We’re on a mission to Light Up Leigh and bring the magic and joy of music, dance, and making to the town centre. We are co-producing a spectacular Light Parade, involving residents of all ages in making and moving this Autumn.
To support this, we are recruiting a team of professional makers who will help shape and bring the creative vision to life, facilitating workshops and supporting the build of big and small illuminated parade art as well as costumes and props carried and worn by participants. We will develop and support a team of passionate and skilled creatives who will help drive Light Up Leigh forward for years to come.
The team of Makers will support residents to design, build and decorate:
- Big Makes - spectacular large-scale puppets, banners, and flags that will travel as part of the parade
- Small Makes - wearable, illuminated costumes and props to be worn by participants.
The Light Up Leigh parade will take place on Sunday 17th November as part of the Leigh Christmas Light switch on event.
The project is presented by Down to Earth, Wigan’s Creative People and Places project funded by Arts Council England and delivered in partnership with WigLe Dance CIC, Everyday, and The Turnpike Gallery. The project has been supported by Wigan Council and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
About the Role
We are looking to work with and develop four professional makers who will support the planning and design of the parade, deliver community and school workshops supporting participants to make their costumes and props, and support the build of our ‘Big Makes’.
We want to work with creatives who:
- are interested in developing their skills in outdoor arts.
- are passionate about working with the community and have experience delivering workshops for a range of participants including children and young people and vulnerable groups.
- are flexible and can work responsively. The project is being delivered in a short time frame and so plans will develop and change as we go!
We are particularly interested in working with makers who have a connection to Wigan/Leigh and we will prioritise applications from local people.
Commission Duration
Makers will be commissioned to work from mid-September to the end of November. We are planning to work to the following schedule:
- Planning and CPD for the project - last two weeks of September
- Workshops and making begins - 7th October
- Full cast rehearsal - Evening of Friday 15th November
- Light Up Leigh - Sunday 17th November
- Evaluation meeting - End of November.
As part of the project, we expect each artist to deliver approximately 10 - 12 workshops with local community groups and schools. You will be contracted to work 10 full days; this may be split into half days where needed.
You must also be available to support full cast rehearsal and the event day.
Commission Fee: £2000 per maker.
Materials and equipment budget provided separately.
How to apply
You can apply via online form (external link) providing as much detail as possible.
If you prefer, there is an option to film your application and attach to the online form. Please ensure your video is no longer than 1 minute 30 seconds duration.
Deadline to apply: 9am Friday 6th September
Successful artist(s) notified: Thursday 12th September
If you have any questions, please contact Lead Producer Amy Hodgson amyb@wigledance.co.uk or call 07950 659 005.