30 September 2026

Public Artist for Hidden Histories of Newham

Eastside Community Heritage (ECH), in partnership with the Royal College of Art (RCA) community panel, is commissioning three artists to undertake a short community-based research and creative development process, each working with a distinct strand of East London’s hidden history held within ECH’s accredited archive.

From HAVERINGLondon Commissions Jobs

The Hidden Histories of Newham project brings together ECH’s archival expertise with the creative and critical practice of the RCA, to surface stories that have too often been marginalised, overlooked, or erased. A Community Panel, chaired by Professor Rachel Garfield, plays a central role in the governance and creative decision-making of this project.

This commission is funded by Arts Council England as part of the Hidden Histories of Newham public art project. The three artists will be selected through an open call process, and the commission forms the first phase of a two-stage process that will culminate in a significant public artwork in East London.

Online Q/A session: 1 September 2026.

How to apply

Artists are invited to submit a proposal of no more than two pages outlining: their practice and relevant experience; which of the three themes they wish to be considered for; their approach to community engagement and how they have worked with communities before; and an initial sense of how they might respond to the commission. Please include a supporting portfolio of no more than five pages (or a link to an equivalent online portfolio) with examples of recent or relevant work. Proposals and portfolios should be submitted as a single PDF where possible.

Download information pack here.

Applications should be submitted to ECH at office@ech.org.uk by 30th September 2026 – late applications will not be accepted.