at any time. However, remember that we have a limited number of commissions to offer, and there is tough competition! We usually review submitted ideas for Micro Commissions on the second Monday of every month, so submit your idea before then, to be in with the best chance of a speedy review and decision.

Is there an age limit?

No, we accept applications from everyone, no matter your age. The only restriction is that you must live in the North West of England.

When will I hear from you?

We’ll get back to you within two months of submitting your idea to us. Please let us know if your project is time sensitive and we'll do our best to review it within your deadline.

Why didn't you commission me?

We will always inform you of our decision within two month of receiving your idea. We aim to provide you with feedback if your idea is not commissioned, however, due to the amount of submissions we receive, this is not always possible, and we may only be able to let you know that you didn't get a commission this time around. To help you ahead of submitting an idea, read more in our 'Should I send my idea?' section.

 

I have a question that is not answered in the FAQs, who do I contact?

Simply use the handy comment box at the bottom of this page. We'll respond to you directly and add it to the FAQs if it is relevant to everybody.