Honouring the legacy of the Sycamore Gap tree
Deadline
November 17, 2025
15 days left
Application Fee
FREE
Rewards
Multiple Rewards
Interest
High
234 views today
About This Opportunity
The Sycamore Gap was home to one of Britain’s most photographed and beloved trees, which stood as a powerful symbol of connection to nature for millions of people. Its unexpected felling in September 2023 deeply affected the public, sparking a wave of grief, reflection, and renewed environmental awareness.
This commission seeks to transform that sense of loss into a deeper movement—encouraging individuals and communities to reconnect with nature, value the landscapes around them, and explore how personal identity is intertwined with the natural world. This commission invites participatory responses for working with the wood. A selection of seasoned wood will be made available for the chosen commission. We envisage up to 50% of the total timber from the tree will be made available for this commission.
The application process is in two stages. Round one will be an open call for expressions of interest. Round two – we will then select up to 5 initial proposals, who will have access to the catalogue of wood. Selected proposals will also receive up to £5,000 to cover all expenses to develop a more detailed proposal.
These proposals will be publicly displayed online and a public vote will be part of the judges’ decision making in early 2026 – we expect to announce the winning commission in February 2026. We envisage proposals will create something which will have national impact and relevance, and which will use the wood to engage and inspire many people.
We are inviting proposals for how an artist or other practitioner will work with the wood in creative and inventive ways. We value co-creation and an audience-first approach. Please see the 49 Trees of Hope as an example of the way we have approached this to date.
What You'll Get
Types: FUNDING, EXHIBITION, OTHER
The commission is up to the value of £200k — We envisage a range of budgets from applicants. The National Trust will ultimately work with the chosen artist(s) on deciding the budget against their proposed deliverables and in line with Artists’ Union England guidance on rates of pay. Applications should include a suggested budget and this must include all creative / artists fee(s), materials, installation and transport, engagement workshops, delivery and be inclusive of VAT. Those invited to develop their proposals will receive a fee of up to £5,000 to cover all site visits, interviews and to develop their proposals.
Application Requirements
- PROJECT_DESCRIPTION
- LETTER_OF_INTENT
- MOTIVATION_LETTER
- ARTWORK_PORTFOLIO
- ARTIST_STATEMENT
- CV
- You will be asked to submit a proposal via email which is no longer than two sides of A4. In total this should include the following information: • A brief proposal submitted outlining your concept, format, creative approach and budget. • Examples of relevant past work or portfolio, plus a short biography and artist statement. **_Or_** • A short video or sound submission no more than 3 minutes long can be sent to [sycamoregap@nationaltrust.org.uk](mailto:sycamoregap@nationaltrust.org.uk)
Eligibility
Geographic Requirements
GB
Other Requirements
**We invite proposals from artists, organisations and creative agencies – and welcome submissions from individuals as well as collaborations and partnerships.** • Proposals should demonstrate a clear link to Sycamore Gap and an appetite to deliver outcomes in the north of England and as well as reach audiences more widely in the UK. • The National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We strongly encourage applications from artists of all backgrounds. **Materials, partners, communities and engagement** • We will make available a selection of Sycamore Gap Tree timber for the commission – this wood has been seasoned to extend its life and is a variety of sizes and shapes. • Those who are invited to submit more detailed proposals will be given a selection of sizes and images of the wood to prepare their detailed proposals. • The commission will be delivered with the National Trust – there will be support from the National Trust’s Public Engagement team as executive producer and supported by Communications and Marketing – including social media, web, and external communications for PR. • The wider sycamore project is supported by Sycamore Gap board – made up of the following partners: Northumberland National Park Association, Historic England and Hadrian’s Wall Partnership. • Selected proposals will also have access to an archive of stories and memories – signifying the importance of Sycamore Gap and example of which can be found here Sycamore Gap: Tree lovers talk about the impact it had on their lives – BBC News • The National Trust will work closely with the chosen artist(s) to develop social content, campaign collateral and media materials. **Art form / practice** • We are interested in innovative ways to work with the wood, including mass participation. • We are looking for concepts which can galvanise audiences to connect with each other and nature. • The commission is open to multiple art forms and creative agencies – we are looking for clear concise engagement concepts and deliverability.
National Trust
Swindon, GB
Verified Organization
Active since 2020
Ready to take the next step?
Don't miss out on this opportunity. Applications close on November 17, 2025.