Artist Development
Lucent is an exciting initiative that ignites creativity across the UK, celebrating the remarkable ideas from talented individuals like you!
Lightpool invites submissions of innovative concepts—no formal artistic credentials are required both light art professionals and newcomers can submit an idea.
Those chosen as Lucent participants will see their creations come to life and shine brightly at Lightpool. Seize this opportunity to showcase your unique vision!
Lucent is an exciting initiative that ignites creativity across the UK, celebrating the remarkable ideas from talented individuals like you!
Lightpool invites submissions of innovative concepts—no formal artistic credentials are required both light art professionals and newcomers can submit an idea.
Those chosen as Lucent participants will see their creations come to life and shine brightly at Lightpool 2026. Seize this opportunity to showcase your unique vision!
Successful candidates will receive support from Lightpool and Lightworks in covering production expenses and accessing the technical expertise necessary for the creation and installation of their artwork, along with an artwork fee.
As part of our commitment to the development of local creativity, one of the Lucent commissions is reserved for people who are currently living in or originally from Lancashire.
If your initial application is successful you will be invited to a meeting to further discuss your application.
Selection of applicants will be made by the Lightpool programming team and one of our partners from Light Up The North. Artists will be selected on the following criteria:
We are accepting applications from artists at early stages of their light art development and are particularly interested in artists who want to experiment, innovate and extend their practice.
Shortlisted artists will engage in an online conversation with the Lightpool team to explore their aspirations, and what other support may be needed and available.
Budget
A detailed budget should be submitted with your proposal
Complete the application form below.
Include concept visuals (synthesis, 2d, 3d, motion etc.), a summary sheet, a technical note and a budget. Please specify your approach to sustainable development.
We request that you include a preliminary estimate of expenses related to the fabrication and installation of your artwork.
| Description | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Closing date for applications | 5pm 8 May 2026 |
| Interviews | w/c 18 May 2026 |
| Notify successful applicant | 29 May 2026 |
| Update meeting 1 | July 2026 |
| Update meeting 2 | August 2026 |
| Update meeting 3 | September 2026 |
| Installation | 19 October 2026 |
| Lightpool Festival | 21-31 October 2026 |
| Evaluation | November 2026 |
If you have any questions or would like additional information, please email Phil Holmes – Artistic Director Lightpool phil@lightpool.org.uk
We would be grateful if you would also complete our Equality & Diversity Monitoring form HERE this is not mandatory for your application.
Visitors to Lightpool Festival 2026 can expect plenty of laughs – and food for thought – with What the Gull?!, a brand-new light installation by Manchester-based artist Caroline Daly
Pulse of Light is an interactive sculptural installation that transforms human presence into radiant illumination.
RGB is a series of three glowing human sculptures created entirely from recycled electronics and powered by solar energy. Each figure is lit from within by one of the three colours that make up every digital screen: red, green and blue.
