The artist will: The main programme will run from September to November 2026, with the lanterns and puppets completed for Burnley Believes on 14 November 2026. The artist will: Please send us:Job Summary
Job Description
work with community groups to explore stories and characters that inspire them
develop these ideas into designs for three large-scale illuminated puppets
design approaches for smaller community-made lanterns
lead the creation of three large-scale illuminated puppets, working collaboratively with communities and Culture Makers.
train Culture Maker volunteers and community workshop leaders in lantern/puppet-making techniques so that activity can be cascaded to other groups
ensure finished pieces are safe, lightweight, robust and suitable for repeated use in parades and events.
Community ownership is central to the project. We are not looking for predetermined designs. The characters and final artworks should grow from the stories, ideas and cultural references identified by participating communities and should, where possible, be inspired by and reflect Burnley's diversity.
Groups already engaged include Team Rise, The Participation Works, West End Community Centre, Chai Centre and home education groups, with further groups joining the programme. The main programme will run from September to November 2026, with the lanterns and puppets completed for Burnley Believes on 14 November 2026.
The finished work will then become part of Burnley's developing collection of community-created work, with opportunities for display and reuse during Burnley 2027 Year of Culture and beyond.
Please send us:
a short outline of your proposed approach to Stories in Light
examples or images of relevant previous work
a brief summary of your experience of participatory/community projects
an outline of how you would use the £5,000 budget
confirmation of your availability between September and November 2026.
Please keep applications concise. Links to websites, portfolios, images or video are welcome.
Deadline: 9th September
Interviews/conversations: 21st September
Appointment: 25th SeptemberJob Requirements
The finished work will then become part of Burnley's developing collection of community-created work, with opportunities for display and reuse during Burnley 2027 Year of Culture and beyond.
The total commission value is £5,000 inclusive of artist fees, expenses and materials.
This should cover:
community engagement and creative development
concept and design development
artist-led workshops
creation of three large-scale illuminated puppets
development of community lanterns
training for Culture Makers/workshop leaders
materials, lighting and fabrication costs
artist travel and other expenses.
We anticipate approximately £2,000 of the overall budget will be required for materials, although we welcome proposals on how the available budget can best achieve the project's ambitions.Job Responsibilities
work with community groups to explore stories and characters that inspire them
develop these ideas into designs for three large-scale illuminated puppets
design approaches for smaller community-made lanterns
lead the creation of three large-scale illuminated puppets, working collaboratively with communities and Culture Makers.
train Culture Maker volunteers and community workshop leaders in lantern/puppet-making techniques so that activity can be cascaded to other groups
ensure finished pieces are safe, lightweight, robust and suitable for repeated use in parades and events.Useful Links
How to Apply
• a short outline of your proposed approach to Stories in Light
• examples or images of relevant previous work
• a brief summary of your experience of participatory/community projects
• an outline of how you would use the £5,000 budget
• confirmation of your availability between September and November 2026.
Please keep applications concise. Links to websites, portfolios, images or video are welcome.
Deadline: 17:00, 9th September.