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Crossing the Tees Book Festival invites artists and creatives from the Tees Valley region to submit proposals for a book-related activity for an adult audience to take place during the festival period of 12 to 27 June 2026.
We are looking for proposals from emerging artists and creatives as well as proposals that represent the diverse culture of our region. We would like activities that celebrate the National Year of Reading 2026.
The activity could be craft workshops, an art installation, a performance, writing workshops – we are excited to hear your creative ideas. The activity must be book, poetry or literature related. We are particularly interested in proposals that involve recycling old library books.
Successful applicants will be given £400 to bring their idea to life and cover all expenses including travel.
Crossing the Tees Book Festival is curated by the library authorities of Stockton-on-Tees, Middlesbrough, Darlington, Hartlepool and Redcar & Cleveland and supported by Arts Council England. The activity must be suitable to take place in a library in one (or more) of these areas. Successful applicants will receive support from library staff; promotion in the festival brochure, website and social media; space in a suitable library for the activity to take place.
Our libraries have a wide variety of flexible spaces that could be used including an Imagination Room with 3 projectors.
If you would like to discuss your idea and whether we have a space suitable before submitting a proposal please get in touch. If you have an idea for a project that may cost more than £400 please do get in touch to discuss as we may be able to commission.
Applicants must live in Stockton-on-Tees, Middlesbrough, Darlington, Hartlepool or Redcar & Cleveland.
Download the application form here
Closing date: Sunday 11 January 2026
