Artist Development

Spark

Introduction

The SPARK programme aims to nurture and develop artists working with light by supporting new and emerging artists through a bespoke package of opportunities provided by LUTN members, and focused on increasing inclusivity and diversity in the sector.

SPARK is an opportunity for early career artists wanting to develop their practice in light based and digital work for light festivals. Across 2 weekends the project will offer up to six artists the opportunity to be supported through a bespoke programme of workshops, networking events and talks scheduled to compliment two LUTN partner festivals.

2023 Call out
Lightlab 2017

Lightlab Artist Development

LUTN Spark artist development, was originally called Lightlab.

With public funding from Arts Council England through Grants for the Arts, the Light Up The North network ran its first Light Lab in Blackpool, between March and June 2017. LUTN members nominated seven light artists who met together for two residential seminars, ten weeks apart, to develop new light work and respond to creative briefs pulled together by the LUTN members.

The Lab was facilitated by Blackpool Illuminations’ Creative Lead Alex Rinsler, with input from LUTN producers, visiting industry specialists, cultural influencers in Blackpool and Catherine Mitchell, ACE senior relationship manager.

The seven participating artists were: Aether + Hemera (Gloria Ronchi and Claudio Benghi); Mick Stephenson; Debi Keable; Fixed Grinn Collective (Tom Skinn and Rob Harrington); Chris Paul Daniels; Dave Lynch and David Ogle

Additional local partners included LeftCoast and The Grundy Art Gallery, which hosted an exhibition of the artists’ work developed in the Lab as part of the autumn show Paper, Canvas, Neon.

‘I have learned more about the Northern festivals, their aims, their challenges and the way their producers and curators operate. The Lab has provided a platform for us artists to critically discuss our intentions when producing a new piece of light art, deepening our practice and finding the common denominator between our aims – as artists – and the producers’ aims’

Gloria Ronchi – Aether + Hemera