Wed, 13 Aug 2025">published - Wed, 13 Aug 2025
Job Summary
Down to Earth is seeking proposals from artists to design and deliver creative parade makes for this year’s Light Up Leigh parade. We are commissioning artists to lead the development of three existing parade sections and a brand new section titled Heritage in Motion.
Job Description
Down to Earth is seeking proposals from artists to design and deliver creative parade makes for this year's Light Up Leigh parade. We are commissioning artists to lead the development of three existing parade sections: Northern Lights, Awe & Wonder (think Christmas), and Nature's Magic - as well as a brand new section titled Heritage in Motion.
The parade will bring together thousands of people to celebrate Leigh's creativity, community spirit, and sense of pride. Each commissioned artist will work collaboratively with local groups to ensure their section reflects community voices while bringing fresh creative energy, striking visuals, and an unforgettable sense of occasion.
* Northern Lights: a vibrant, shimmering section inspired by the colours, movement, and magic of the aurora.
* Awe & Wonder: a festive, twinkling celebration of the season (think Christmas lights, sparkle, joy).
* Nature's Magic: a colourful exploration of the natural world, full of plants, animals, and the rhythms of the seasons.
Heritage in Motion is a new section celebrating Leigh's rich industrial past, focusing on the heritage of canal ways, cotton mills, and coal mining. This section will transform symbols of industry into inspiring parade makes, celebrating the town's working-class spirit through visual storytelling, sound, movement, and light.
Job Requirements
Each parade section should be:
* Visually impactful, lightweight, and durable for an outdoor evening parade
* Centered around one large "hero" element - a striking, central creation that acts as the main visual anchor
* Supported by multiple smaller elements - handheld props, lanterns, or smaller sculptural pieces to create unity and movement throughout the group
* Co-created with local communities to ensure authenticity and pride
* Sustainably designed using reclaimed, recycled, and reusable materials wherever possible
There are three £8,000 commissions and three £2,000 commissions available.
* You may submit a proposal for any parade section and at either budget level
* You may also cost your idea for both amounts if you wish
* The commission fee is inclusive of all fees, expenses, materials, and VAT
Job Responsibilities
Concept Design & Development
* Develop an artistic concept for your chosen section, integrating both the hero element and supporting pieces
* Ensure the visual style reflects the parade's theme and the chosen community group's identity
Artistic Execution
* Lead the making process, ensuring all elements are safe, easy to carry and weather-ready
* Use techniques suited to both large and small creations
Project Management
* Plan and manage the full production timeline, from concept to final delivery
* Source sustainable and recyclable materials
* Coordinate with volunteers, community members and any assisting artists
Community Involvement & Co-creation
* Work closely with local artists, schools and community groups
* Facilitate idea-generating and hands-on making workshops
* Involve participants in finishing, decorating and rehearsing with their parade elements
Sustainability Focus
* Maximise use of reclaimed or reusable materials
* Consider reusability and minimal waste post-event
Job Overview
1. Job Title: Artist Commissions - Light Up Leigh Parade 2025
2. Hours: Full time
3. Role: Creative
4. Contract: Contract
5. Location: North West
How to Apply
Your application can be submitted in any format that suits your proposal and access needs (written, audio, or video).
It should include:
● Your chosen section and concept proposal
● How the community will help shape your proposed make
● An approximate budget breakdown showing how the commission fee will be spent
● Examples of relevant past work (optional but encouraged)
Written applications should be no longer than 3 sides of A4. Video or audio applications should be no longer than 2 minutes 30 seconds.
The deadline for this opportunity is 9am Monday 1 September 2025.
Down to Earth is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England and by Wigan Council.
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