Opening up place-based commissions in Tameside

What happened?

Tameside’s latest GM Arts SPIRIT funded place-based commission was inspired by a local cultural observation: the borough has deep roots in folk dance and a strong contemporary dance scene, but the crossover between heritage and modern forms is often left to chance. From that starting point, the team (Natasha Lolljee, Outdoor Arts and Engagement Officer and Ben Irwin, Lead Arts and Events Officer) shaped an innovative call commission process designed to be both place-led and artist-centred, and ultimately awarded the Transmission commission to Sarah Hardacre.

Hannah Alwan-Weston (Arts and Events officer) also took part in the application and interview process, a genuine team effort.

The team were able to invest time up front to work with SPIRIT’s Project Manager to clarify purpose, refine criteria, and design an open call to reach beyond their existing networks.

“Sitting down with Jess supported and allowed the concept to grow from seed to a fully-fledged commission call out, it created time and space in team at full capacity, that was rooted in the creating with the community, by the community and delivered to the community.”

What changed?

The open call approach attracted more interest than normal, bringing forward artists who were not previously on the team’s radar. It also reduced wasted effort for applicants by using informal pre-application conversations leading to higher-quality submissions and a clearer interview process.

“We were able to speak to artists ahead of their applications. It weeded out some who either felt the commission was too big, too small, or if it wasn’t the right time.” Natasha

Shortlisted applicants were paid to develop proposals and budgets before interview, which supporting more informed decision-making about what would deliver best outcomes locally.

“An application can take a very long time. If you can at least put something towards that it removes some barriers and makes it more accessible for people.” Ben

What value did GM Arts SPIRIT funding add?

GM Arts SPIRIT funding created the space, and added the resource and external support (including challenge and structure) to commission differently: investing in scoping time, running an open call, holding applicant conversations, and paying for elements of proposal development. It also enabled a more risk-tolerant approach than local authorities can typically sustain when capacity is stretched.

“It’s often the path of least resistance, working with who you know. There’s an element of risk with this commission. Having the support from GM Arts to take those risks is really valuable.” Ben

What was learned?

The central learning from the commissioning stage is that an accessible, place-based process is not a single decision; rather is a series of design choices. Tameside’s experience suggests that openness works best when it is paired with:

(1) disciplined scoping and clear criteria;

(2) pre-application support to improve fit and reduce wasted effort;

(3) practical accessibility measures shaped around freelancer realities (including time, deadlines, and payment structures); and

(4) including paid producing and project management once the award is made. 

Note: GM Arts SPIRIT 2023-2026 was supported through the GMCA Cultural Portfolio Fund