13 May 2026 2 min read

Our Creative Lives Young Emerging Artist Commission

Emerging Artist Commission (Ages 18–25) 

Our Creative Lives – Stretford, Longford & Humphrey Park

 

About the Commission

Stretford Public Hall is seeking an emerging artist aged 18–25 to create a new piece of work responding to the themes, stories and creative identity of Longford, Stretford and Humphrey Park.

This commission is part of Our Creative Lives, a community‑led project exploring local culture, unheard voices, and the future of creativity in the area. The commissioned artist will work closely with the community, drawing on insights from our Creative Conversations, local heritage, and the changing landscape of Stretford .

We welcome applications from artists working in any discipline, including visual arts, film, photography, illustration, digital arts, sound, performance, socially engaged practice, or cross‑disciplinary work.

 

Application Window: 13th May- 27th May

Finalist Presentations: 3 June 2026

Commission Period: June–August 2026

 

What the Artist Will Receive

  • £800 commission fee
  • A 3‑month residency in the artist studios at Stretford Public Hall (June–August 2026)
  • A dedicated professional mentor matched to your practice
  • Support from the Stretford Public Hall team
  • Opportunities to share work‑in‑progress with the community
  • A public platform to present your final piece in August 2026

What We’re Looking For

We want to support a young artist who is:

  • Curious about local stories, identity and place
  • Excited to work with communities
  • Open to experimentation and collaboration
  • Able to develop and deliver a project over three months
  • Based in, connected to, or with an interest in Stretford/Trafford

Your project could explore:

  • Local heritage or untold stories
  • Youth culture and creativity
  • Changing spaces and community identity
  • Music, nightlife, parks, green spaces
  • Intercultural experiences
  • Memories, archives, or future visions

We’re open to bold ideas — this is a chance to try something new.

What You Will Produce

By the end of the residency, the artist will create:

  • A final artwork, installation, performance, film, or creative output
  • A short reflection on the process
  • Material that can be shared publicly as part of the Our Creative Lives project

 

Application deadline 27th May 2026

For more information and to apply please follow the link here