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Gig Culture Commission, The Cultural Spring

  •  North East
  •  Under £10K
  •  Full time
  •  Closes July 8, 2025
  •  caroline.liversidge@theculturalspring.org.uk
  • #Visual arts

Description

Job Summary

We’re looking for a talented visual artist to collaborate with young musicians and community storytellers from the Gig Culture project to co-create bold,energetic artwork for a professionally pressed vinyl release.

Job Description

Full brief can be downloaded: https://www.theculturalspring.org/opportunities

The Cultural Spring is working with a group of young musicians who have been inspired by stories from older South Tyneside residents about the local music scene from the 1950s to the early 2000s.

These intergenerational memories have shaped a new collection of original songs, which will be professionally pressed onto vinyl. We are now seeking an artist or arts organisation to work with us and with current and previous project participants to co-create a striking and meaningful album sleeve design that captures the spirit of the music and the stories behind it.

This commission is made possible thanks to a project grant from Arts Council England.

Commission Budget*

A total budget of up to £3,000 is available. This is expected to include:

Planning and design time

At least five co-creation sessions with the participants

Time for evaluation and reflection

All materials required Proposals must include an itemised budget, including any anticipated material costs.

*Please note: The £3,000 commission is inclusive of all artist fees, materials, VAT, travel, and any other associated expenses.

Room hire for engagement sessions, marketing and publicity will be covered by The Cultural Spring and its partners.

Job Requirements

We are looking to engage an artist, arts organisation, or artist collective to co-create a visually compelling album cover, inspired by stories and imagery from South Tyneside's music scene, past and present.

Working with Hive Storytellers, we have gathered memories of legendary gigs and music culture across the decades. These stories have inspired the creation of new bands and original music by young South Tyneside musicians aged 14-25.

We are seeking an artist or team who will

Engage with local people and story contributors to explore the most resonant themes

Co-create artwork that reflects both the community's memories and the energy of the new music

Deliver high-quality, collaborative creative sessions

Produce bold, imaginative and meaningful visual work for the vinyl sleeve.

The budget must cover all time spent planning, delivering workshops, developing and producing the artwork, and materials required. (The Cultural Spring will cover the costs of printing the album sleeves.)

Job Responsibilities

Specification

Through this commission we hope to create:

  • A finished album sleeve design suitable for a 12" LP record.

The design may include a fold-out element and must feature:

  • Visual interpretations of the stories contributed by South Tyneside residents, whether literal or abstract
  • Information and promo shots of the young musicians (provided by The Cultural Spring).
  • Credits, recording information, and lyrics.
  • Opportunities for local people to develop their skills and confidence in the arts.
  • An opportunity for local people to see their ideas and stories be brought to life through the arts.
  • Explore innovative approaches to building relationships and engaging participants.
  • Developing an appetite within communities for engaging in further creative opportunities.

Useful Links

How to Apply

Please submit your Expression of Interest in one of the following formats:

A single PDF document
A video (max 3 minutes) via WeTransfer or Dropbox Send your submission to: [email protected]

Subject line: Gig Culture Album Artwork

Your application should include:

A description of your artistic practice and approach to this commission (max 1,000 words).
A statement on your approach to co-creation and community engagement.
A detailed budget, including an outline of materials costs
Examples of your previous work.
Confirmation of Public Liability Insurance.
Confirmation of an enhanced DBS check. (this must be in place before the project starts; support can be provided to obtain this if needed)
A completed Equal Opportunities Form. https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/EOF2023

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