BRAID A Promise in Return: £8,000–£12,000 UK Creative AI Commissions, Deadline 2 November
BRAID, the UK programme exploring responsible artificial intelligence through the arts and humanities, has opened A Promise in Return, a creative commissioning opportunity for practitioners based in the United Kingdom. Approximately seven new works will be supported and presented during the Edinburgh Festivals in August 2027. Applications close at 17:00 GMT on Monday, 2 November 2026.
What kind of creative work is eligible?
The open call welcomes artists, designers, illustrators, filmmakers, photographers, craftspeople, writers, performers and interdisciplinary makers. Proposals may take almost any digital or analogue form, including images, text, sculpture, installations, films, performances or interactive interventions. The central question is not whether an artwork uses the latest AI tool, but how it helps people rethink responsibility, relationships and obligations in an age shaped by AI.
BRAID encourages imaginative perspectives on trust, accountability, repair, collective action and the effects of AI on people and environments. Artists do not need a research degree or technical expertise in machine learning. Applicants should nevertheless demonstrate a clear engagement with responsible AI and show how the proposed new commission can be delivered within the programme's timeframe.
Commission value and exhibition plans
Each selected commission has an all-inclusive project budget of £8,000 to £12,000. This is not a flat personal artist fee: the requested amount must cover the practitioner's and collaborators' fees, materials, production, transport, equipment, applicable taxes and VAT, and other project expenses. BRAID also describes a separate £750 bursary toward limited travel and accommodation for installation and the exhibition opening.
Projects are expected to begin in January 2027 and culminate in an August 2027 exhibition associated with Edinburgh Art Festival. There may be further display opportunities connected to BRAID through 2028. Applicants should budget for participation in exhibition activities and engagement with the programme's research and creative community.
UK eligibility and student restrictions
This is an opportunity for UK-based creative practitioners, not an unrestricted international call. Students enrolled in full-time undergraduate or taught postgraduate courses are not eligible. PhD researchers can apply when they are also registered as self-employed freelancers and can demonstrate the capacity to deliver the commission alongside their studies. Proposals for new work are sought, rather than previously completed artworks.
How to apply by 2 November
Applicants can submit through BRAID's online written application form or an online video-application route. Video responses may be up to eight minutes long and should cover the artist's practice, proposal, relevant delivery experience and intended engagement with BRAID.
In addition to the application form, a single PDF email attachment is required: a portfolio describing three past projects (10 MB maximum), a CV of no more than two A4 pages, and a project budget. Supporting documentation must also arrive by the deadline of 17:00 GMT, 2 November 2026. BRAID suggests an optional expression of interest by 23 October; that date is not the final application deadline.
A practical assessment before applying
A strong submission should explain what public audiences will experience, why the idea matters to responsible AI, and how its technical, ethical and financial risks will be handled. Creatives who do not intend to use AI to make the work remain eligible: a thoughtful critical response can be just as relevant as an AI-powered installation. Check the organiser's live guidance and FAQs for the final application requirements.
Official call and application
Opportunity details checked on 16 October 2026. The organiser's published guidance takes precedence over this independent summary.
BRAID — A Promise in Return creative commissions: https://braiduk.org/creative-commissions