Nature Calling

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

About Nature Calling

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 and the six regional National Landscapes that will act as ‘hubs’ (Chilterns, Dorset, Forest of Bowland, Lincolnshire Wolds, Mendip Hills and Surrey Hills).

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

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.

Working with Revoluton Arts, 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 24 May 2024. To find out more and apply see below:

Useful links to find out more about the Chilterns National Landscape:

Chilterns Hub Information Day 30 April – register your interest!

A Chilterns Hub Information day will take place on the afternoon of Tuesday, 30 April in the Luton area for prospective applicants. It will be a great way to learn more about the project, meet the local team, and see and hear about some of the Chilterns special landscapes and heritage. Further information to follow shortly. To register your interest in the meantime, please email Annette: aweiss@chilterns.org.uk.