Journal
Light Night 2024 Commission For University Of Leeds Students
The Cultural Institute are inviting Light Night proposals from University of Leeds students as part of the Smeaton300 programme.
Now in its 20th year, Light Night is the UK’s largest art and light festival attracting huge audiences to Leeds city centre every October to experience light-based artworks and performances. As part of the festival The University of Leeds is programming light-based installations and events on campus curated around the Smeaton300 theme ‘Inspired by Nature’. The student commissions will be programmed alongside work created by a range of artists, researchers, cultural producers and venues including the Stanley and Audrey Burton Gallery and stage@leeds.
To be eligible for this particular commission you must be a current student at the University of Leeds and proposals should reflect on the Smeaton300 theme, ‘Inspired by Nature’. Applicants might draw inspiration from the natural world encountered every day, or the faraway animals, plants and landscapes discovered through studies. Ideas could reflect on the natural cycles of the seasons, or distant worlds in the cosmos. Proposals might choose to respond to the climate crisis and threats facing our world, or alternatively they may draw attention to the ways we can combat climate change or live more sustainably. A fee of £500 is available for each successful commission.
A fundamental part of the University’s ‘Inspired by Nature’ Light Night programme will be the consideration of all aspects of sustainability in the making of work. Applicants are encouraged to source sustainable materials and equipment, and reduce – reuse – recycle where possible. Light Night is also a family festival, attracting intergenerational audiences and proposals should be inclusive and accessible to everyone.
Find out more about the commission process and how to apply here.
Deadline for applications is Friday 3rd May 2024.
Smeaton300 x University Of Leeds is a Foxglove partnership led by the Cultural Institute and the School Of Civil Engineering.
Lead image: The Nectary / Alison Smith / Light Night