Tapestry Lead Artist

Job title and organisation: Invitation to Tender - Tapestry Lead Artist (Otley 800 Peoples Tapestry CIC) - Otley Town Council
Salary: £25,000 for the project
Hours: Part Time, as required for the project
Contract: Fixed Term
Location: Otley, Leeds LS21
Closing Date and Time: Monday 19 October 2026 at Noon

Otley Town Council is seeking to assist with the appointment of a Tapestry Lead Artist / Facilitator to design, coordinate and deliver the Otley 800 Tapestry, a participatory textile project forming part of Otley 800, an upcoming celebration marking two significant milestones in the town's history, funded in partnership with The Naional Lottery Heritage Fund.

The successful contractor will undertake a hands-on role that combines artistic leadership with practical facilitation.

They will develop and refine the creative approach for the Otley 800 Tapestry, translating agreed themes into designs and working methods that can be delivered collaboratively with local participants. The design should reflect the wider Otley 800 programme, including Otley's market and trading heritage, the significance of Otley Bridge, and the town's community life.

They will plan and deliver creative workshops, support volunteers and community groups to contribute confidently, provide guidance on stitching techniques and materials, and ensure that the completed tapestry is finished to an appropriate standard for public display and future interpretation.

The tapestry is expected to be designed as a stitched textile artwork suitable for community participation. Tenderers should set out their recommended approach to stitch type, fabric, threads, construction method and finishing, noting that it is anticipated that the Bayeau stitch will be the most suitable to achieve project completion on the required timeline.

The project may include hand embroidery, appliqué, counted stitch, surface stitch, mixed textile techniques or other appropriate methods, provided these are accessible to participants of varying experience and capable of producing a robust, coherent finished work within the time constraints of the project.

The appointed contractor will be expected to advise on the technical specification of the tapestry, including the size and number of panels, backing and support materials, colour palette, stitch samples, methods for transferring designs, safe use of tools and materials, storage during production, joining or mounting arrangements, and any conservation or display considerations. The final approach should balance artistic ambition with durability, accessibility, ease of volunteer involvement and suitability for future public display.

The contractor will work closely with community groups, schools or young people where appropriate, the Programme Manager, Otley Town Council and project partners. They will be expected to provide simple, bi-monthly updates to the Project Lead, identify any risks or support needs, and adapt delivery in response to programme developments.

For further details please see

Otley Town Council Job Vacancies | Otley Town Council

The above post is not a Leeds City Council vacancy and has been advertised on behalf of the relevant organisation. To apply please follow their application instructions.
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