Lightlab 2025
Deadline: 18/07/2025City: Durham, Blackpool, Wigan | Philip Holmes
Paid opportunity
Durham County Council, Lightpool Festival and Wigan Council are delighted to announce an incredible opportunity for artists living and/or working in close proximity to the North East, Blackpool and Wigan Borough. The programme aims to encourage the development of high-quality light art with artists from a diverse range of backgrounds who may have never worked with light before.
The Lightlab skills development programme is aimed at adult artists who are motivated and inspired to develop their practice towards creating work that could be commissioned by light art festivals and for exhibition in a gallery context.
Artists will be supported by sector specialists to develop their ideas and gain knowledge on making and touring light art in festival and gallery contexts. Artists participating will gain practical experience and skills they can build on.
WHO IS IT FOR
By attending this session, you will have the opportunity to gain insights from leading experts, and new artists, in the field of light art; both internationally and here in the UK.
Light festivals have the power to transform ordinary spaces into extraordinary environments, evoke powerful emotions, and bring communities together in magical ways.
During this panel session, you will discover how artists utilise light to create stunning displays that leave a lasting impact at large-scale events, provide a calming atmosphere for relaxation, or an intimate experience for audiences.
We will also discuss the crossover between the more performative side of outdoor arts and the light night sector, as creative exchanges become more commonplace.
Whether you are an aspiring artist or simply intrigued by the impact of light, this session is bound to be an enriching experience for all. Join us now and immerse yourself in the transformative and magical world of light art.
THE OPPORTUNITY
- Up to 12 artists will be selected to take part.
- 21 & 22 October 2025
- 2 day visit to Blackpool
- Inspiration tour of Lightworks, the home of Blackpool Illuminations
- Masterclasses and talks where cohort meet established artists/producers working in the light festival field
- Guidance on how to complete a risk assessment and method statement to an acceptable standard.
- Understanding the light festival industry and what commissioners are looking for.
- Insight into curating light exhibitions, and challenges of installing different kinds of work.
- Basic budgeting
- Escorted visit to Lightpool Festival
- Accommodation provided 21st October 2025
- At the Blackpool visit, all artists will be invited to develop a design to be considered for further R&D
- 14 & 15 November 2025
- 2 day visit to Durham
- Presentation of artists R&D designs including feedback from panel
- Presentations by established artists
- Organised access to Lumiere Durham
- Artist presentation to be considered for R&D development fee
- Accommodation provided Friday, 14 November
- 5 Artists chosen to develop their idea further
- Chosen artists assigned mentor(s)
- 21 November 2025
- 1 day visit to Wigan
- Presentation of chosen artists R&D designs including feedback from panel
- Presentations by established artists
- Escorted visit to Light Night Wigan
- Accommodation provided Friday, 21 November
- Each artist will receive £350 Artist Honorarium; accommodation costs on the dates stated is covered by the organisers.
- 5 Artists will be selected to develop their design and receive a £1,500 fee each and mentoring support.
- Participants are encouraged to make a photo diary to record points of inspiration.
- Post Lightlab there would be a session to reflect on learning and signpost further learning and useful connections.
5 Artists will be selected to develop their design and receive a £1,500 fee each and mentoring support.
Competency to develop excellent work.
Capacity to participate fully in the Lightlab opportunities.
To develop then deliver R&D work according to the timeframe.
Openness to collaborate, commitment to a sense of teamwork.
They live or work locally to Blackpool or Wigan.
They are over 18.
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