• HERITAGE- this project is preserving the oral heritage of Salford Quays. This artwork is part of that legacy and could be a permanent installation with the opportunity to tour. We want this work to explore and celebrate the history of the Lowry and its community.  

• CONNECTION - We are looking for artwork ideas that will create a point of connection between the stories and memories that inspired it, and the modern day. 

• PLACE- it should be able to be presented in the built-up environment of the Quays. It could also take into consideration the visual history of Lowry and the surrounding Quay. The commission should consider the scale of the work within Salford Quays wider architecture. We are looking to commission large scale works that fit within our curation (Examples of previous work shown at Lightwaves 2024: https://quaysculture.com/programme-highlights/ ) 

• LIGHT - The call out is open to artists working in all mediums but must include light as part of the work  

• SOUND - The proposed work must also consider how sound and oral histories could be integrated in a connected and considered approach.  

• Consider both environmental impact and sustainability of the artwork during its production, display and afterlife. 

• Be suitable to presented outdoors in winter. Work must be wind safe to 50mph and be IP65 compliant. 

• We would need a full set of RAMS for install, presentation and derig 

•  Materials 

•  Artist fee’s (R+D + Build)  

•  Travel expenses 

•  Other technical support or needs 

• Security 

• Support and contact to advisors where needed 

• Power and distro 

• Event staffing 

• Signage 

• Accommodation for built and break period, plus show period if required 

• Expression of interest open: Tuesday 11th March – Monday 24th March 

• Submission deadline: Monday 24th March 08:00am   

• Expression panel selection: 2nd April  

• Successful Applicant contacted: April 4th 

• Shortlisted artist interviews: 17th  April  

• Selected artist proposal development deadline:  29th April: 

• Final Panel selection and commissioning: 2nd May 

(Dates could change and artists will be notified if for any reason there is a change to the tiemline)

This is an expression of interest for an initial selection round.

Expression of interest will be judged by Quays Culture and a panel. 4 Artists will be selected from the expression of interest to develop ideas into a proposal format. £250 will be paid to each artist/group to develop the proposal for a final judging round. We will take one proposal forward to receive the full commission and work alongside Lowry and Quay’s Culture to develop the work for presentation at Lightwaves 2025. 

Please submit either via Curator space or if Audio of video at hello@quaysculture.com: 

• An overview of your practice (500 words max – written, video or audio) 

• Why you are interested in the project and commission (500 words max – written video or audio,)

• Two Supporting images of previous artworks (outdoor, light art or large scale structural based)  

• Links to website, portfolio or relevant social media 

• A copy of your CV if not available at any of the above

          (please share large images/audio files via WeTranser or alternative)

• That you are an artist with the right to work in the UK. 

• Your artwork will be ready for exhibition at Lightwaves Salford 2025  

• Your work is deliverable within the timescale of the programme and will be delivered on budget.  

• To attend an initial induction, production meetings and site visits where reasonably required.  

• You must have relevant Public Liability Insurance for your activity, to a minimum £10 million cover.  

• To supply, in advance, copy and images for marketing purposes as and when required   

• To provide evaluation feedback on completion of the commissioning fund, in line with the framework provided