Nature Calling  is a national arts programme, designed to connect and deepen people’s engagement with the landscape. They are now seeking writers and artists to take part in this exciting new project.

Nature Calling is a nationally significant partnership project funded by Arts Council England and the Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (Defra), 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) and two National Parks (New Forest National Park and Yorkshire Dales).

Each of the 34 National Landscapes in England will work collaboratively with their local communities, with key activity taking place at the six national hubs.

New Writing and Artistic Commissions

Nature Calling is looking to commission writers and artists to take part in this brand new £2M ground-breaking national project. They 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.

The Chilterns National Landscape will play a key role in this exciting project as one of six hubs, focused on Luton, where a lot of the activity will take place. 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, while bringing the special qualities of our National Landscapes to the fore.

How to Apply

Applications are now open for commissions. The deadline for submissions is Midnight on 24th May 2024.

Find out more

There will also be an opportunity to find out more about the commissions at:

Nature Calling Information Day Event, Tuesday 30 April 2024 from 13.30-16.30 in Bushmead and Marsh Farm, Luton.

April Producer Hub Event, Tuesday 30 April 2024 from 18.00-20.30 at the Hat Factory Arts Centre

Nature Calling Online Information Event, Wednesday 8 May 2024.

For more information on the information events and to apply click here