Artist Commission - Light Up Leigh Parade 2026
Down to Earth Closing date: Tue, 01 Sep 2026
- Full time
- £25k-£30k
Fri, 31 Jul 2026 "> published -
Job Summary
Job Description
We are seeking an artist/s to develop and lead the creation of a new parade section, informed by community consultation and inspired by the people, places, stories and distinctive character of Leigh.
The parade will bring together thousands of people to celebrate Leigh's creativity, community spirit and sense of pride. The commissioned artist/s 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.
Commission Opportunity
The fee for this large-scale commission is £8,000.
The commission fee is all-inclusive and covers all artist fees, materials, expenses, production costs, and VAT (if applicable)
Job Requirements
The 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
Job Responsibilities
Concept Design & Development
Develop an artistic concept for your section, integrating both the hero element and supporting pieces
Ensure the visual style reflects the community consultation, highlighted in the artist brief
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
Useful Links
Job Overview
- Job Title: Artist Commission - Light Up Leigh Parade 2026
- Salary: £25k-£30k
- Hours: Full time
- Artform: Visual arts
- Role: Creative
- Contract: Contract
- Closing date: Tue, 01 Sep 2026
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Location:
| view on Google MapsNorth West
Job: Artist Commission - Light Up Leigh Parade 2026
Job: Artist Commission - Light Up Leigh Parade 2026
Organisation: Down to Earth
Postcode: WN7 4EF
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:
• Section concept and proposal
• How community consultation has helped shape your proposed make/ section
• 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 Tuesday 1st September 2026.
Please send your submission to [email protected].
- Contact name: Hannah Thompson, Lead Producer
- Contact email: [email protected]
About Down to Earth
Down to Earth is Wigan and Leigh's Creative People and Places project working to involve more people than ever before in creative activities.
We're supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England and by Wigan Council.