Voices of the Tyne

This event features an art call, architecture competition, and public survey focused on Tyne kittiwakes. Participants can take part in either competition, explore creative ideas for urban wildlife habitats, and share their perspectives through a short survey. Activities run October 2025 – February 2026, including an interactive session and mini exhibition at the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art (dates tbc). The main focus is arts- and architecture-led, offering participants the chance to showcase their ideas and have their work displayed publicly. Support materials and guidance are provided for all skill levels.

Art & Architecture Open Calls

This series of events explore the relationship between urban environments and non-human life, focusing on the Tyne kittiwakes, a unique seabird colony nesting in Newcastle-Gateshead between march and august. Attendees will look into issues of biodiversity, environmental justice, and interspecies coexistence, considering how urban design can support wildlife while meeting human needs. Through activities such as the art call and architecture competition, participants can reimagine urban spaces, propose innovative habitat solutions, and reflect on the city’s ecological identity.

https://research.northumbria.ac.uk/nue/opencalls/

Public Survey

The public survey invites diverse perspectives, fostering dialogue about how humans share and shape urban habitats with other species. Participants also have the opportunity to contribute ideas that may be featured in a public exhibition, engaging directly with local researchers, artists, architects and urban designers. By taking part, attendees will gain insight into urban ecology, discover the potential of creative urban interventions, and join a broader conversation about building inclusive, resilient cities that integrate urban forms with nature and wildlife.

https://research.northumbria.ac.uk/nue/survey/

Dr. Jiayi Jin, Assistant Professor, School of Architecture and Built Environment

Dr. Ayse Ozbil Torun, Associate Professor, School of Architecture and Built Environment

Dr. Bing Zhai, Assistant Professor, School of Computer Science

Everyone is welcome!

We have two open call tracks: the Art Call, inviting local residents and artists to share their ideas, and the Architecture Call, open to architecture students, professionals, and enthusiasts. The Public Survey welcomes input from everyone.

Architecture Submissions: 1st Nov 25 - Art Submissions: 1st Dec 25