A commission to design and build an artwork/instrument stand in collaboration with artist Sophie Huckfield.

Design and build from Mid-January–March 2024.

Artist Sophie Huckfield is collaborating with music technologist Assistant Professor Juan Martinez Avila at University of Nottingham’s Mixed Reality Lab. They are repurposing an antique loom into a musical instrument, combining it with technology to explore alternative forms of creative ‘production’.

The project, including this commission, draws on the ideas of the Luddites, Lady Ludd and feminist/queer/non-binary stories.

This project is supported through Broadway’s Near Now Fellowship using public funding by Arts Council England.

The commission

This commission seeks a maker who:

Identifies as a woman or non-binary
Has experience in using wood to create furniture, artworks or load-bearing frames
Can design/build a plinth to support a touring artwork.

The woodworker will be commissioned to collaborate with Sophie and Juan on the design and making of the Loom Instrument’s stand. This stand must support the weight (see dimensions below) of a tabletop 4-shaft loom (pictured below) when played, be sturdy and robust. It should also be collapsible and suitable for travel when touring. It must also include storage elements for electronic components on the loom and could also incorporate other features (e.g wheels) to make it easier to move and operate.

Fees and budget

A fee of £256.00 per day* for up to 8 days work.

A separate amount to cover travel/accommodation, materials, fixtures, fittings and other build costs will be identified through the Planning and Design phases and paid for by Near Now.

*Based on Artists’ Union England rates of 3+ years experience.