Barnsley Libraries, Barnsley Arts & Events and Barnsley Civic are looking for an artist/s who work with light and immersive installations to submit an idea for Barnsley Bright Nights, our town centre light festival.
The commission is an opportunity to create a new work, which will be bespoke and inspired by the Barnsley Libraries Story Shell, a unique air-filled art space created by artists Suzie Devey and Steve Messam. The commissioned idea will be a key part of the Barnsley Bright Nights festival, and will be hosted indoors at Barnsley Civic on Friday 21 and Saturday 22 November 2025.
At A Glance
- A commission to create an illuminated story based around the Story Shell for Bright Nights
- One commission of £8,000 (inclusive of planning, workshops expenses, evaluation and exclusive of VAT)
- Application deadline: Monday 18 August at 9am
What you’ll do
- Plan and deliver an illuminated story and installation based on the Story Shell and the question ‘How did the Story Shell arrive in Barnsley?’ or based on the mythical characters from within.
- Involve a school class and community group in the story and project development.
- Create an installation or show that lasts between 5 and 8 minutes long.
- Supply footage to enable a video to be created which captures the whole project as a legacy of the event.
- Supply lights or other technical equipment to make the project happen.
- Work with the team to develop a printed booklet or map to support the storytelling element of the project.
- Test and complete activity for Barnsley Bright Nights on 21 and 22 November 2025.
- Collaborate with the Barnsley Libraries team to devise a suitable method of evaluation for the project, this will include a meeting at the end of the project which can be held virtually.
- Complete an artist evaluation survey at the end of the project to let us know how we can improve our commission process for artists
What we’ll do
- Support the commission with logistics and marketing.
- Support with testing and development against the Story Shell
- Liaise with schools or other groups for engagement surrounding your project.
- Support the event delivery at Barnsley Bright Nights festival.
- Collaborate in the evaluation process (we already have some methods of evaluation, but we are interested to hear any creative evaluation method you may have).
How to apply
To apply please send a project proposal to barnsleylibrariesnpo@barnsley.gov.uk by Monday 18 August at 9am.
Project proposals can be sent in any format, but should include
- An overview of your idea and who you will engage with to create it
- What form your installation will take
- How your proposal will be inspired by the Story Shell
- Images and examples of your work, or concepts to support your proposal
- How your project is accessible and inclusive
- What legacy the project will have
- How you will work with us to evaluate the project
- A budget breakdown, including a day rate and amount of days delivery
- Confirmation you hold public liability insurance with a minimum level of cover of £5m
- Confirmation of a current DBS if you intend to work with school groups
- One referee’s contact details
Accessibility is important to us. If we can support you to apply, please get in touch.
If you have any questions or would like an informal chat before submitting your application, please contact barnsleylibrariesnpo@barnsley.gov.uk
Next Steps
The team will score your commission based on the content of your proposal linked to the brief above and will be guided by Arts Council England’s investment principles:
We aim to respond to all applications by Friday 5 September at 5pm.
We look forward to hearing from you!
