Artist open-call for Art in the Arches: Safe Haven now live
Art in the Arches photography by Blake Watson
ArtHouse Jersey is announcing a call-out to artists to submit proposals for this year’s Art in the Arches project. Returning for its third iteration, Art in the Arches is a public art project transforming Jersey's iconic Elizabeth Marina. The new 2026 murals will sit alongside many other works of art from previous years of the project, creating an exciting and eclectic outdoor gallery. Art in the Arches: Safe Haven is delivered in partnership with Ports of Jersey.
Curated by artist and educator Jacqueline Rutter, the 2026 theme, ‘Safe Haven’ encourages participants to explore ideas of safety, belonging, and connection, to the Island, to the sea and to one another. Historically, harbours offer both protection and welcome; the theme reimagines Elizabeth Marina as both a literal and symbolic safe haven, a place of creativity, inclusivity, and hope. Possible interpretations might include: sanctuary, home, and resilience, the natural environment, ocean ecology, cultural identity and migration, mental health and wellbeing.
Artistic contributors will be a mix of local artists, community groups and school children, inviting diverse perspectives and showcasing local expression. Over the summer, a program of school and community workshops will take place leading directly into the design and creation of new murals. This year’s project will draw together and display work from a diverse community of participants, fostering community connection, place-making and participation in the making of public art.
Each participating artist and group will be assigned a mural arch to design and paint in response to the theme. Mural painting experience is not essential. This is a paid opportunity: Artists will receive a fee and materials budget. Murals will be completed on a schedule to be agreed during June and July 2026.
Art in the Arches photography by Blake Watson
Mural concepts and designs should:
Reflect the Safe Haven concept.
Be appropriate to the public, outdoor context.
Embrace creativity, cultural diversity, and environmental sensitivity.
Explore relationships between land, sea, and community
Be visible from a distance
HOW TO APPLY:
A short proposal (max 500 words) describing the concept and approach to Safe Haven.
A PDF or online portfolio of images of previous work.
A copy of their CV
Artists should send their application to Amy Baker, Programme Coordinator at amy@arts.je. The deadline for submissions is Monday 8 March.
We particularly welcome applications from artists that are less well represented in
Jersey cultural projects, for example artists or creatives with diverse lived experiences including those from different ethnic groups or disabled artists. If artists face any challenges in applying for this opportunity we can offer support and make reasonable adjustments to the process.
James Tyson, Head of Programme at ArtHouse Jersey said: “It’s wonderful to begin the third edition of this vibrant project that brings together local artists and school students to Elizabeth Marina over the summer months to create original artworks for everyone to enjoy. This year we are looking forward to fill in the remaining gaps in the arches and so are delighted to be working again with lead artist and curator Jacque Rutter to bring together a new cohort of artists around the theme of Safe Haven and see what inspiring images they create”.
More information about Art in Arches and the full details of the open call can be found via ArtHouse Jersey website.
ART IN THE ARCHES 2024 AND 2025
The idea for the Art in Arches project originated with local resident Mary Venturini who sees mural art along the Elizabeth Marina as a way of bringing community art and a new cultural identity to the Island. In 2024 ArtHouse Jersey and Jersey Water worked with artists Will Bertram, Robert Allen, Lucy Oates, Zara Le Cornu and Oli Nightingale to produce murals across 15 arches at the Marina on the theme of ‘Water, water, everywhere’. The 2025 theme was ‘Out of the Blue’ and featured work by artists Rian Hotton, Ben Robertson, Layla May Arthur, Aimée Cast, and Abi Overland as well as Hautlieu School, Jersey College for Girls, Springfield Primary, and Rouge Bouillon Primary.
ArtHouse Jersey would like to thank Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel, Jersey Development Company, Normans and AA Langois for their donations of space and materials, all of which have helped make this project possible.
Art in the Arches builds on ArtHouse Jersey's established track record of delivering high-quality public art that engages communities, supports local talent, and enhances Jersey's cultural landscape for residents and visitors alike.
