Quays Culture and Walk the Plank are inviting artists, creative practitioners and collectives to take part in a series of micro commissions exploring the creative potential of approximately 400 programmable Geolights.

As part of our research and development programme for Waves, a new seasonal programme exploring light, sound, water and darkness, we are looking for artists who are excited to experiment, test ideas and explore what these lights can do in public space.

Waves is Quays Culture’s evolving programme exploring the relationship between light, sound, water and darkness. Developed through collaborations with cultural, academic and technical partners across Salford and MediaCity, the programme tests new approaches to night-time creativity, sustainability and public realm experiences.

This opportunity forms part of a wider programme of activity taking place on 12-14 February 2027, a mini-series designed to test new ideas, partnerships and audience experiences ahead of the full Waves programme in November 2027.

The Opportunity

We are offering:
– 3x micro commissions of £1,000 each
– Access to up to 1,000 programmable Geolights (maximum of 400 per commission)
– Technical support from Walk the Plank
– One-to-one development sessions with Walk the Plank’s team
– Production support to realise and test your idea

Selected commissions will be presented/displayed on the February dates; this could include all 3 dates or just 1 date – depending on the requirements of the idea.

We’re Looking For

We are interested in ideas that respond to one or more of the following themes:
– Sound
– Darkness
– Water
– Play

Ideas could take many forms, including but not limited to:
– Participatory activity
– Performance
– Installation
– Workshop
– Community event
– Public intervention
– Creative experimentation

We are not looking for finished artworks. Instead, we want to support artists to explore possibilities, test ideas and learn through making. Artists are encouraged to be ambitious, playful and curious.

What is a Geolight?

Walk the Plank have manufactured 1,200 Geolights which can be used in multiple ways such as handheld or stationary uplighters. You can see images of Geolights here and examples of how the lights have been used here. The lights are:
– Battery powered
– Waterproof and weatherproof
– Colour changing and dimmable
– Can produce light for up to 7 hours
– Weigh 1.2 kg per light
– Programmable using DMX software (including live programming)

Outcomes

Each commissioned artist will be expected to create a public-facing outcome on 12-14 February 2027. This could be:
– A live test or demonstration
– A workshop with participants
– A sharing of work in progress
– A small-scale performance
– A participatory public activity

The emphasis is on experimentation and learning, rather than delivering a polished final piece.

Who Can Apply?

We welcome applications from artists and makers working across:
– Visual arts
– Light art
– Theatre
– Dance and movement
– Sound
– Creative technology
– Community arts
– Live art
– Interdisciplinary practice

We are particularly interested in hearing from artists based in Salford and Greater Manchester, though applications are welcome from further afield.

You must be able to attend a workshop delivered by Walk the Plank at their studios on Thursday 3 December 2026 at 1pm – 5pm (lunch included).

Timeline

Open call closes: Friday 13 November 2026
Artists selected by: Friday 20 November 2026
Induction session with Walk the Plank: Thursday 3 December 2026
Development period: December 2026, January and February 2027
Public testing weekend: 12-14 February 2027 (half-term weekend)

How to apply

Please complete this online monitoring form (https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/EFjqcM2SLH), submit your CV and a 1-page document/email/link to a short video expressing why you are interested in this opportunity.

We would love to hear:

– A brief outline of your idea and what it’s testing
– Whether your idea includes any public engagement
– Any initial technical requirements
– A rough budget breakdown
– A rough timeline

Please send your application to lesley@quaysculture.com with the email subject ‘Geolight Testing Micro Commission’.

Deadline: Friday 13 November 2026 at 9am

This opportunity is made possible with support from Salford City Council.