Four artists could see their work be part of the major retrospective exhibition coming to Birkenhead, Wirral this year, celebrating Paul O’Grady. 

You Gotta Get a Gimmick: Paul O’Grady Story will open at Williamson Art Gallery on 4th December 2026, and run until late 2027. 

An open call launches today until 24 July for new works by LGBTQIA+ artists that will feature in the show, exploring Paul O’Grady’s extraordinary contribution to British culture, LGBTQIA+ history, animal welfare, children’s literacy, broadcasting and the performing arts.

Proposals should create an artistic response that celebrates and preserves Paul’s legacy, life and contribution to British cultural life. 

While rooted in his importance to LGBTQIA+ history, proposals may also explore his impact as a broadcaster, performer, author, campaigner for animal welfare, advocate for children and literacy, and champion of working-class voices. 

The commissioned artwork will join the Williamson Art Gallery’s permanent collection, exploring Paul’s lasting impact on British culture, LGBTQIA+ representation, animal welfare, children’s creativity and reading, broadcasting, performance and community life.

The commissions will engage with the themes of the exhibition and Wirral’s wider LGBTQIA+ heritage.

Key Exhibition Themes and Submission Criteria for Creative Proposals

Applicants are invited to submit concepts that align with the core message of the retrospective. 

Proposals must directly address one of the following official project remits:

• Celebrate & Preserve – Honour Paul’s life, legacy, and profound contribution to LGBTQIA+ history and activism.
• Be Inspired by Paul – Explore Paul’s lasting impact on British culture. Selected artists will attend an archive meeting with Andre Portasio and Joan Marshrons to discuss key items on display.
• Hidden Histories – Uncover and share the lesser-known LGBTQIA+ stories that shaped the Wirral’s rich heritage.
• Commemorate Progress – Mark the upcoming 60th anniversary of the partial decriminalisation of homosexuality, celebrating the progress of LGBTQ+ rights while reflecting on the ongoing fight for equality.
• Beyond the Spotlight – Explore Paul’s enduring influence through his work with animals, children’s literature, broadcasting, performance, community engagement and charitable causes.

Proposals are not tied to any medium, they can be visual art, poetry, drag performance, sound design, film, sculpture or cross-platform.

Unveiling an Extensive Archive From Tranmere to Battersea Dogs Home

Alongside Paul’s personal belongings and archive, the exhibition will feature an oral history collection of LGBTQIA+ stories, a Reading Club in local libraries celebrating Paul’s children’s books and passion for literacy, projects exploring his lifelong commitment to animal welfare, and a heritage trail through Birkenhead Park, Oxton and the riverfront.

You Gotta Get a Gimmick: Paul O’Grady Story will offer the first glimpse into Paul’s extensive archive, contextualising him as an LGBTQIA+ icon, award-winning broadcaster, performer, author, campaigner, and passionate advocate for both people and animals. 

From championing LGBTQIA+ visibility and equality to encouraging children to read, supporting charitable causes and transforming attitudes towards rescue dogs, Paul gave a voice to those often unheard and became one of Britain’s most beloved cultural figures.

From Tranmere to the Royal Vauxhall Tavern, the “blonde bombsite of Birkenhead” to Battersea Dogs’ Home, the exhibition will present Paul O’Grady as one of Britain’s most cherished and significant cultural figures.

For full details of how to apply to the artist commissions, entry criteria and guidelines, creators can click here.

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