Inside Lightwaves: Artist Development Day

Afternoon session exploring light and outdoor work, commissioning and production, with artist talks, collaboration and networking.

Lightwaves Salford celebrated its 12th edition of free, outdoor lightart across Salford Quays and MediaCity in December. This afternoon development session brings together artists, producers and technical specialists to explore how light-based and outdoor work is developed, produced and commissioned. There will be talks from commissioned artists and producers, followed by an informal ideation and discussion session with creative technologists/technical managers.

Through artist case studies, producer-led talks and practical discussion, the session will focus on:

• Developing ideas for light and outdoor contexts
• Working with producers, technical teams and manufacturers
• Navigating commissioning processes and partnerships
• Supporting artists new to large-scale outdoor and touring work

Schedule:

1:00 – 1:25 Welcome & Context

• Welcome from Lightwaves team
• Introduction to Lightwaves, SHINE and the 2025 programme

1:25 – 2:00 Artist Case Study

• Elisa Artesero (Greater Manchester–based artist)
• https://elisaartesero.com/artworks/

2:00 – 2:40 Producing, supportive commissioning & Festival Models

• George Harris – light up Lancaster’s Approach + Spark & Illumine
• https://www.lightuplancaster.co.uk/

2:40 – 3:00 Break

3:00 – 3:40 – Programming, producing and artist cross over

• Stellar Creates – Producers & Artists (Rachel Willis and Lyndsey Stephenson)
• https://stellarcreates.co.uk/

3:40 – 3:50 Break

3:50 – 4:50 Practical Development Session

4:50 – 5:00 Wrap-Up & Next Steps

• Upcoming opportunities and commissioning timelines
• Further support