UCL200 Artist Commission for UCL School of Pharmacy

About the Open Call

UCL200 marks 200 years since UCL’s establishment in 2026, celebrating its founding values, excellence, and impact, while framing its future. The bicentenary includes a rich program of engagement, inviting artists to work with UCL's diverse community to create artworks reflecting the university's legacy. The UCL School of Pharmacy, a leading institution for pharmaceutical education and research since 1842, combines cutting-edge science with clinical practice. It focuses on drug discovery, pharmaceutics, pharmacology, and pharmacy practice, with strong industry partnerships and a global research network. This commission invites an Artist to collaborate closely with the School of Pharmacy’s four research departments (Practice and Policy, Pharmaceutics, Pharmacology, and Pharmaceutical and Biological Chemistry) to create distinct artworks that capture each department's unique focus and character. The aim is to explore the intersections between scientific inquiry and creative practice, foster public engagement, enrich academic dialogue, and offer fresh perspectives on pharmaceutical research. The artist is expected to engage meaningfully with the research departments, facilitating creative exchange, documenting their research and creative process, and producing four distinct largescale works (spanning up to 100x100cm) inspired by the scientific environment and themes. These works will be permanently housed in the Maplethorpe Lecture Theatre – G02 (with the proviso they are detachable if the School relocates). The engagement period (February – June 2026) involves deep interaction with the research departments, access to researchers, labs (where appropriate), and events. This phase encourages consultation, experimentation, and exploration, with opportunities for the artist to host events, discussions, or workshops. The realisation period (July – September 2026) is dedicated to developing and delivering the artwork, culminating in an unveiling event on World Pharmacists Day, 25 September, 2026. Regular check-ins with Prof Cate Whittlesea, UCL School of Pharmacy Director, will provide ongoing support.

What is Offered

The artist will receive an Artist fee of £8,000, an artwork production budget of £6,000 (managed by UCL School of Pharmacy), dedicated desk space within the UCL School of Pharmacy, ongoing mentoring support from UCL School of Pharmacy, a UCL staff card for campus and library access, and production and curatorial support from UCL’s Public Art team to realise the final work.

Requirements

We welcome applications from artists working with 2D and wall-based outputs (e.g. painting, mixed media, photography, textile), with a demonstrated interest in science, healthcare, or public engagement. Applicants must submit a short statement of interest (max 500 words), a CV and portfolio of relevant work, and ideas for potential engagement or project outcomes.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit: A short statement of interest (max 500 words), CV and portfolio of relevant work, and Ideas for potential engagement or project outcomes. Applications should be submitted by midnight, 23 November, 2025 to sop.director@ucl.ac.uk.