NN Contemporary Art launches an open call for The 2026 Guild
The Guildis a creative professional development programme that supports practitioners in developing their artistic practice, working collaboratively, creating public-facing art, and contributing to cultural life in Northampton.
Running from March to December 2026, The Guild will support eight creative practitioners working across disciplines, by providing a free studio, year-round mentorship, and opportunities to form an new artist collective in the town. The programme is free to participate in and is based at NNCA’s newly renovated home at 24 Guildhall Road, reopening in Spring 2026. The programme is led by NNCA’s Community Engagement Producer.
The Guild is designed to support the development of artistic practice while contributing to NNCA’s evolving institutional approach. Participants will work together through shared studio activity, peer learning, mentoring, and engagement with invited artists and practitioners. The programme emphasises collaboration, artistic research, and the development of public work rooted in place and community.
Participants will take part in peer-to-peer studio sessions, one-to-one mentoring, and group discussions offering critical feedback on work in progress. Alongside this, participants will have the opportunity to pitch for a bursaryto develop a public project as part of NNCA’s 2026 programme. These projects will contribute to NN Contemporary Art’s public activity and explore artist-led approaches to programming within the organisation’s new building. NNCA staff will provide training across our programme strands including archive management, gallery exhibitions and our climate and art focused programmes
To mark the start of the programme, NNCA is pleased to announce initial contributions from Emma Edmondson(TOMA) and Dinosaur Kilby(Freehouse)
How to apply
The Guild is open to creative practitioners working in any discipline who are keen to work collaboratively and engage with culture. This may include, but is not limited to, poets, writers, curators, organisers, educators, and activists. Applicants do not need to formally identify as artists, but should be interested in developing a creative or artistic practice through the programme.
Applicants do not need to be based in Northampton but must be able to commit to regular in-person engagement throughout the programme.
Artists are invited to submit an application by email,l including a short biography, a statement outlining their interest in the programme and examples of past work
Application deadline: Midnight, 19 February 2026
Interviews: 25 February 2026
Programme start: 7 March 2026
Programme end: December 2026
Click here to access the applicant information pack to find out more
