Supported by Falmouth Art Gallery, Small Acts and Creative Kernow Associates are thrilled to be partnering to offer an opportunity for artists who embody liveness and performance in their practice, or who would like to expand the possibilities of performance in their work.
7 artists + 7 artworks x 7 minutes = 7 Small Acts
The Opportunity
In October 2026, Small Acts are taking over Falmouth Art Gallery! 7 Small Acts will be an exhibition and performance salon – an evening of small acts that each take as their starting point an artwork from Falmouth Art Gallery’s extraordinary collection. Largely held in storage, the collections include a diverse range of artforms, periods and themes including significant holdings of surrealist works, automata and work by women artists in Cornwall.
Curated and hosted by Small Acts (artists Katie Etheridge and Simon Persighetti), 7 Small Acts will invite a diverse selection of live artforms into Falmouth Art Gallery. These could include, but are not limited to, spoken word, drag, live music, dance and performance lectures.
Guided by the question, ‘What is a small act?’ participating artists will choose an artwork from the gallery’s collection to respond to, creating an original 7-minute live performance that will be performed alongside an exhibition of the selected artworks at the 7 Small Acts evening salon on 2nd October 2026.
The creative making process will be supported through 2 half day workshops/performance labs facilitated by Small Acts including individual mentoring, plus a technical run/rehearsal on the day of the performance.
Who Can Apply?
- Artists at all stages of their careers, and working in any medium, are welcome to apply.
- Applicants must be reasonably comfortable getting up in front of people, and have a keen and committed interest in performing or presenting to a live audience.
- You must be available and able to commit to the key project dates (below).
- Artists who have not previously exhibited or performed at Falmouth Art Gallery are encouraged to apply, although this is not a criteria for selection.
- Artist duos can apply but please note, the total bursary available will be the same as for a solo artist (£175).
- You do not need to be a member of CKA to apply, but if selected you must become a member for the duration of the process. Membership starts at £5/month.
Bursary
A bursary of £175 will be paid to each participating artist (or duo) to cover all expenses including travel, materials and any other costs.
Selection Criteria
We will be looking to include a diverse selection of artforms and performances that make audiences feel welcomed, curious, enlightened, entertained and slightly out of their comfort zone but held in safe hands!
Participating artists will be selected on:
- the quality and ambition of arts practice and ideas
- the level of commitment or interest you have in creating live work to share with audiences
- the impact this opportunity may have on you and your practice
The selection panel will be Katie Etheridge and Simon Persighetti (Small Acts) and Anna Harris (Creative Kernow Associates Manager).
Key Dates
Deadline for applications: Monday 25th May, 6pm
We will inform all applicants of the outcome of the panel’s decision within 2 weeks of the deadline.
Friday 17th July, 9.30am to 12.30pm – Workshop with Small Acts and store tour, Falmouth Art Gallery
Thursday 10th September, 1pm to 5pm – Sharing of performances in progress. Lab with Small Acts.
Friday 2nd October – 7 Small Acts at Falmouth Art Gallery (7-9.30pm TBC), plus technical runs/rehearsals during the day
About Small Acts
Based in Cornwall, Small Acts work with people and places locally, nationally and internationally to create live participatory artworks and performances that bring individuals and communities together in unexpected and joyful ways.
Lead artists Katie Etheridge and Simon Persighetti each bring over 25 years experience in the fields of socially engaged practice, live art and site-specific performance to their unique collaborative practice which explores the intersection between architecture, community, place and performance.
Small Acts projects have been commissioned by partners including Flamm Festival, Compass Live Art, Creative Peninsula, National Trust, Art Centre Penryn, University of Exeter, Lancaster Arts and Live Art Development Agency.
Image credit: Small Acts. Photography: Paul Fuller
How to Apply
To apply, please fill in the application form below by Monday 25th May, 6pm.
If you have any questions or concerns, please email associates@creativekernow.org.uk.
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