Description:

A bid for the UK's first Town of Culture in 2028 invites artists, creatives, companies and organisations from Shetland, across the UK and internationally to propose ambitious new cultural work. Nine principal commissions are planned: three each at up to 200,000, 100,000 and 50,000 GBP, spread across three chapters of 2028 (January–April, May–August, September–December). Further commissions of up to 20,000 GBP are expected for smaller projects if the bid succeeds.

This stage is a light-touch Expression of Interest (a short online form), not a full application, so partners, production detail and a full budget are not needed yet. The commission value is a maximum, full and final figure that must cover all costs. Applicants for the largest commissions must show experience of delivering work of comparable scale; less established artists can apply at a smaller scale or as part of a team. Funding depends on the bid succeeding.