Exciting light commission for Blackburn Cotton Exchange
We are looking for an artist or artists to collaborate with a group of local young people to produce an art work that harnesses the power of their digital energy to light up Blackburn Cotton Exchange this winter, bringing it to life for a whole new generation of audiences as an important new cultural venue for the town.
The work must be light based, as it will feature as an important focal point commission within the annual Blackburn Festival of Light but may include other elements. The final piece should be able to be shown for a run of 3 months from December 2018 – February 2019 without the need for invigilation, so must be viewable from the exterior of the building. During the light festival (15th December) however, audiences will be encouraged to enter the building, so this should be kept in mind when producing the final work. (Please see attached images of the Cotton Exchange building, to help visualise the possibilities for pieces that can be readable from the interior and exterior).
Selected artists will be supported by the Super Slow Way team throughout the development of the work. The Exchange team will support the artist whilst on site and during the installation of the work, but the artist must be able to manage the technical installation within the budget, as neither Super Slow Way or The Exchange have specialist technical production staff.
This brief is deliberately very open, as we are interested in starting a conversation with an artist or collective to explore the possibilities presented by the partnership, the building and the participants. We are particularly interested in hearing from artists who have a track record of meaningful collaboration with groups of participants to realise high quality outcomes.
For full details of the project and how to apply please see the brief here.
Deadline for applications is Fri 21st September – 5pm
Shortlisted artist interviews to be held on Fri 28 September.
If you have any questions or want to talk over your application prior to submission, please email jenny@superslowway.org.ukwith any questions or to arrange a time to chat.
