Surreal Creatures: Artist Call Out
1 May 2026News Story
MAC is delighted to announce a new paid opportunity for artists to create work for a free family trail called Surreal Creatures, taking place at MAC in Autumn 2026, following the success of the ArtBox and Birdland Family Art Trails last year.
This year, we are inviting West Midlands-based artists from all disciplines to take inspiration from the dreamlike world of surrealism.
The Surreal Creatures trail will coincide with a season of exhibitions exploring surrealist artists, including Emmy Bridgwater and the Birmingham Surrealists and Surreal Solihull, celebrating the unexpected, the uncanny and the power of imagination.
Animals and fantastical creatures have long been a central feature of surrealist art - from the spindly, otherworldly elephants of Dalí to the mysterious bird forms of Ernst. For this trail, we encourage artists to embrace that spirit of invention and bring to life their own surreal beings - the more fanciful, outrageous and playful the better!
Designed to spark curiosity and wonder in children ages 3+ and their families, the Surreal Creatures trail will transform MAC into a space of exploration and discovery. We are looking for artworks that are bold, engaging and full of personality.
MAC will commission six artists, each creating two works. These works can be standalone pieces or be comprised of a series of artworks. A total fee of £1000 per artist is available, which must also cover all production costs and delivery.
We welcome proposals that push boundaries, celebrate creativity and bring a touch of the surreal to audiences of all ages.
Deadline for applications: 12pm, Wed 24 June 2026.
Submit your proposal
Artist brief
Our curated trail will feature work from all 6 artists, displayed throughout MAC’s free to access spaces, inside the building.
Artists are encouraged to be as experimental as they like presenting 2D work, such as painting, drawing, collage, print, film or 3D work, such as sculpture, costume, textile etc. The display should be engaging for a family audience for children aged 3+.
Works should encourage interaction but ideally not designed to be touched to prevent the need for regular maintenance. 3D objects may be cased to protect them.
As we want to support local artists and present authentic work, we will not be accepting applications that feature AI-generated art.
To compliment the trail, MAC will commission a hand illustrated map and activity pack to help families to engage with the boxes. A small gift will be given to those who successfully complete the trail.
MAC’s Half Term activity programme will also feature workshops inspired by the trail allowing children the opportunity to create their own surreal creatures.
A fee of £1000 per artist is available for this work. This fee must cover all production expenses of all works and delivery.
Who can apply?
This opportunity is open to professional artists. We welcome applications from early career to established artists, including those that are self-taught.
Applicants my be aged 18+ and live in the West Midlands.
We welcome applications that reflect the diversity of the West Midlands population.
If selected you must be able to arrange delivery of your work to MAC. Work will be returned on completion of the exhibition.
How do I apply?
Deadline for applications: 12pm, Wed 24 June 2026.
Send an email to surreal@macbirmingham.co.uk and include:
- Your name, CV and a short paragraph (250 words max) about the idea for your submission. Please contact us by email if you have access needs or would like to respond by video or audio.
- Presentation of your work should be covered, including any technical requirements such as providing power.
- Attach a sketch of your idea and/or images of previous work.
- Artists will be responsible for the cost associated with producing their submission, if selected, and delivery to MAC.
The £1000 fee will be payable to the artist on delivery of the work to MAC.
Boxes will be displayed from Saturday 12 September – Sunday 21 February 2027 after which they will be returned to the artist.
How will my work be selected?
A panel formed of MAC staff and local families will choose up to 6 artists for display.
Selection will take place in June 2026.
Due to the high number of applications, we will not reply to unsuccessful applicants. If you have not heard from MAC by Mon 29 June, your application has been unsuccessful.
