Urban ReLeaf, in partnership with Dundee City Council Events Team, invites proposals from artists to design and deliver a series of lantern-making workshops inspired by Dundee’s greenspaces and water-themed data, engaging participants in creative expression while fostering dialogue around urban nature, sustainability, and community identity.
These workshops will culminate in a lantern parade as part of the Dundee Hooley on Sunday 30 November, celebrating St Andrew’s Day. The lanterns will therefore need to be visible in the dark, child-friendly, easily carried as part of the parade and no naked flames.
The Dundee Hooley is an annual celebration of St Andrew and his values of kindness and welcome. This year the parade will focus on St Andrew the fisherman and will have a water theme.
Deadline for Applications: Wednesday 10 September 2025
Applications will only be accepted through the SmartSurvey link at the end of the article.
Opportunity
We will commission one artist to:
- Design and lead 8–10 lantern-making workshops across Dundee
- Collaborate with Urban ReLeaf to explore themes of water in local greenspace data and how this might be incorporated into illuminated lanterns
- Engage participants in creative exploration of Dundee’s natural environment
- Support the lantern parade at the Dundee Hooley on Sunday 30 November
Eligibility
This opportunity is open to:
- Artists and makers based in or with strong connections to Dundee
- Individuals with experience in community arts, participatory practice, and / or sculptural or illuminated works.
- Artists available to deliver workshops between October and November 2025, able to attend the Hooley on Sunday 30 November.
Equal Opportunities
We are committed to fair and inclusive recruitment. Please complete our Equal Opportunities Form. Submission is voluntary and will not affect your application.
Budget
Total commission: £3,500, including:
£2,000 artist fee
£1,500 materials (based on 10 workshops with approximately 20 participants in each workshops)
Support
The successful artist or collective will receive support from the Urban ReLeaf Team in delivering the workshops. Urban ReLeaf will help identify suitable venues and ensure that at least one team member is present at each workshop to engage participants in discussions around Urban ReLeaf themes. The team will also work closely with the artist or collective to coordinate the logistics of participating in the parade alongside workshop participants.
Selection Criteria
Applications will be assessed using the following weightings:
- Community engagement approach – 35% Weighting
- Communication, quality & creativity of proposal – 25% Weighting
- Budget feasibility & delivery plan – 20% Weighting
- Track record and relevant experience – 20% Weighting
How to Apply
Submit your application via SmartSurvey. You will be asked to upload:
A short, written proposal outlining:
- Your approach to community engagement
- Your creative vision for the workshops, including how you will incorporate water-related themes
- A basic delivery plan and budget breakdown
- Up to 5 images of previous work
- A short artist bio or CV
Shortlisted candidates will be asked to interview.
Timeline
- Submission Deadline – Wednesday 10 September
- Interviews – End of September
- Commission Awarded – Early October
- Workshop Design Phase – October
- Workshops Delivered – October – November
- Dundee Hooley Parade – Sunday 30 November
- Evaluation & Wrap-up – December
To apply, please follow this link:
For questions or support with your application, please email: urban.releaf@dundeecity.gov.uk or call: 01382 433514