Exciting things are happening in 2027 and our partners at Elizabeth Gaskell’s House are now inviting tenders for the creation of two new, large scale, interactive light artworks (internal and external), to open at the House in March 2027.

This work will be commissioned and delivered in partnership with Elizabeth Gaskell’s House and Manchester City of Literature, as part of the celebration of its 10 year anniversary,  with funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The exterior light show will take place over a minimum of two evenings, and will be followed by an interior lightworks that will be available to visitors from March– Oct 2027 when visiting the House on public open days (3 days a week)

The work should be bold, thought-provoking and meaningful, with a strong narrative. We also want it to be beautiful, engaging, and interactive; created through research, consultation and participation with visitors, volunteers, staff and stakeholders, including Manchester City of Literature.

The project will draw on a range of stories which include;

• Elizabeth Gaskell’s House itself and its unique history and journey from dereliction to delight.
• Elizabeth Gaskell’s own stories and life including exploring the themes of her novels, relationships with other writers and key themes that relate to a 21st Century audience
• Manchester as a UNESCO City of Literature – celebrating its 10-year anniversary in 2027.
• This project is specifically focused on attracting non-traditional heritage visitors specifically families, visitors aged under 30 and local residents from the M13 and M14 postcode area.
• We strive towards high-standards of accessibility for visitors with physical and non-physical disabilities, and we would like this to be considered as part of any proposals.

Elizabeth Gaskell’s House anticipate the finished work will include projection, light and sound both inside and outside the House. As per our hands-on policy at the House we would also like work that visitors can directly engage and interact with where possible.

For more information please visit the Elizabeth Gaskell’s House website below.