Apply now to be part of The Late Shows
Creative Central NCL is back with another exciting opportunity for artists to create bold, immersive works for The Late Shows. This year, we’re funding two new commissions for artists based in the North of Tyne to produce site-based installations that will captivate and engage audiences.
The Commissions
1. Bringing The Coach House to Life
A historic brick building in Newcastle, The Coach House, is undergoing an exciting transformation. For The Late Shows, it will become home to a living bio sculpture created by the BioKnit team from Newcastle University. This cutting-edge installation, made of knitted textiles and mycelium composite, will grow and evolve in the space, bridging the gap between art and science.
We’re looking for an artist to collaborate with researchers and creatively engage with this living process. This could take the form of installation, film, sound, writing, or other art forms, helping to shape, document, or respond to the development of this unique bio-integrated piece. This is an opportunity to work alongside scientists and designers, contributing a fresh creative perspective to an evolving artwork.
Visit the BioKnit team’s website
Find out more about this commission
2. Arcadea: Transforming the Public Realm
We want to commission an artist to work with Arcadea CIO, a pioneering organisation championing disabled artists. As Arcadea prepares to move into its new home in Waterloo Square, this commission will transform its striking window frontage into an engaging, accessible artwork for The Late Shows audience.
This is a chance to create a visually powerful piece that interacts with the space and community, turning the building into a vibrant hub of creativity. We are particularly interested in artists experienced in vinyl or painted applications and those who have worked with or identify as disabled creatives. This project will provide a unique opportunity to collaborate with Arcadea artists and create a lasting impact on Newcastle’s creative landscape.
Find out more about this commission
Why apply?
- A £2,500 commission fee per project, covering creation, materials, and engagement activities.
- A chance to collaborate with scientists and artists.
- Promotion via The Late Shows, Creative Central NCL and partner platforms.
- The chance to be part of The Late Shows, one of the region’s most celebrated after-hours festivals, attracting large and engaged audiences.
Who should apply?
Artists of all disciplines are encouraged to apply, particularly those with experience in site-based work, collaboration, and public engagement. As well as those who have experience of working with and supporting disabled creatives in an empowering and meaningful way and artists who identify as disabled themselves.
Preference will be given to artists based in the North of Tyne – Newcastle, Northumberland, and North Tyneside.
How to apply?
Visit our Opportunities page to find out more and apply for both of these commissions.
We must receive your applications by 10am on Monday 10 March 2025.
What is The Late Shows?
Running annually every May since 2007 (excluding the COVID years in 2020 and 2021), The Late Shows attracts audiences after hours to arts, cultural, and heritage venues in Newcastle and Gateshead.
Its programme, initiated and delivered by participating venues and artists, invites visitors to sample a range of museums, galleries, heritage properties, art forms, and participatory events that are not usually accessible in the evening.The festival encourages programming that diverts from the norm and is primarily aimed at adult visitors seeking new experiences.
The Late Shows is co-ordinated by North East Museums (formerly Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums).
The 17th edition of The Late Shows will take place on Friday 16 and Saturday 17 May 2025. Friday night is specifically for venues and organisations in the Ouseburn Valley and Saturday night is for venues across Gateshead and central Newcastle.
The Late Shows will take place within Creative Central NCL on Saturday 17 May 2025, from 6pm to 10.30pm.