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.

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