Fee
Deadline
Open To
The deadline to apply for this has been extended from 9am on Wednesday 10 June to 11:59pm on Wednesday 10 June.
What is the opportunity?
This is an open call for a visual artist to create a large scale mural for the Forth Street Tunnel.
The commission is part of the Central Gateway Connectivity project, which is improving routes around Newcastle Central Station, including Orchard Street Tunnel, Forth Street Tunnel and Forth Street.
The theme for this commission is Motion. Artists are invited to respond to the movement, rhythm and energy of the site, as well as the area’s history and its role in the development of locomotive engines.
The finished artwork should create a visually interesting experience for people moving through the tunnel.
Who is it for?
This opportunity is for visual artists interested in creating significant public artwork in Newcastle city centre.
We welcome applications from artists across the UK, but are particularly interested in artists who are based in, work in, or have strong links to the North East region.
The selected artist must be able to complete the artwork between October and December 2026.
Artists must also have the appropriate certification for working at height, such as PASMA and/or IPAF, depending on the access equipment used.
What are we looking for?
We’re looking for an artist who can create a distinctive, site-responsive artwork that:
- responds to the theme of Motion
- considers the tunnel’s history, location and use
- creates an engaging experience for people moving through the tunnel
- can be painted directly onto the tunnel walls
- takes account of the glazed brick surface, moisture and future weathering
Full details about the site, theme, surface and practical requirements are included in the guidelines, read them here.
What are the non-negotiable criteria?
Your proposal must:
- be an original artwork created for Forth Street Tunnel
- respond to the theme of Motion
- respond to the specific site and its role as a route between Stephenson Quarter and the city centre
- be deliverable between October and December 2026
- be suitable for painting onto glazed brick
- meet the working-at-height requirements
- be suitable for varnishing once complete
What support is included?
Two shortlisted artists will each receive a £1,000 development fee to work up their ideas in more detail before the final decision is made.
The final selected artist will receive:
- £34,000 total commission fee, including design, materials and painting works
- support with permits
- promotion via Creative Central NCL social media and communications activity
Application process
The deadline for applications is 11:59pm on Wednesday 10 June 2026.
Applications should be the equivalent of one side of A4 or a maximum two-minute audio/video recording, and must include:
- a brief artist bio
- links to your previous work or portfolio
- a summary of your idea and how it responds to the brief
- a quick sketch of your idea, or supporting images that help explain your approach
Submitting your application
Send your application to:
Subject line:
Forth Street Tunnel
If you have questions or access needs, contact:
Vikki Leaney
vikki.leaney@newcastle.gov.uk
Anna Czigler
anna.czigler@newcastle.gov.uk
Key dates
- Application deadline: 11:59pm on Wednesday 10 June 2026
- Shortlisting between: 10 June and 19 July 2026
- Artist notified: week of 22 July 2026
- Shortlisted artist interviews: between 27 July and 7 August 2026
- Final artist selection: by the end of August 2026
- Project delivery: between 1 October and 31 December 2026
Before you apply
Please read the full guidelines before starting your application.
The guidelines give more details on the location, the theme, what to include in your application and how the process will work.
Read the full guidelines and apply by 11:59pm on Wednesday 10 June 2026.