We are delighted to announce a new Open Call inviting artists to explore the powerful connections between the gut, immune system, brain, our dietary habits and mental wellbeing.
In partnership with leading researchers from the University of Southampton alongside community organisations, we invite Expressions of Interest from UK-based artists, designers, and illustrators to create artworks that interpret and reimagine themes around the gut–immune–brain axis, healthy diet, and mental health.
This is an opportunity to translate emerging science into creative expression, highlighting how nutrition, microbiome health, and lifestyle shape our emotional and cognitive wellbeing, and to engage the public through accessible and thought-provoking visual work.
Selected artworks will be exhibited as part of a public showcase in Southampton in summer 2026, with displays across prominent city centre locations and cultural venues.
One artwork will be selected as part of a British Science Festival activity, with a strong emphasis on street art and street food. The selected artwork will be transformed into a mural, painted by professional graffiti artists and displayed in a prominent city centre location.
We actively encourage applications from artists from diverse backgrounds, including those with lived experience of mental health challenges, and individuals currently underrepresented in the creative sector.
Opportunities
- Five shortlisted artists will be invited to develop proposed artworks for public display sites.
- One selected artist or collective will be commissioned to create a large-scale feature artwork for a high-profile city location.
Artist Fees
- Five elected artists will each receive £500 to develop their proposals.
- One selected artist or group will receive an additional £1,000 commission to produce the final artwork.
- Production and installation costs will be covered separately.
Selection Panel · Representatives from the UK Gut-Immune-Brain Network Home | GIBA Network UK | Gut Immune Brain Axis Network and partner organisations, including researchers in neuroscience, immunology, and nutrition
- Arts and cultural sector professionals
- Community representatives and mental health advocates
Deadline for Expressions of Interest:
Friday 26 July 2026 at 12pm