Open Call: Royal Docks Originals 27: Partners Group, Advisory Group and Selection Panel

Would you like to help shape Royal Docks Originals 2027?

Royal Docks Originals

Royal Docks Originals is the area’s flagship cultural festival supporting and showcasing cultural and creative projects made here. A biennial festival, Royal Docks Originals, will be presented in autumn 2027.

Royal Docks Originals has four key guiding principles:

1. It’s a movement, not just a moment: people from across all sectors of our community work together to help the festival and make project
2. Original work made here: the festival showcases culture and creative industries made in the Royal Docks
3. By and with the community: residents, workers and students are invited to take part – creatively and as Festival team members
4. Inspired by and rooted in the Royal Docks: all projects respond to the area’s iconic land and waterscape and its diverse community.

We are excited to announce two opportunities for local people to get involved in planning and developing the festival.

1. Royal Docks Originals Partners Group will bring together individuals and organisations from across the area to inform and support the planning of the biennial festival. Members will be invited to participate in two meetings per year. Please note that anyone who works, lives or studies in the Royal Docks can join and there is no formal selection process. Find out more
2. Royal Docks Originals Advisory Group The Royal Docks Originals Partners Group will be represented by a smaller Advisory Group who work directly with the Royal Docks Team on the planning and delivery of the biennial festival. The Advisory Group will provide advice and oversight for Royal Docks Originals, including its strategic direction, accessibility and artistic programme. Find out more

The Advisory Group will include two members from the Creative Network (creative practitioners and organisations) and two members from the Creative Connectors group (local residents). These individuals will be paid for attending meetings at the London Living Wage (£14.80 per hour for 2026) and will be refunded for travel expenses within London.

Applications will be assessed by a selection panel made up from individuals from each of these groups. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to join a conversation with the Royal Docks Team to discuss the opportunity.

You can join the Royal Docks Originals Partner group and apply for the Advisory Group here

The deadline for applications is Friday 30 January 2026 at 5pm.