Artists called on to Light the North
Professional and budding artists are being asked to submit designs for sculptures for a trail which will light up the north-east
CLAN Cancer Support is calling for artists from across the north-east to create designs for its Light the North trail lighthouses. Over 30 sculptures will be situated across Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Moray, Shetland and Orkney in autumn 2020 to raise funds for CLAN, which provides emotional and wellbeing support to people affected by cancer.
Each lighthouse will be individually designed and painted by some of the region’s most talented artists, using a variety of materials and artistic techniques. Artists can submit any design, and artists of any age, no matter where they live, are invited to take part.
A live event will be held in April where sponsors will choose their favourite design from the artist submissions and successful designers will then be commissioned to paint the sculpture. Artists will be paid a fee in return for their services upon completion.
The three-metre tall lighthouses are being sponsored by individuals and businesses across the north-east and will be placed on a trail covering the region including the northern isles from September – October 2020. The lighthouses will be auctioned in December 2020, with proceeds going towards providing support for people living with cancer.
To submit a design, artists should visit lightthenorth.co.uk to download an artist’s pack and design template.
Fiona Fernie, project director said: “The trail offers artists the opportunity to make a creative contribution to Light the North and help to ensure a lasting artistic, economic, social and charitable legacy. Each lighthouse design will be unique, and tell a different story, in the same way that every person supported by CLAN is individual with specific needs. The trail covers the whole of the north-east so we are hoping to see some designs which will showcase the beauty and heritage of our countryside and coastline, and the generosity of our people. CLAN supports people of every age, from children to the elderly and accordingly the trail will appeal to all ages, with the individual designs featuring modern and traditional styles.
“We have been overwhelmed by the support of the north-east for Light the North, and already have over 25 lighthouse sponsors, spread across the whole region, including individual sponsors, small businesses and large firms. This next phase of inviting designs is very exciting, and we are looking forward to seeing the immense creativity that exists in the area.”
Charlie Langhorne, co-founder and managing director of Wild in Art, said: "Light the North provides a high-profile platform for artists, both professional and as yet undiscovered, to showcase their artwork on an unusual 3D canvas.
"As seen on Oor Wullie's BIG Bucket Trail, our events celebrate creativity in all forms, and brings artists together with businesses and communities for a fantastic cause. It's our first Lighthouse trail, so we can't wait to see what designs the new sculpture inspires!"
