North Shields Cultural Quarter is seeking proposals for ambitious, site-responsive artworks that explore the theme of illumination through light, storytelling, participation, place, memory or visibility. Inspired by the High Light and Low Light of North Shields and the Northumbrian word "Lowe" meaning blaze or flame. LOWE! Will be a long weekend of creative activity that takes place in March 2027 across the town centre, focused around the transport hub and the Cultural Quarter.

These commissions are designed to support emerging artists, artists testing new ideas and practitioners interested in community-led approaches. We are particularly interested in proposals that engage with the social, cultural, architectural or historical character of North Shields and that create meaningful opportunities for public engagement. 

There are three commissions

• Glow £6000 x2
• Ember £3000 x2
• Sparklet £1000 x3

LOWE! Will be a programme that thinks about light in three senses: 

1. Moving Light 
Projection, glow, fire, reflection, signal; light as a physical and sensory medium. 
2. Urban illumination 
Drawing attention to hidden, overlooked or marginal spaces within the town centre. 
3. Social Spotlight 
Highlighting voices and identities not always visible within the town’s cultural narrative. 

LOWE! is committed to supporting a diverse range of artists and artistic practices.

The programme seeks to create opportunities for artists whose perspectives, experiences and creative voices are currently underrepresented within the cultural sector, while ensuring an open, fair and transparent commissioning process for all applicants. 

Works may include, but are not limited to: 

• Light-based installations 
• Projection and moving image 
• Sound installations 
• Temporary sculptural interventions 
• Digital artworks 

Participatory or socially engaged practice 

Projects should demonstrate strong artistic quality, a clear relationship to place and an achievable delivery plan. 

Community Engagement 

Artists are encouraged to incorporate opportunities for local people to contribute to, influence or engage with the development of the work. 

This may include: 

• Story gathering 
• Workshops 
• Informal conversations 
• Co-creation activities 
• Public testing or sharing events 

We recognise that meaningful engagement takes many forms and do not expect all projects to adopt the same approach. 

Budget 

The commission fee must cover all costs associated with delivery, including: 

• Artist fees 
• Materials and fabrication 
• Travel and accommodation 
• Community engagement activity 
• Equipment hire (we are open to discussions about additional support for equipment relating to projected work) 
• Installation and deinstallation 
• Insurance 
• Any other project-related expenses 

Support 

Commissioned artists will receive curatorial support throughout the development and delivery process. 

Please tell us about any access requirements or support you may need during the application process or, if successful, during the delivery of your commission. 

Who We Want to Hear From 

LOWE! is committed to creating opportunities for artists whose voices and experiences are currently underrepresented within the cultural sector. 

We particularly encourage applications from:

• Disabled artists 
• D/deaf artists 
• Neurodivergent artists 
• LGBTQ+ artists 
• Working-class artists 
• Artists from racially and ethnically marginalised communities 
• Artists who experience barriers to participation within the arts and cultural sector 

We welcome applications from artists at all stages of their careers, including those who may not have previously worked within public art, socially engaged practice or large-scale commissioning programmes. 

Applications are welcomed from individuals, collectives and collaborative teams. 

Selection Criteria 

Applications will be assessed against: 

• Artistic quality and originality 
• Response to the LOWE! theme 
• Connection to North Shields and its communities 
• Feasibility and deliverability 
• Potential to create meaningful public engagement and participation  
• Contribution to the programme's commitment to diversity, inclusion and representation 
   

Fair Pay 

LOWE! is committed to fair and equitable payment for artists. Commission budgets have been developed to support artist fees alongside production and delivery costs.

Applicants are encouraged to ensure that their budgets appropriately reflect the time, skills and expertise required to realise their proposals.