About the Project
Made in the East End is an ambitious initiative which seeks to bring our Bethnal
Green community together to learn, exchange ideas and create new public artworks, performances and writing. Once home to generations of upholsterers, weavers, braid makers and silk winders, our textiles project strand will bring artists and local residents together to co-create a series of banners honouring this remarkable legacy.

Artists will work closely with community groups to design and produce vibrant, hand-crafted artworks that reflect shared stories, skills and cultural histories.

The final pieces will be exhibited in summer 2026 at Oxford House and will be platformed during Whitechapel Gallery’s 2026 Back Yard Biennial, followed by an autumn tour across venues in Tower Hamlets.

Who We Are Looking For
We would like to hear from artists with a strong interest in heritage, textiles and socially engaged art practice. We actively welcome applications from those who have a connection to East London, Global Majority artists, disabled artists, artists who identify as LGBTQ+, and/or those who come from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

Essential Experience & Skills

• A genuine commitment to socially engaged and collaborative practice.
• A strong interest in the heritage of Bethnal Green.
• Ambitious with experience of using textiles as part of artistic practice (in any
  form or approach).
• Experience designing and leading creative workshops within community
  settings.
• Keen to work closely with the Arts & Heritage team throughout planning,
  delivery and installation.

Timeline: Project to be completed by the beginning of June 2026.

Location: Oxford House and Bethnal Green area.

Freelance fee: £1500 for 5 days work to include planning, preparation, delivery and evaluation.

(Materials budget provided separately).

How to Apply

Please click the link below to look at the job pack that provides information on the commission and the skills and experience we are looking for.

Artist Commission Recruitment Pack

How to apply

Please apply by 10am, Monday 12 January 2026 with the following:

• An up -to-date CV
• An expression of interest (up to two sides of A4, 12pt) outlining:
  – your artistic practice and relevant experience
  – why you are suited to this commission
  – your proposed approach
• Up to 4 images of relevant work or a link to your website

Complete an equal opportunities form here.

A large -print version of this brief is available on request.
We welcome video or audio applications (up to 5 minutes). Please send these via WeTransfer, addressing the points listed above.

Email applications to: jobs@oxfordhouse.org.uk
Interviews: Week commencing 26 January 2026 , in person at Oxford House.

Made in the East End is supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF)