You Gotta Get a Gimmick: Paul O'Grady Story will offer the first glimpse into Paul's extensive archive, contextualising him as an LGBTQIA+ icon, award-winning broadcaster, performer, author, campaigner, and passionate advocate for both people and animals. From championing LGBTQIA+ visibility and equality to encouraging children to read, supporting charitable causes and transforming attitudes towards rescue dogs, Paul gave a voice to those often unheard and became one of Britain's most beloved cultural figures. Selected artists will attend an archive meeting with Andre Portasio and Joan Marshrons. Creative guidance: work should reflect Paul's working class warmth and accessible authenticity with a theatrical, expressive, inviting aesthetic and embrace his contradictions (sophisticated yet grounded; theatrical yet intimate; nostalgic yet rebellious; glamorous yet human). Project scope includes a digital archive (portraits, costumes, video/audio), oral histories, a local Reading Club featuring Paul's children's books, and a heritage trail through Birkenhead Park, Oxton, and the riverfront. Mediums: open-visual art, poetry, drag, sound, performance, film, sculpture, or multi disciplinary work. Artworks must fit physically or digitally for long term exhibition. Eligibility & Tiers There are four separate commission opportunities, each worth £2,000. Artists must be aged 18+. To ensure both national reach and deep local connection, the commissions are tiered by geography: National - Open to artists based anywhere in the UK. North West Region - Open to artists in Cumbria, Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Cheshire. Liverpool City Region - Open to artists based in Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens, Wirral (option: free Williamson studio + mentorship from Feb 2027). Local: Wirral - Open to artists based in the Wirral only. This tier also features the option of an Artist in Residence position, offering free studio space at the Williamson. Budget & Financials Proposals should produce an artwork that celebrates and preserves Paul's legacy and contribution to British cultural life, centred on his importance to LGBTQIA+ history while also reflecting his roles as broadcaster, performer, author, animal-welfare campaigner, children's literacy advocate, and champion of working class voices. The commissioned work will join the Williamson Art Gallery's permanent collection (on long term display from December 2026) and should engage the exhibition themes and Wirral LGBTQIA+ heritage. Proposals must address one objective: Celebrate & Preserve: honour Paul's life and LGBTQIA+ activism. Please submit your proposal by 24 July 2026, 5pm. Applications can be submitted as word/PDF (up to 2 sides of A4) OR as a video/audio file (maximum 5 minutes long). Submissions must be sent to Jayne Compton via [email protected] by 5pm on 24 July 2026. Your application must include: Approach to Engagement: An explanation of how your proposal will make the exhibition and its heritage more accessible and thought-provoking, Portfolio: Links to your online portfolio, website, or social media channels that showcase relevant previous work. CV Highlights: A summary of relevant experience, including previous exhibitions, commissions, awards, or other notable achievements. Contact Details and Application Tier: Your name, address, contact information, and confirmation of which commission tier you are applying for.Job Summary
Job Description
Job Requirements
Fee: £2,000 flat rate per commission.
Inclusions: This fee is inclusive of commissioning, materials, travel, and all associated production costs.
Payment Structure: 50% paid upfront to cover initial material and production costs; 50% paid upon final delivery and installation.
Key Dates & Timeline (2026)
24 July: Deadline for applications (5pm)
10 August: Successful artists selected and confirmed
w/c 10 August: Commissioned artists will attend an archive briefing with Andre Portasio, and Joan Marshrons who will share key artifacts featured in the exhibition.
10 August - 2 November: Production and creation period
9 November: Final Paul O'Grady commissioned pieces installed at The Williamson Art Gallery
4 December: Exhibition opens to the publicJob Responsibilities
Be Inspired by Paul: explore his impact on British culture.
Hidden Histories: reveal lesser known local LGBTQIA+ stories.
Commemorate Progress: mark 60 years since partial decriminalisation of homosexuality, celebrating progress and ongoing struggles.
Beyond the Spotlight: examine Paul's influence in animal welfare, children's literature, broadcasting, performance,Useful Links
How to Apply
Project Proposal: A description of your proposed response to the brief, including a rough project timeline and an indicative cost breakdown.