As part of Theatre Porto’s Topsy Turvy outdoor arts programme for children and families (7–9 August 2026) in Whitby Park, we are commissioning a specialist maker/designer/artist to create a pop-up immersive, creative environment for SEND children and their families. 

The pop-up environment is a new activity and resource which supports Theatre Porto’s ongoing relationship with SEND families. It aims to enable sustained, ongoing engagement.

We are seeking artists, designers, makers or creative practitioners who can imagine an accessible and inspiring immersive environment for children and families.

We anticipate this taking place within a temporary structure such as a tent, yurt, inflatable environment or similar adaptable space situated within the festival site, with the potential for future indoor or outdoor use.

We are therefore particularly interested in ideas which are flexible, transportable and capable of being reinstalled in different contexts.

The environment should reflect a wide range of sensory needs, balancing calm, restorative areas with opportunities for energy, play and movement.

We are particularly interested in proposals which:  

• Embed creativity throughout the environment, allowing children to engage according to their own preferences and abilities
• Create an artistically rich, imaginative space which foregrounds creative exploration
• Develop materials and elements that form a reusable ‘kit’, enabling the space to be reinstalled and adapted for future use
• Avoid overly complex technical requirements, ensuring the space remains flexible and sustainable
• Embrace collaboration, positioning children as co-creators within the environment or as part of the design/making process

We are open to different approaches to this commission. This could include:  

• a maker/designer creating an immersive environment to be used independently by families and/or facilitated by Theatre Porto staff
• an artist or practitioner creating and actively animating/facilitating the space during the festival
• a collaboration between a designer/maker and participatory practitioner

We are interested in hearing different approaches and do not expect fully resolved proposals at this stage.

We are particularly interested in proposals that recognise the long-term potential of this work and strongly encourage applications from artists with lived experience of SEND and disability.

Edge of Wonder is the first major phase of activity within the Gold & Green strategy. Supported by Arts Council England’s Place Partnership programme, it brings together schools, artists, families, cultural organisations, community groups and civic partners to co-create cultural activity across Ellesmere Port.

The programme includes creative partnerships in schools and communities, artist commissions, outdoor events and public activity in parks and town-centre spaces, alongside opportunities for local artists and grassroots organisations.

At the heart of the work is a belief that child centred creativity, based on the principles of playfulness, curiosity, presence and artistic enquiry can help shape how families and wider communities, experience their town and community.

Gold & Green is a new collaborative, cultural vision for Ellesmere Port, championed by the Ellesmere Port Cultural Learning Exchange (EPCLE). Developed through extensive engagement with local families, schools, artists and partners, the strategy explores how child-centred creativity can help shape a more connected, imaginative and confident place.

Commission Details

Artist fees are likely to range between £2,000–£3,000 depending on the agreed scope of delivery.  

In addition, there is a separate production/materials budget of up to £5,000 for agreed materials, fabrication, equipment hire or other project costs. Applicants do not have to use the full production budget.

Expression of Interest Process

• Expression of Interest Deadline: 30 June 2026
• Further timeline information will be shared with shortlisted artists.
• Email – admin@TheatrePorto.org