CALLING ALL LGBTQIA+ CREATIVES! CREATIVE COMMISSIONS ARE NOW OPEN!

Following the success of 2025’s Pride Fringe, Newcastle Pride is BACK with an opportunity for local artists to get involved in our annual creative commission.

In partnership with Creative Central NCL and Curious Futures (Curious Arts), we’re looking for creatives to produce an event or create a legacy artwork which responds to Newcastle Pride 2026’s theme “City of Hope, Streets of Joy”.

We’re offering TWO £2,500 creative commissions and TWO £750 Get Ready grants to help bring your vision to life. Whether you’re a performer, visual artist, writer, or activist - ALL art forms are welcome!

The Pride Fringe Festival will take place across Newcastle from July, leading up to Newcastle Pride weekend on Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th July.

Last Year's Fringe Festival!

Who is it for?

It’s for all artists and creatives who want to showcase their work during the Pride Fringe Festival and Newcastle Pride 2026, taking place in June and July 2026.

We will consider ideas for work in any art form, including, but not limited to:

• visual artwork

• performance such as dance, theatre, music and spoken word

• installations and exhibitions

• comedy

• podcasts or digital media.

  
  

What are the non-negotiable criteria?

• Your idea must include a performance opportunity or event/showcase to happen during Newcastle Pride Fringe in a venue within the Creative Central NCL footprint. Click here to see the boundary of Creative Central NCL within Newcastle City centre. The Pride team can help to facilitate access to a space if needed.

• Your idea must consider and respond to the theme of “City of Hope, Streets of Joy”. Read on for more details.

  
  

  Your idea must fulfil at least one of the following criteria:

  • Explores Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual + (LGBTQIA+) and/or gender themes.

  • Is of interest to LGBTQIA+ communities.

  • Is created or presented by LGBTQIA+ Artists.

  • Is a clear development opportunity for the Artist.

We are very interested in seeing commissions that can contribute to Newcastle Pride weekend and its legacy for future years. These could be banners or puppets which can be used in the March and reused in future years.

City of Hope, Streets of Joy

All ideas submitted must consider and respond to the theme “City of Hope, Streets of Joy”.

Deadline to apply: noon on Monday, 11th May 2026

APPLY HERE!