Artwork Commission Opportunity: National Autism Unit 

Artist Brief: Immersive Sensory Experience for the National Autism Unit 

The National Autism Unit (NAU) invites proposals for the creation of an immersive, and interactive artwork that transforms its environment through multisensory design.  

We are inviting expressions of interest from artists, designers, or interdisciplinary teams with lived experience of neurodivergence and/ or mental health services. Given the complexity of the NAU context and health and safety requirements for the artworks, we will prioritise applications from practitioners with a demonstrable track record of creating work with and for neurodivergent people, for complex autism settings.

This commission aims to create a portable experience that supports NAU service users and staff to have agency over changing or transforming their experience of spaces within the unit, enabling sensory regulation, emotional connection, and calm exploration for autistic adults in a secure care setting. 

The commissioned work will be developed through a co-production process that centres the voices and lived experiences of autistic adults, and includes ongoing consultation with NAU service users, staff and clinicians. 

A total commissioning budget of £9,500 is available. This includes all fees, materials, production, delivery, installation/setup training, and documentation.

Please submit your application of interest by email to kate.watson@bethlemgallery.com by Sunday 24th August – 5pm  

We aim to get back to applicants by w/c 15th September. 

Download the full job pack with more information here.