The SPARK programme nurtures and develops artists interested in working with light. In supporting new and emerging artists through a bespoke package of opportunities provided by Light Up The North (LUTN) members.

SPARK is a great opportunity for early career artists wanting to develop their practice in light based and digital work for light festivals AND for early career producers wanting to learn and understand the research, planning, budgeting, commissioning, partnership and audience development, curating and presenting skills that underpin running successful light art festivals.

Across 2 weekends in November 2026, the project will offer up to six individuals – three early career artists and three early career producers – the opportunity to be supported through a specially designed programme of informal workshops, networking events, mentoring and talks scheduled to complement two LUTN partner festivals – Light Up Lancaster (5-7 Nov) and Light Night Wigan (20-22 Nov).

The six individuals, selected through an open call, will each be awarded bursaries of £300 to participate in the SPARK programme, with additional funds of up to £600 each, allocated to cover travel, accommodation and subsistence costs to attend Light Night Wigan & Light Up Lancaster, where the programme of activity will take place.

The whole programme is designed to be welcoming, accessible, relaxed and friendly. SPARK artists and producers will also be invited to share their current area/s of research, experience and development, and workshops will be tailored to key elements of making successful light art and light art festivals.

Previous SPARK programmes have shown that participants really benefit from peer to peer sharing as well as collective support from the core group of LUTN creative producers.

Where feasible, artists who are presenting work at Light Night Wigan / Light Up Lancaster will deliver personal insights for the SPARK participants too.

SPARK artists and producers will also be invited to attend rewarding, informal networking events and meetings arranged by the host festival, eg artists brunch, launch events, festival tours, and talks by key figures reflecting the diverse range of artists and makers who make up the art and light art sectors.

LUTN is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion.

This open call actively encourages submissions from UK artists and producers from demographics currently under-represented in the light festival sector.

We welcome applications from anyone regardless of their age, disability, ethnicity, heritage, gender, sexuality and socio-economic background. Adjustments will be made to meet any access requirements you have.

An experienced Producer from the LUTN network will coordinate the project.

Applications may be made in non-written formats, such as a short video or audio recording. (maximum 6 minutes).

How to apply?

Please send a very short CV, examples of your work, a covering letter (or video or audio equivalent), outlining your interest and relevant artistic, light art, digital art skills and producing experience as appropriate. 

We actively encourage applications from artists and producers whose enthusiasm for taking part may exceed their current experience in light art.

Please ensure your covering letter is no longer than 2 sides.

All applications will be treated in confidence.

Timescales

Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed via Zoom during w/c 1 June

All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application no later than Monday, 8 June

Please consider completing our Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form, which is entirely anonymous and not connected to your application.

This will help us to understand whether we are reaching a diverse range of applicants.

To be eligible to apply to the SPARK programme, you must be a UK-based artist who is perceived as an emerging or new talent (regardless of age).