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Applications are now open for Art/Work Association (A/WA) 2027, Auto Italia’s annual peer-led programme supporting early-career creatives to develop and deliver a public event.

We’re looking for proposals that encourage participation, critical engagement, discussion, experimentation or shared learning. Whether your practice is rooted in visual art, performance, music, film, writing, design, socially engaged practice or spans multiple disciplines, we welcome applications from creatives interested in bringing people together through public programming.

About Art/Work Association

Art/Work Association (A/WA) is a peer-led programme for early-career creatives. Through workshops, discussions, screenings, performances and experimental formats, A/WA creates space to critically engage with contemporary issues, test ideas publicly, share knowledge and build supportive creative networks.

Each year, a cohort of creatives are selected through an open call to develop and deliver a public event at Auto Italia. Selected applicants receive an artist fee, curatorial mentorship and practical support from Auto Italia’s team to realise their event.

What We’re Looking For

We welcome proposals that:

• encourage active participation, discussion or shared learning;
• respond to contemporary social, political, cultural or artistic conversations;
• are clear, focused and achievable within a single public event;
• consider what participants will experience and take away;
• are welcoming and accessible to a broad audience; and
• can be delivered within Auto Italia’s gallery space and available resources within a 2-hour time frame.

Events may take the form of workshops, discussions, reading groups, screenings, talks, performances, skill-sharing sessions or other experimental formats.

We are particularly interested in proposals that prioritise dialogue, collaboration and exchange over presentation or self-promotion.

You don’t need to have a fully developed project before applying. Successful applicants will have the opportunity to develop their ideas through mentoring and curatorial support as part of the programme.

What’s Included

Selected applicants will receive:

• A £300 fee per event to cover artist fees
• Curatorial and practical support from Auto Italia
• Promotion through Auto Italia’s communication channels
• The opportunity to deliver a public event as part of the 2027 programme

Event Information

Events take place at Auto Italia in Bethnal Green and are up to two hours in duration.

How to Apply

Applications should be submitted via our online application form.

Please note that applications submitted outside of the online application form cannot be considered.

The form asks about your proposed event, why it matters, how participants will engage, and what audiences will take away. Previous experience delivering public programmes is not essential; we’re interested in strong ideas with potential, not finished projects.

Applications close at 11.59pm on Sunday 13 September 2026.

If you have any questions or access requirements, please contact info@artworkassociation.org.