The Cultural Spring, working with Jarrow Forward, South Tyneside Council and South Tyneside Cultural Partnership, is inviting an artist or arts organisation to develop Bright Sparks (working title): a bold, luminous and memorable outdoor event for Jarrow Town Centre in February 2027.

We want to create the foundations for a new winter tradition for Jarrow: a site-responsive outdoor work shaped through genuine co-creation with local residents, community groups, organisations and businesses.

The final work will be presented over a minimum of three days or evenings during February half term (12-22 February 2027) and will include a community parade, either to launch or close the event. It could include artworks, performance, installations, projections, light, sound, movement or other forms, making imaginative use of Jarrow's streets, landmarks and buildings.

The project should involve at least 200 local people and organisations in its development, with an ambition to reach 10,000 in-person attendances. We are particularly interested in work exploring light, creativity, the outdoors, children, young people and families, and new beginnings.

The commission is £15,000 for the creation of the work and the appointed artist/organisation's time. Community workshop costs, marketing and communications, and some infrastructure costs including road closures and stewarding will be supported separately.

Co-creation will take place from November 2026 to February 2027.