Call to tender: NSCD 40th Anniversary publication

Northern School of Contemporary Dance invites proposals from experienced graphic designers, design studios and creative agencies to design and produce the artwork for a commemorative publication celebrating the School’s 40th Anniversary.

The publication will form part of NSCD’s wider anniversary programme and will celebrate over four decades of artistic innovation, community impact, education, heritage and alumni achievement.

We are seeking a designer or design team to create a visually engaging, accessible and impactful publication that reflects NSCD’s creativity, values and identity, while honouring its history and diverse communities.

Project overview

Founded in 1985, Northern School of Contemporary Dance is one of the UK’s leading conservatoires for contemporary dance, and the only one based outside London. Located in Leeds, NSCD is celebrating its 40th Anniversary in 2025/26 through a programme of heritage, community, artistic and celebratory activity.

The anniversary publication will form a key legacy output within this programme. It will act as both a commemorative document celebrating NSCD’s history and achievements, and a creative archive capturing stories, memories, photography and voices from across the NSCD community.

The publication is expected to include newly commissioned written content, alumni and stakeholder contributions, archival and contemporary photography, and reflections on NSCD’s impact locally, nationally and internationally.

The tone should feel celebratory, artistically ambitious, inclusive, and culturally rich. The visual approach should align with NSCD’s brand identity.