Lowe! commissions

Seven new commissions available for Artists and Creatives to create new and original work for a new Art Weekend in North Shields Cultural Quarter (NSCQ) 

Lowe!

Art Festival for North Shields Cultural Quarter March 2027

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.

Inspired by the High Light and Low Light of North Shields and the Northumbrian word "Lowe" meaning blaze or flame.

These seven new 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.

Three commissioning levels;

  • Glow X 1 £6000

  • Ember X 3 £3000

  • Sparkle X 3£1000

Deadline 17 August 9am

Commission brief

LOWE! 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. 

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. 

Further Information

Each commissioning level proposes different ways that the artist might explore the theme using the budget. Please contact northshieldsculturalquarter.gov.uk to request the PDF for the specific commission you are interested in.

Eligibility

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