We are looking to commission writers and artists to take part in a brand new £2M ground-breaking national project called Nature Calling. We are seeking an exceptional, diverse range of artists to explore and celebrate nature and our National Landscapes (formerly known as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty – AONBs), for a programme that culminates in a Season of art between May and October 2025.

Nature Calling is a nationally significant partnership project Funded by Arts Council England and Defra (Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs), as well as National Landscapes in England (34 in total). Partners include the National Landscape Association, Activate Performing Arts, Poetry School, the six regional National Landscapes that will act as ‘hubs’ (Chilterns, Dorset, Forest of Bowland, Lincolnshire Wolds, Mendip Hills and Surrey Hills).

The aim of Nature Calling is to listen to our communities and ensure our landscapes are a place for everyone. It will engage new audiences across England and inspire the whole National Landscapes family, whilst bringing the special qualities of our National Landscapes to the fore. Each of the 34 National Landscapes in England will work collaboratively with their local communities, with key activity taking place at the 6 National Landscape hubs.

We are now inviting applications for commissions, one per hub National Landscape. Instructions on how to apply are in the commission brief below, and more information on the six hub locations is in the appendices.