Applications open for third and final annual art commission opportunity in Berwick-upon-Tweed

We’re delighted to announce that in partnership with Northumberland County Council, we have opened applications for our third and final Annual Art Commission.

What we’re looking for

We’re seeking a cultural agency, artist, curator or creative producer to deliver an ambitious temporary contemporary art commission in 2026 (and no later than January 2027). The commission will follow Matthew Rosier’s stunning ‘Berwick Parade’ in 2025, and a commission by artist Lucy Wright for Arts&Heritage, which is due to launch in the summer of 2026.

The Create Berwick Annual Art Commission is an opportunity for a highly creative individual or organisation to research and commission artist(s) to deliver an exciting piece of work that takes Berwick as a starting point to produce a vibrant and exciting cultural experience. The project must also include opportunities for local people to be engaged in the creative process in some way. This might be as simple as acting as advisors or as active participants in the making or presentation of the artwork.

Driving cultural-led regeneration

Andrea Oliver, Create Berwick Manager, said: “Our Annual Art Commission is an opportunity for local, national and international artists to create a unique experience in the town; something that engages local communities, supports the skills development of artists and creatives in the region, and takes inspiration from Berwick’s unique qualities: including its heritage, people, topography or environment.

“Matthew Rosier’s commission in 2025 sold out three special performances at Berwick Barracks and more than 850 local people participated in the work. It was a great example of how culture is driving economic development in the town by attracting visitors and providing employment opportunities for local creatives.

“As our third and final annual art commission, we’d like to deliver something unique and memorable; something that demonstrates why Berwick is one of the most distinctive cultural destinations in the country.”

About the Annual Art Commission

The Annual Art Commission will be temporary and likely made for outdoors or in a non-traditional location for an agreed period of time. It is inclusive of all artforms, e.g. visual arts, digital, performance, procession, sound, text (or any combination of artforms). We’d like the work to be delivered by an artist of national standing and with experience of working with people and responding to place.

The commission will likely take its inspiration from Berwick, either the built environment, heritage, vernacular culture, people or the natural environment. Furthermore, the successful candidate will be sensitive to conservation issues and have experience of working in a town with listed buildings and conservation areas.

Available fee for project

The available fee is £40,000 (exclusive of VAT), which should cover all costs: including artist fees, materials, production, installation, and documentation.

How to apply

The full Annual Art Commission brief is available to download below. The deadline for submissions is 5pm on Friday 14th November 2025.

Shortlisted candidates will be notified by Wednesday 26th November 2025. A final decision will be made and the successful candidate notified on Friday 28th November 2025.

If you would like to discuss this opportunity with a member of the Create Berwick team, please email Andrea Oliver, Create Berwick Manager, on andrea.oliver@northumberland.gov.uk