At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative light festival projects and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
- Company: Join the Light Up The North network, fostering creativity and collaboration.
- Benefits: Flexible remote work, competitive pay, and travel expenses covered.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career growth in a vibrant cultural sector.
- Why this job: Shape the future of light festivals and make a real impact in the arts.
- Qualifications: Strong project management skills and experience with ACE-funded projects.
The predicted salary is between 12000 - 12000 € per year.
Contract dates: July 2026 – January 2028 inclusive
Fee: £250 per day; total fee available (across contract duration) £12,000
Working pattern: 48 days over 19 months; Average 2.5 days per month, flexible + remote
Budget of up to £1,200 (across 19 months) to cover travel and subsistence whilst on LUTN business.
About Light Up the North (LUTN)
Light Up The North is a network of light festivals committed to sharing expertise, driving innovation, & supporting excellence across the sector. LUTN network consists of light festival members in: Barnsley, Blackpool, Bradford, Durham, Hull, Lancaster, Liverpool, Leeds, Middlesbrough, Newcastle, Oldham, Rotherham, Salford, Stoke, Wakefield, Wigan & Worcester. The representatives of each member festival are united by a shared ethos of collaboration. They bring expertise based on a collective & rich foundation of cultural practice & technical knowledge. They offer cross-festival support to LUTN members, sharing best practice & enhancing skills across the light art sector in producing outdoor events & festivals.
Role
We see the Programme Lead working over a period of 19 months, spreading 48 days out accordingly and in line with what is best for delivering the role. As this is a new role, we expect that it will be, to some extent, shaped by the successful applicant, working with the Chair of LUTN and the LUTN accountable body. The role is funded through the ACE Project Grant. The appointed freelancer will enter into a contract with Blackpool Council (as the accountable body) for the fee and work programme to be delivered. Regular update meetings between the Chair of LUTN and the LUTN accountable body will be timetabled in from the start date.
Person Specification
- Be highly organised and focussed on key tasks.
- Be a good communicator and advocate able to work with people and organisations, developing partnerships, at a strategic level.
- Be a self-starter capable of working independently.
- Have experience of managing successful projects with multiple stakeholders and timelines.
- Have experience of working on ACE-funded projects, and reporting to ACE.
- Be experienced in evaluation.
- Be able to analyse data and write compelling reports.
You may also have:
- Experience of reporting to a non‑executive board.
- Experience of working on the development of light festivals and commissioning artists to create new work for diverse outdoor locations.
- Experience of writing and delivering strategic plans and/or funding bids.
- Experience of delivering conferences.
FEE: £12,000 total excluding VAT. The fee is based on £250 per day, and an average of 2.5 days per month, although it is expected that the workload will be weighted to certain months in the year. The fee is payable monthly on a retrospective basis. You would be formally contracted by Blackpool Council and will require a UTR to receive payment through invoices and to meet the Council’s due diligence contracting procedures. There is an additional expenses allowance of £1,200 throughout the contract term.
To apply
Visit our website and submit your CV with a short supporting statement (no longer than 2 pages) describing your suitability and interest in the role. Please outline how your skills and experience fit the Key Tasks. Submit by email to admin@lightupthenorth.com.
Deadline: Midnight 7 June 2026. Shortlisted applicants will be notified by 11 June 2026. Interviews will be held on w/c 15 June 2026.
Contact information
To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please email chair@lightupthenorth.com.
Programme Lead for Light Up The North employer: Disability Arts
Light Up The North is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, allowing the Programme Lead to shape their role while working flexibly across various vibrant light festivals. With a commitment to professional growth, the company offers opportunities to engage with diverse stakeholders and enhance skills in project management and strategic planning, all within a supportive network dedicated to excellence in the arts sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Lead for Light Up The North
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research Light Up The North and its festivals. Understanding their ethos and projects will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or past members of LUTN or similar organisations. Building connections can give you insider info and might even lead to a recommendation.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising your responses to common questions. Think about how your experience aligns with the role's requirements, especially around project management and stakeholder engagement.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about the opportunity and ready to follow instructions.
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Lead for Light Up The North
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Programme Lead. Highlight relevant experience, especially in managing projects and working with multiple stakeholders. We want to see how your background aligns with what LUTN is all about!
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement:Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Keep it concise (no more than 2 pages) and clearly outline how your skills and experience fit the key tasks mentioned in the job description. We love a good story, so make it engaging!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:As a Programme Lead, strong communication is key. Use your application to demonstrate your ability to advocate and develop partnerships. We’re looking for someone who can connect with people and organisations at a strategic level, so let that shine through!
Submit Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us. Remember to send your CV and supporting statement to admin@lightupthenorth.com before the deadline. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Disability Arts
✨Know Your Festivals
Familiarise yourself with the light festivals in the LUTN network. Understand their unique characteristics and challenges, as well as how they collaborate. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your commitment to the role and show that you’re ready to hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare specific examples of past projects where you've successfully managed multiple stakeholders and timelines. Highlight your organisational skills and how you’ve navigated challenges. This will reassure the interviewers that you can handle the complexities of this role.
✨Communicate Clearly
As a Programme Lead, strong communication is key. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Be ready to discuss how you would advocate for the festivals and build partnerships at a strategic level, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Prepare for Evaluation Questions
Since evaluation is part of the role, be prepared to discuss your experience in analysing data and writing reports. Think of examples where your evaluations led to actionable insights or improvements. This will showcase your analytical skills and ability to contribute to the success of LUTN.
