23/06/2026
Ahoy creatives!
We’re looking for 8 artists, performers, storytellers, writers, musicians, speakers and community voices to join Culture Cargo - a travelling programme of performances, conversations and creative encounters aboard the historic Thames sailing barge Raybel.
During September 2026, we’ll journey along the Thames Estuary, stopping at riverside locations between Gravesend and London and bringing people together to explore stories of place, ecology, trade, climate and change. The project will take place between 3rd and 21st September.
We’re interested in proposals connected to:
- The Thames and its communities
- Ecology, climate, the rights of nature, and environmental justice
- Trade, transport and movement
- Estuary identity and belonging
- Migration, heritage and regenerative futures
We welcome ideas of all kinds, including:
Music and performance, spoken word and storytelling, talks and presentations, workshops and conversations, sound, visual and multimedia work, community history projects
Selected contributors will receive a £300 fee (inclusive), present their work as part of Culture Cargo and/or Totally Thames Festival 2026, and join a unique programme of creatives, community organisations and environmental thinkers. Activities can take place on board Raybel and should be between 45-90 minutes.
Application deadline: Midnight, Friday 10 July
Decisions announced: By Monday 20 July 2026
Apply via: https://www.raybelcharters.com/journal (link in bio)
Project enquiry: [email protected]
Supported by Arts Council England.
Image Credit: (Cirenne on Raybel) by Sam Wainwright
culturecargo
