The Northern Way Virtual Gateway Commission - The Northern Way, working with Arts Council England to deliver the 10m ‘Welcome to the North’ public art programme, wishes to commission a truly innovative and original virtual artwork ‘Gateway to the North’. Tenders are invited from organisations seeking to work with a named artist(s), individual artists or collaborating artists for this major commission.

The emphasis of this new commission will be on its virtual long-term presence, although it can also include physical manifestations that make a link between the real and virtual, and is open to a range of artforms and media including: sound, software art, blogging, performance and events, online worlds and mapping systems such as Second Life, and GoogleEarth. The proposals will need to include a web-based accessible platform and applicants are also welcome to consider the use of a number of other distribution and presentation platforms such as podcasts and videocasts; CD and DVD; mobile phones and locative media.

The commission will:

* Make connections across the three Northern regions
* Reference and conceptualise the North through its geographical, social, cultural and economic landscapes
* Provide an opportunity for all users to engage with the commission
* Provide a platform which is accessible to local, regional, national and international audiences
* Represent or consider the North in all its diversity.

The proposal will also need to include a detailed education programme, evaluation programme and PR/marketing. The commission must be completed no later than the end of March 2008.

The commission is open to artists in the UK and beyond. Full details and specifications are available from: Kath Savage on 01924 486 212 or vage[at]artscouncil.org.uk. The closing date for applications is 14 September 2007, 12 noon. Shortlisted applicants will be invited for interview to present their proposals.

The Northern Way a unique collaboration of regions and cities from across the North of England, led by the three Northern Regional Development Agencies: Yorkshire Forward, Northwest Regional Development Agency and One NorthEast. This is a 20 year strategy to transform the economy of the North of England. Success will be determined by the bridging of a 30 billion output gap between the North and the average for England.