‘Reimagining Play at Dulwich Picture Gallery’ Design Competition

The London Festival of Architecture and Dulwich Picture Gallery have launched an Open Call to create a playable sculptural installation for the Gallery’s new sculpture garden.

This innovative competition invites architects, designers, and artists to submit their creative ideas for an installation that will inspire wonder and playfulness in audiences of all ages creating an inclusive welcome for visitors to the Gallery.

This new competition presents an exceptional opportunity for a creative designer or design team to secure a public commission that merges play, art, architecture, and design, informed by primary-aged children (4–11 years). The winning team will collaborate with the Gallery’s Programme and Engagement team to engage local audiences, responding to the unique context of the site, connecting the Gallery building, the artwork, and the gardens through a child’s perspective that is visually striking and engaging.

The judging panel will shortlist the submissions, selecting up to six practices to develop a design concept based on the guidelines provided in this open call. Each shortlisted practice will receive an honorarium of £1,000 to further develop their designs and engage in initial participation workshops with target audiences at Dulwich Picture Gallery.

The commissioned installation will find its long-term home within the garden for approximately 10 years, with the installation planned for 2026. The winning team will receive a budget of approximately £80,000 to develop and deliver their design in partnership with Dulwich Picture Gallery, forming a key part of the Gallery’s ambitious ‘Open Art’ project, aiming to integrate the gardens with the Gallery by transforming three acres into a sculpture garden.

If you’re interested in entering the competition, you can attend an online drop-in session on 23 July 12.00pm – 1.00pm for a Q&A, and you can register here to attend.

Interested applicants are invited to submit their expressions of interest by Thursday 5 September, 12pm.

Competition details