Organizer Information
It’s Not Your Birthday But (INYBB) is a UK-based Community Interest Company (not-for-profit) dedicated to connecting people through creativity and history. Founded on the idea that receiving something handmade on an "ordinary" day is profoundly special, the organization facilitates workshops and public art projects in prisons, care homes, and community spaces. They focus on using archival materials—like letters and scrapbooks—to spark new artistic conversations and improve mental well-being through creative expression.
Title & Description
“What Keeps Us Well?” (WKUW) Open Call
Inspired by a 1921 poem titled "Shalford, 1921" by A.F. Freeman, which was rediscovered in a Women’s Institute scrapbook at the Surrey History Centre, this call invites creatives to reflect on the concept of wellness. Just as the original poem captured a moment of peace and reflection in the post-WWI era, applicants are asked to respond to the prompt: "What keeps you well?" The project aims to create a modern-day "scrapbook" of resilience and joy, exploring how we maintain our health and spirit in the 21st century.
Categories
- Visual Arts: Painting, illustration, photography, textile art, and collage.
- Literature & Writing: Poetry, short stories, and creative essays.
- Digital Media: Video art and digital design.
- Craft: Handmade items that can be documented or digitized.
Eligibility
The call is divided into two distinct streams to ensure wide accessibility:
- Under 18s (Young Creatives): Specifically for young people aged 11–18.
- Over 18s: Open to emerging and established adult artists and writers.
- Geographic Scope: While rooted in Surrey’s local history, the call is open to national and international participants who wish to engage with the theme.
Program Benefits & Awards
- Cash Prizes: Total prize fund of up to £750, distributed across different categories and age groups.
- Exhibition: Winning and shortlisted works will be featured in a dedicated online or physical showcase (details to be confirmed).
- Publication: Selected entries may be included in a physical or digital contemporary "well-being scrapbook" produced by INYBB.
- Community Impact: The opportunity to have your work serve as an inspiration for well-being in diverse community settings.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Creative Response: A single piece of work (image file or text document) responding to the prompt.
- Brief Statement: A short explanation (usually around 100–200 words) of how the work reflects "what keeps you well."
- Personal Information: Name, age category, and contact details.
How to Apply?
What Keeps Us Well Open Call - over 18s
What Keeps Us Well Open Call - under 18s
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 18 January 2026
- Selection Period: Late January – February 2026
- Winners Announced: Spring 2026
Location
Online / United Kingdom
Additional Details
The terms and conditions emphasize that by entering, artists grant INYBB the right to use their work for promotional and educational purposes related to the project. Participants are encouraged to look at the original "Shalford, 1921" poem (available on their site) to understand the historical context of the prompt before starting their own work.