Current Opportunities
Challenging Stigma Artist Call Out
The Cultural Spring is looking to commission an artist or arts organisation to co-create an anti-stigma campaign with an existing group of South Tyneside residents who are experiencing multiple disadvantage, taking place at STARS in South Shields.
Working with Public Health, South Tyneside, we’ve been working to deliver an arts and culture project, supporting a campaign to tackle stigma; to reduce discrimination, isolation, and support people to access appropriate services.
We’ve been working with participants, delivering taster sessions alongside artists in a range of artforms, allowing the group to try new creative approaches, increase their confidence, and socialise during sessions. The group have helped to inform this brief.
The next stage of this project is open to the existing participants and new people who want to get involved. We’re looking to commission an artist or arts organisation to co-create an anti-stigma campaign with this group, leading to a final piece of artwork, a performance, a short film/animation or a relevant creative response.
This commission is open to any artform, and a number of themes have emerged through out work with the group:
Storytelling, including lived experiences of stigma
Social isolation
Mental health
This commission is particularly aimed at artists and arts organisations who have lived experience of stigma and genuinely want to work with people: artists who can listen deeply, build trust, invite participation and translate ideas into work with artistic strength and public impact.
BUDGET: £3500
Deadline for applications: 12 noon, Wednesday 11th November 2026.
These Streets Artist Call Out
We’re looking for two artists to deliver a taster session for between 8-15 people on either:
Monday 23rd November 5-6.30pm or Monday 30th November 5-6.30pm.
Through Arts Council England’s Place-Based funding and South Tyneside Cultural Partnership, Creative Producer, Louie Ingham has been working with residents from across Simonside and Rekendyke ward in South Tyneside during the last year.
Sessions are followed by a free community meal, prepared by Archie Smith and the ‘These Streets’ community chefs that artists delivering sessions are invited to enjoy.
Sessions include young children, their parents / carers and other adults and should be pitched at beginner level. We have a budget of £175 for a 1.5 hour session, including materials and all other costs.
DEADLINE: 12 Noon on Friday 6th November
If you are an artist and feel you would bring positivity and creativity to our communities, why not drop us a message and introduce yourself? We will store your information and let you know of any possible opportunities in the future. Just use the button below to contact us.