Commissioning Opportunity
We are inviting artists, creatives, companies and organisations from Shetland, across the UK and internationally to propose ambitious new cultural work for Lerwick 28.
This is a light-touch Expression of Interest, not a full application. At this stage we want to understand the strength of your idea, how it helps tell our story, who it involves, what difference it could make and whether there is a credible route to delivering it at the scale proposed.
You do not need to have every partner, production detail or budget line confirmed before you apply.
The commission call opens on 16 September 2026 and closes on 16 October 2026.
The opportunity
Lerwick is shortlisted to become the UK’s first Town of Culture in 2028. If successful, Lerwick 28 will use commissioning as one of the key ways to create ambitious new work.
We are currently planning nine principal commissions: one commission at each of three values within each of the three chapters of 2028.
- Up to £200,000
- Up to £100,000
- Up to £50,000
If we are successful, there will be further commissioning opportunities announced up to £20,000 for smaller projects.
The three chapters
Across 2028, our activity will develop through three chapters that tell our story.
Chapter One: Inspiration | January-April
Open the year; build confidence, skills and anticipation; start projects that may culminate later.
Chapter Two: Play | May-August
Make Lerwick visibly different and joyful; invite residents and visitors to use the town differently.
Chapter Three: Launch | September-December
End of the year, big celebrations and looking to the future – what’s next?
The chapters form one journey: Inspiration creates possibility, Play makes it visible, and Launch sends it forward.
Who can apply?
Artists, creatives, companies and organisations from Shetland, across the UK and internationally, including those with no existing relationship with the Lerwick 28 team.
Quality, originality and ambition will be expected at every scale. The experience and track record expected will be proportionate to the scale, complexity and financial value of the commission.
Applicants for the largest commissions will need to demonstrate experience of delivering work with comparable responsibility. Less established practitioners can apply at an appropriate scale, or as part of a team or collaboration that collectively provides the experience and capacity required.
Commission or partnership?
A commission is a defined, funded and contractual opportunity to create and deliver work against an agreed brief. A partnership is built around shared objectives, mutual contribution and benefit on both sides.
Partnerships can include co-commissioning or new creative work, but if your main proposition is to seek a Lerwick 28 commission to produce and deliver a defined piece of work, please use the Commissions route.
Before you apply: talk to us
You are welcome to arrange a short, informal conversation with Graeme Howell, Lerwick 28 Bid Director, before submitting an Expression of Interest.
The conversation can be used to clarify the brief, the commissioning process or the fit of your idea. It is not part of the assessment process and will not give an applicant an advantage. We cannot develop or write your proposal for you.
To arrange a conversation, email martine.hall@shetlandamenity.org.
If the online form is not accessible to you, please use the same email address or ring 01595 743843 and ask for a call back to discuss an alternative way to submit.
Expression of Interest
The Expression of Interest opens on 16 September 2026 and closes on 16 October 2026.
We have deliberately kept this first stage concise. We are not asking for a detailed production plan, a full budget, confirmed partners or formal references at this stage.
Lerwick 28 Commissions Brief (PDF)
Filed under: Opportunity