Creative callouts

Two Blackpool organisations are offering paid opportunities for artists and creators.

Blackpool Heritage Action Zone is calling for artists to run creative workshops inspired by the town and Showtown is looking to commission a mount maker for artefacts in its new museum.

HAZ about it: Handmade High Street creative workshops

The Heritage Action Zone (HAZ) is a partnership between Blackpool Council and Historic England aimed at using Blackpool’s heritage as a catalyst for bringing new and diverse uses to the town centre and giving a new relevance for both local communities and visitors alike. The one extends throughout Topping Street, Deansgate,Edward Street and Cedar Square.

HAZ is offering paid opportunities for artists who can host workshops at Aunty Social on Topping Street, or by exploring the area itself.

There are four opportunities for family-focussed activities that should last around 1.5 hours. HAZ is asking artists two deliver two sessions, ideally with one session starting in the morning and a second in the early afternoon between 27th May and 31st August. The fee is £260. A second commission is an open call for adult workshops – again either two 1.5 hour sessions, or one longer 3 hour session for a £260 fee.

Workshops can consist of visual arts, crafts, photography, filmmaking, ceramics, creative writing and more. Community/voluntary arts groups are welcome to apply. The deadline for application is 8th May and artists will receive a response by 12th May. For more information click here.

 

Roll up Roll up: mount maker wanted

Showtown, the new museum of Entertainment due to open in March 2024, is seeking a professional mount maker or company with considerable experience to produce and fit 300 mounts for a variety of its cultural artefacts.

The display of many of the objects will not be standard. Juggling batons will be mounted as if suspended in time, mid-juggle. Some costume items will appear as though they are ‘ready to be put on’, hanging in a wardrobe. Magic shop shelves will be stocked full with novelty items. This will all add to the illusion for the visitor that they are part of the back-stage area of Blackpool’s venues, rather than in a traditional museum display.

Some mounts could be made in advance off-site but a dedicated workspace will be available on site for object unpacking, mount making, photography and preparation for install during an intense period of work.

The budget for the mount making is £35,000 and applications need to be made by 3rd May. For a full brief click here.