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Lightpool Creative Opportunities

Lightpool has a 8-year strong track record of ambitious artistic programming including world-premieres from national and international artists. 

Lightpool Festival is staged over October half-term, and is a key event in Blackpool Illuminations annual light programme. Our programme is multi-disciplinary to appeal to a diverse audience, delivering work from inter/national artists to local amateur creatives. We connect with communities across the Fylde Coast in the lead up to the festival, delivering artist led workshops in community spaces; and innovative school projects.

Blackpool Illuminations Lightpool Programme was successful in becoming a National Portfolio Organisation of Arts Council England for the investment period 2023-2026. We are the only light sector organisation in the Arts Council portfolio; and we are now planning community engagement projects for the 2024 edition of Lightpool.

Take a look at the following opportunities for emerging and established artists, as well as community-led organisations:


Lightlab Open Call 2024

Blackpool Illuminations and Wigan Council are delighted to announce an incredible opportunity for artists living and/or working in close proximity to Blackpool and Wigan Borough. The programme aims to encourage the development of high-quality light art with artists from a diverse range of backgrounds who may have never worked with light before.

This skills development programme is aimed at adult artists who are motivated and inspired to develop their practice towards creating work that could be commissioned by light art festivals and for exhibition in a gallery context. 

Artists will be supported by sector specialists to develop their ideas and gain knowledge on making and touring light art in festival and gallery contexts. Artists participating will gain practical experience and skills they can build on.

Blackpool Illuminations and Wigan Council are delighted to announce an incredible opportunity for artists living and/or working in close proximity to Blackpool and Wigan Borough. The programme aims to encourage the development of high-quality light art with artists from a diverse range of backgrounds who may have never worked with light before.

This skills development programme is aimed at adult artists who are motivated and inspired to develop their practice towards creating work that could be commissioned by light art festivals and for exhibition in a gallery context. 

Artists will be supported by sector specialists to develop their ideas and gain knowledge on making and touring light art in festival and gallery contexts. Artists participating will gain practical experience and skills they can build on.

Read more on the opportunity and how to apply here.