Design our Pride 2026 Photo Backdrop! - Volunteer, Croydon

Help us create a showstopping photo backdrop for Croydon Pride 2026 (on Saturday 15 August)! We're looking for a volunteer artist to design a "moment" celebrating queer joy and local heritage.

What difference will you make?

• Amplified Visibility – Every photo shared on Instagram or TikTok acts as a free "digital billboard," putting Croydon Pride on the map for a global audience.
• A "Moment" for the Community – It provides a safe, joyful space for attendees, especially those who may be out for the first time, to celebrate their identity with pride.
• Elevated Production Value – Moving away from generic banners to "bespoke art" makes the festival feel high-quality, curated, and culturally significant.
• Local Pride – By incorporating Croydon-specific elements, it reinforces that our queer community is rooted in the heart of this borough.

What are we looking for?

• Visual Storytelling – Ability to translate abstract themes like "Intersectionality" and "Croydon Pride" into a cohesive, striking visual design.
• Scale Awareness – Experience or strong understanding of working on large-format projects, awareness of how colors and patterns translate from a small screen to an 8ft wall.
• Social‑Media Savvy – Eye for the shot, understanding how to place elements so they aren’t blocked by people’s heads and ensuring the lighting/colors work well for smartphone cameras.

• Portfolio of Work – Examples of finished projects such as graphic design, mural painting, set design, or large-scale window dressing.
• Material Knowledge – Knowing which medium works best for the venue (e.g., matte vinyl to avoid camera flash glare or weather‑resistant paint).
• Deadline Driven – Track record of delivering work on time for a fixed‑date event.

• Community Connection – Genuine passion for LGBTQ+ culture and nuanced understanding of its symbols and history.
• Collaborative Spirit – Openness to feedback from the committee and ability to work with the BOXPARK site team on installation logistics.
• Problem‑Solver – Ability to think on their feet if a design needs to be tweaked for safety or space constraints.

What will you be doing?

As a volunteer artist or designer for Croydon Pride 2026, you are creating the visual heart of the festival. Your mission is to design and produce a bespoke, high‑impact Photo Backdrop that will stand at BOXPARK Croydon. This is the spot where thousands of attendees, from local families to headline performers, will capture their memories of the day.

• Translating Vision into Art – Take the themes of "Suburban Queer Joy" and "Croydon Heritage" and turn them into a physical or digital masterpiece. Whether your style is bold graphic illustration, street‑art inspired murals, or 3D floral installations, we want your unique creative voice.
• Creating an "Instagrammable" Moment – Design with the camera in mind. Consider lighting, height, and framing to ensure that anyone standing in front of your work looks and feels like a superstar.
• Celebrating Intersectionality – Reflections of the diverse, multi‑cultural fabric of Croydon’s LGBTQIA+ community, ensuring everyone who sees it feels seen and celebrated.
• Leaving a Mark on the Borough – Collaborate with the organising committee to ensure the final piece is safe, durable, and fits the vibe of the venue, contributing to the most professional and artistic Pride Croydon has ever seen.