Light Festival Commission - Old Town Hall Undercroft

Gravesham Light Festival 2027 – GALACTIC GLOW

Artist Commission Brief: The Undercroft at the Old Town Hall

We are seeking proposals from artists, designers, creative collectives and practitioners to create a sound and light focussed artwork(s)/installation/performative piece for Galactic Glow, our 2027 Light Festival. The commission should be visually striking to look at, with a hip vibe that incorporates both classical and modern music, allowing different audiences to connect with the work in different ways. We want to spark wonder and create unforgettable memories.

Theme: Galactic Glow

The installation must respond clearly to the Galactic Glow theme. Proposals may explore, but not limited to - constellations, imagined planets, cosmic landscapes, space travel, meteor showers, star maps, science fiction, community stories written in the stars, or the sense of wonder created by looking up at the night sky. This piece should include an element of sound as well as light.

Location

The installation will be located in the Undercroft at the Old Town Hall, in front of the Market. 

Who Can Apply

Artists, designers, makers, creative collectives or community arts organisations with experience of public-facing work.

Artwork Requirements

The installation must glow, illuminate, reflect, fluoresce or otherwise use light as a central visual feature along with strong elements of sound.

The artwork must have a clear connection to the theme.

The work should be suitable for outdoor display as part of a public light festival and be safe, robust and accessible for audiences of different ages.

Materials and power use should be considered carefully, with sustainable and reusable approaches encouraged. Long distance power runs are not available in this location.

Selection Criteria

A selection panel will review submissions and may invite a shortlist to take part in an on-line interview to answer any questions that may arise from the panel. All proposals will be presented as anonymous to the panel who will use the following criteria to score the work:

·       Artistic quality: strength, originality and visual impact of the proposed idea.

·       Theme response: clear and imaginative connection to Galactic Glow.

·       Public experience: accessibility, audience appeal and suitability for a light festival setting.

·       Feasibility: realistic budget, timeline, technical approach, safety considerations and ability to deliver.

·       Sustainability: responsible use of materials, energy and potential for reuse or future presentation.

Artist obligations

Artists are expected to be on site for the duration of the festival and always supervise the installation. All costs for the piece including materials, install and de-install must be included in the budget along with security considerations. Access for installation will be on Friday 29 January, de-installation must take place on Saturday 30 January after 8.30pm. Access outside of these dates will be subject to further discussions.

The total fee is up to £2,500

The total available commission is inclusive of artist fee, materials, travel, preparation time, and documentation costs. Artists should provide a realistic outline of how they would allocate the budget in relation to the scale of the proposed activity.

How to apply:
Artists should submit the following by email to: artsandculture@gravesham.gov.uk paying close attention to the selection criteria.

·       A short description of the proposed installation and how it responds to Galactic Glow.

·       Initial sketches, images, mood boards or examples of previous relevant work.

·       An outline budget, including artist fees, materials, fabrication, installation, technical support and maintenance.

·       A delivery timeline, including design, production, installation and removal.

·       Any access, safety, power, stewarding or technical requirements.

·       Proposed floor plan of artwork/installation.

Submissions should be clearly titled Light Festival 2027 –The Undercroft and emailed to: artsandculture@gravesham.gov.uk

Deadline: Midnight on Monday 21^st September 2026