Short Description
Light Up the North (LUTN) is a network of light festivals across the North of England. Nine of these festivals are working together through SHINE to commission up to two artists or collectives in 2025.
The SHINE programme aims to nurture and develop new talent and is open to anyone (aged 18 or over) with an idea for a shining light artwork, and the skills to realise that idea. The chosen artworks will be exhibited at four/five of the following LUTN festivals:
Eligibility
To be eligible to apply to the SHINE programme you must be UK-based and perceived as an emerging talent (aged 18 or over) with the ability to realise ideas to a high quality.
We perceive emerging talent as: emerging light artist is an artist in the early stages of their career who specialises in using light as a primary medium. They may work across disciplines such as installation, sculpture, projection mapping or interactive technology using light to shape space, create atmosphere, and engage audiences. This could include artists integrating light into their practice for the first time or those already working with light but still developing their craft, gaining visibility, and building their career within the field of light art. Artist with a wide breadth of previous creative practices will be considered.
The artwork(s) will need to be:
- SUITABLE for exhibition at outdoor winter light festivals in the UK
- ARTISTICALLY challenging, interesting and of high quality
- STRUCTURALLY resilient enough to withstand the winter weather at multiple festivals between October 2025 and March 2026, and to withstand transportation across the festival network
For SHINE 2025, the successful commissions will also need to:
- FOCUS on environmental sustainability in their design and use sustainability best practice in their delivery.
- DESIGN artworks for reuse – consider the materials and equipment as well as what happens at the end of the exhibition.
- CREATE artwork of mid/large scale – we are encouraging ambitious proposals
- DELIVER an experience for audiences to enjoy, be inspired by and engage with
Submission Requirements
- Detailed proposal document including all considerations from the above: project aims, Artistic ideas, images/links out to previous works, consideration of audiences, interaction, participation
- Detailed demonstration of Budget and financal breakdown of the proposal: possible costs, artist fee, production support, materials, transport, technical needs etc. Please see the budget template provided, for reference and to use if preferred.
- Overview of project management
- Provide a Relevant CV
- Please provide links to your website, relevant social media or other online portfolios if they are available
- Please provide your access rider upon application to support you through the SHINE process
How to Apply
Send the submission materials to: hello@quaysculture.com
Program Benefits & Awards
The SHINE commission budget of up to £18,000 should cover all artist fees and materials, including technical, installation, operational and material costs. Reasonable travel and transportation costs will be considered separately. If needed, you can apply for match funding from other sources, but ensure you have planned for and are prepared to do this. Accommodation can be provided by the host festivals if required. Other costs such as meals and general overheads must be factored into the commission. The successful proposals will be supported with agreed additional fees towards the costs of site visits.
Entry Fee
None
Location
North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Timeline
- Application Deadline: 12 May 2025
Website Link: https://lightupthenorth.com/development/shine2025/
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