Tapestry Lead Artist – Otley 800 Peoples Tapestry CIC

The indicative budget for this contract is £25,000, expected to cover the full duration of delivery from appointment through to the completion and presentation of the tapestry as part of Otley 800 activity. 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, appliqu , 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.