Community Voices needed for Newcastle-under-Light Art Installation

Newcastle-under-Lyme BID and Appetite, supported by Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, is inviting people from across the town to take part in a special community-led artwork for Newcastle under Light this March.

The new projection artwork, will be shown on the Guildhall on Wednesday 4^th March and is being created jointly by Newcastle-under-Lyme BID and Appetite to place local voices right at the heart of the event. The piece will be built from short voice notes submitted by people who live, work, study or spend time in the town, capturing personal stories, memories and reflections that define Newcastle-under-Lyme.

This project reflects a shared commitment from the BID and Appetite to celebrate local identity, creativity and community pride, using public art to give space to everyday voices and experiences.

Anyone with a connection to Newcastle-under-Lyme is encouraged to get involved. Contributions can be light-hearted or serious, reflective or spontaneous – all voices are welcome.

Participants may choose to respond to one of the following prompts, or simply share their own thoughts:

• Something interesting that happened in Newcastle-under-Lyme recently, and where it happened
• A surprising conversation with a stranger in town
• A family story or long-standing connection to Newcastle-under-Lyme
• A favourite place in the town and a memory linked to it
• Finish the sentence: “My favourite thing about Newcastle-under-Lyme is…”
• Finish the sentence: “My biggest hope for Newcastle-under-Lyme is…”

Voice notes should ideally be between 30 and 60 seconds long, although submissions of up to two minutes are welcome. Contributors are encouraged to mention a place in the town, a keep things natural and informal and speak as if sending a quick voice message to a friend. 

How to take part: Voice notes can be sent via WhatsApp (07766720625) or email to hello@nulnid.co.uk

To confirm consent for use in the artwork, contributors should include the words: “Yes, you can use this in the Newcastle-under-Lyme projection.”

Opportunities for the public to attend community engagement workshops at key Newcastle on Saturday 7^th February will be announced via Newcastle BID and Appetite’s social media feeds.

The completed artwork will be unveiled as part of Newcastle-under-Light on Wednesday 4^th March, with the Guildhall becoming a focal point for shared stories and voices from across the community.

Newcastle under Lights is part-funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.