Public Art Commission
Newcastle City Council Closing date: Mon, 30 Nov 2026
- Full time
- £15k-£20k
- Apply now
Tue, 03 Nov 2026 "> published -
Job Summary
Job Description
Newcastle City Council is seeking artist(s) with proven experience in public realm art to design and install two distinctive but complementary artworks across two sites. The commission will explore the theme "A Place to Belong", inviting local young people to share what belonging means to them, what connects them to a place and community, and how public spaces can help them feel welcome and included.
The artworks should respond creatively to their locations, complement one another as a cohesive series, and demonstrate an understanding of the practical challenges of installing artwork on masonry, wood and metal shutters.
The artist(s) will work closely with the local community through creative workshops to develop the final designs. Newcastle City Council will support engagement by identifying relevant community groups and facilitating relationships. Designs will be subject to Council approval before installation.
The commission includes site assessments, design development, community engagement, project planning and installation. Artists must provide a detailed programme, cost breakdown and contingency, alongside an installation plan covering timescales, surface preparation, equipment, subcontractors, health and safety, risk assessments and post-installation clean-up.
The total budget is £17,000, inclusive of artist fees, materials, workshops, site visits, installation equipment and contingency. The completed artworks must be durable, low-maintenance and protected with suitable coatings.
Job Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate:
-Proven experience designing and installing high-quality public realm artwork.
- Strong creative and technical skills, including an understanding of installing artwork on masonry, wood and metal shutters.
- Experience of community engagement and collaborative design development, particularly with local young people.
- Ability to work constructively with stakeholders and respond to site conditions and community feedback.
- Experience of project planning, budgeting, contingency management and delivering work on time and within budget.
- Ability to prepare risk assessments, installation plans and meet health and safety requirements.
- Capacity to deliver durable, low-maintenance artwork within the £17,000 total budget.
Applicants must provide an expression of interest (maximum two A4 pages), CV (maximum two pages), two referees, five images of relevant work with details, a high-level budget and timeline, proof of current DBS and Public Liability Insurance.
Job Responsibilities
The appointed artist(s) will be responsible for:
-Visiting both sites to assess surfaces, conditions and installation requirements, and liaising with NCC on any technical queries.
- Planning and delivering creative community workshop(s) to explore the theme "A Place to Belong".
- Developing two distinctive, complementary artwork designs informed by community engagement and appropriate to each location.
- Submitting designs to Newcastle City Council for review and approval before installation.
-Preparing a detailed, costed programme, including a budget breakdown and contingency.
-Coordinating materials, equipment, subcontractors and installation arrangements within the agreed budget.
- Preparing an installation plan covering timescales, surface preparation, risk assessments, health and safety and post-installation clean-up.
- Completing the commission within the agreed programme and budget.
Useful Links
Job Overview
- Job Title: Public Art Commission
- Salary: £15k-£20k
- Hours: Full time
- Artform: Visual arts
- Role: Creative
- Contract: Contract
- Closing date: Mon, 30 Nov 2026
-
Location:
| view on Google MapsNorth East
Job: Public Art Commission
Job: Public Art Commission
Organisation: Newcastle City Council
Postcode: NE4 9JN
How to Apply
Click on "Apply Now" link for further information on the project and contact details. Deadline for submissions is 30 Nov 2026.
- Contact name: Izzy Lezcano
- Contact email: [email protected]
About Newcastle City Council
Newcastle City Council’s High Streets teams are seeking to commission artist(s) to deliver a public realm art project.