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First artist commissions released

Introduction

This document provides information about the creative taster sessions that Rockpools wants to commission in Hartlepool in Autumn 2026. Below you will find information about:

    • Rockpools, our values and ways of working (‘About Rockpools’)

    • The creative work we want to commission (‘Commission: Taster sessions’)

    • The information we need from anyone who wants to apply (‘Application Process’)

About Rockpools

Rockpools is a new arts programme providing more opportunities for everyone in Hartlepool to engage with arts, creativity, and culture. We prioritise co-creation, and we aim for every decision and commission to be shaped with our communities.

The name ‘Rockpools’ refers to the fact that each local community is unique, and we will work individually across every neighbourhood over the next three years. In 2026 we are focussing on the wards of Rural West (including Elwick and Dalton Piercy), Victoria and Seaton.

Rockpools is part of Creative People and Places, which is a national programme led and funded by Arts Council England.

Commission: Taster sessions

This commission is for artists and creative practitioners to run creative ‘taster’ workshops for residents in Hartlepool. As this is also the start of the Rockpools programme, we want to give people opportunities to try new creative activities – especially people who don’t regularly engage in arts and culture.

Sessions will be:

    • Friendly intro sessions, suitable for beginners

    • 6 individual, self-contained sessions

    • For adults

    • 1.5-2 hours in length

    • For a minimum of 15 participants

Participants might attend more than one session, or they may only attend one. So, sessions shouldn’t be repeated, but also shouldn’t rely on people attending every session.

Content for sessions

There is no set theme, but we particularly want to hear about:

    • sessions that will create something (individually, or together as a group) that can be exhibited in a future exhibition that will tour to community venues

    • ways you will draw on and showcase your existing skills and expertise

    • clear ideas that are inviting for people who don’t normally engage in creativity

    • taster workshops that are suitable for adults, fully accessible and adaptable for a range of needs

    • ideas that also help us to learn more about what people want next.

Location

Workshops will take place in accessible, community-facing venues:

    • Elwick (Women’s Institute, TS27 3EF)

    • Seaton Carew (Thrive, TS25 1BH)

    • Victoria (Venue TBC – near Middleton Grange Shopping Centre)

Finance

Each commission is for a total of £2,000.

This is the total amount and must cover all costs including time, artist fee, materials, travel and VAT (if applicable).

Artists will be required to send an invoice to Rockpools – so should be registered with HMRC as self-employed or via a registered company.

Evaluation

You will need to take part in evaluation, including a 45-minute informal conversation.

Who we want to work with

We are interested in working with artists and creative facilitators across all creative disciplines throughout the duration of the Rockpools programme.

For this commission, taster workshops should be working towards ideas that can be presented in a future touring exhibition in a community setting – therefore, we have a preference for visual arts, craft or other work that can be easily presented. Please note that the exhibition cannot included performance or film/sound/multimedia or large pieces of work.

Please note that preference will be given to artists based in Tees Valley.

We will commission 3 artists (i.e. there will be total 18 workshops across 3 venues).

Application process

If you want to apply, please complete the Application Form and submit to info@rockpools.org by 10am, Monday 14 September 2026

Download Application Form as a Word Document

Download Application Form as a PDF

 

Timeline

Brief published: Tue 25 Aug 2026

Info sessions: Wed 2 Sep (online), Thu 3 Sep (Church Square, TS24 7EX)

Deadline for applications: 10am, Mon 14 Sep

Online interviews: Wed 23 Sep & Thu 24 Sep

Notification of successful commission: Fri 25 Sep

Activity delivered (sessions): Mon 19 Oct – Mon 7 Dec (times & days TBC)

Evaluation: completed by Wed 16 Dec

Access requirements

If you would like to discuss any access requirements or if you need support to complete this application, please contact info@rockpools.org or 01429 858351.

AI

Please note that AI cannot be used in the preparation or delivery of any sessions. We prefer AI to also not be used in preparing applications, but instead want to see your creativity and personal approach shine through.

Data

Your data will be held by Rockpools, who are based at The Northern School of Art, in accordance with the Rockpools Privacy Policy.

Equal Opportunities

Please help us to ensure Rockpools is providing equal opportunities for everyone, by completing this Equal Opportunities form. Mark on your Application Form that it has been submitted.

Insurance

On your application, please confirm that you have Public Liability Insurance (minimum £5 million).

Questions

If you have any questions, please contact info@rockpools.org or 01429 858351.

 

Download Artist Commission Information