Fantabulosa! is comprised of free performances and participatory activities for children aged 3-8 created by drag artists and inspired by queer culture. We are seeking to commission a Visual Artist or Set Designer to design and build a glitzy pop-up grotto to house the various activities.

This Summer we will debut a new ACE-supported outdoor production to a selection of UK family arts festivals. Fantabulosa! is comprised of free performances and participatory activities for children aged 3-8 created by drag artists and inspired by queer culture.  

Through a programme of storytelling, lipsync, drag performance and inclusive activities set within an adaptable grotto space, the project aims to capture the imagination and playfulness of self-expression, giving children role models who defy rigid gender restrictions and imagining a world where people can present as they wish, where dress up is real.

We are seeking to commission a Visual Artist or Set Designer to design and build a glitzy pop-up grotto to house the various activities. 

Design Brief

We are looking for artists or set designers to submit design and build proposals for the travelling grotto. The proposal should demonstrate a grounding in drag culture and queer aesthetics. It should aspire to offer a striking, accessible, camp and glitzy route into drag culture for children and families. The grotto will need to be quickly and safely erected and will need to fold away/disassemble as compact as possible for touring. Very lightweight structures/enclosures are therefore encouraged. It must be suitable for a variety of terrains (grass, pavements, indoor) and must be able to adapt to different shape spaces and different capacities.

The grotto will host activities and performances for up to 50 audience members who will be a mix of children and parents/guardians. Seating and/or flooring so that audiences are able to comfortably occupy the space must be included in the design and budget. It should provide an intimate space in a busy city centre for participants and their parents, plus scope for passive audiences to observe from the periphery. The grotto will not have a stage but should incorporate a focal point for performance activity. The activities will take place in all weathers and the design should demonstrate consideration of this.

Consideration of how audiovisual elements (particularly amplification of performers/projection of lyrics/images) could be seamlessly incorporated into the design would be a bonus. The project will be delivered at our co-commissioners’ festivals in Birmingham on 14/15 July and Stoke-on-Trent on 24/25 August. Our timetable requires that the grotto is ready for rehearsals by 29 June.

The artist will need to be able to confirm availability to complete the build by this deadline. Individuals, organisations and partnerships are welcomed. Where artists are not fabricating the grotto themselves, the constructing party should be identified. Detailed designs are not expected at this stage. The process is intended to be collaborative with our creative team and we would be looking for an artist who welcomes this kind of relationship. The grotto design and build commission is £3500, inclusive of artist fees, materials, equipment hire, travel and any other associated costs.

Submission

The submission should include:

• Portfolio (including at least two pieces of relevant work)

• CV

• Artist Statement, including why you are interested in the project

• Design Proposal, outlining how you would respond to the brief. This can include sketches or supporting images, but the Design Proposal should be limited to one side of A4.

• A broad outline budget

Deadline

Send submissions by email no later than 11.59pm on Sunday 6th May. All applicants will receive responses by Tuesday 8th May. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to come and meet our creative team in Birmingham. Reasonable travel expenses will be paid. 

About Us

Tickertape Parade create non-traditional combined arts experiences focused around cultural, municipal and social engagement. It is a strand of work produced by Birmingham-based Producer Tim Hodgson. Fantabulosa! is directed by Adam Carver, a Birmingham-based director and creative lead for SHOUT Festival of Queer Arts & Culture.