Applications are now closed. Successful applicants will be notified in September 2026.
About the opportunity
In March 2027, a solo exhibition by Elmbridge artist Manuel Bonifacio will be held at the Robert Phillips Gallery at Riverhouse Barn Arts Centre, Walton on Thames, presented by Artventure Trust.
As part of this, we are collaborating with Riverhouse Barn and Artventure Trust to offer a £1,500 grant for a local group to create new work inspired by Bonifacio’s vibrant and characterful pictures.
We’re looking for an exciting proposal for new work - in any artform - created and/or presented in collaboration with local communities.
This is a fantastic opportunity for Elmbridge-based organisations to collaborate creatively and share the results with a wider audience.
About the artist: Manuel Bonifacio
Born in 1947 near Lisbon, Portugal, Manuel joined the fire brigade as a volunteer at a young age. His life's ambition was to be in the army, and many of his works reflect this passion for army transportation; depicting helicopters, aeroplanes, motorbikes and boats. His work is also inspired by politics and everything he sees on TV, but most of it comes straight from his imagination.
Manuel’s time is filled almost solely with making art, often producing four or five images in just a few hours. His work helps him to share his unique view of the world, and he is continuously creating, whether that’s a drawing, a ceramic piece or a painting.
Manuel's work has now been exhibited internationally and included in major collections.
View a selection of Manuel's work
Who can apply
We’re inviting applications from not-for-profit community groups or organisations based in Elmbridge.
What we’re looking for
We are open to ideas! Proposals from organisations may include working alongside a named individual artist / creative. We welcome creative responses in any artform, including:
- music, performance or theatre
- visual arts such as printmaking, collage, textiles or 3D work
- dance, film or poetry
What matters most is your initial idea for responding to Bonifacio’s work, having the experience and established connections to work creatively with local communities, and the ability to showcase the work at Riverhouse Barn.
How the work will be showcased
We will discuss logistics with individual applicants, but the work should be ready for publicly sharing (exhibiting or performing) at Riverhouse Barn Arts Centre on 18 and/or 25 March 2027.
Funding and support
A total budget of £1,500 is offered to include any fees, resources, materials and travel.
If there are specific costs associated with access requirements, there will be an opportunity to outline these separately.
The winning group will also receive advice and support, if necessary, where possible and within reason, from Artventure Trust, Riverhouse Barn or Elmbridge Borough Council.
There will be marketing and promotion for the final showcased work at Riverhouse Barn Arts Centre in Walton.
Please note that it will not be possible to meet or work directly with Manuel Bonifacio during your project.
Selection criteria
One winning project will be selected by representative of Artventure Trust, Riverhouse Barn Arts Centre and Elmbridge Borough Council. The panel will consider:
- connection to Manuel Bonifacio’s work – what themes or ideas would you explore and why? (we don’t expect detailed ideas at this stage as we realise that community participants are likely to influence the work)
- level of community engagement – who will be participating, how many people will be involved and how will they benefit from taking part in the project?
- standard of delivery – we will consider the quality and practical feasibility of the proposed project in terms of planning and partnership
potential legacy – what other opportunities might there be to present the finished work to audiences? (for example, as part of future tours, exhibitions or projects)
How to apply
Applications should be emailed to arts@elmbridge.gov.uk. Please include:
- a short introduction your group or organisation
- an outline of your experience working with communities
- a description of how your project responds to the themes and aims of the commission, including who you plan to work with
- an outline of how you will spend the £1,500 budget
- an approximate timeline for the proposed project activity
- up to 2 examples of previous relevant work (photographs, videos etc.)
- any additional disability access considerations or associated costs
- any other kind of support you think you would need
If you have any questions or need this information in another format, please contact: arts@elmbridge.gov.uk.
We accept applications by text, video or audio via email.
Key dates
- Informal conversation with each shortlisted applicant: August (flexible date, via video call)
- Decision: early September
