News-Lumiere, the UK’S mild artwork biennial, returns with spectacular 2025 line-up

Flutter by Emma Allen, which will likely be on present at Crook Hall

Produced and curated by Artichoke and commissioned by us, Lumiere will take place over three evenings, from Thursday 13 to Saturday 15 November. Audiences will encounter a stunning line-up of installations and experiences, starting from large-scale spectaculars to intimate moments of reflection.

Since its beginnings in 2009, Lumiere has change into recognised internationally because the UK’s mild artwork biennial, and has impressed mild reveals and festivals up and down the UK. Over the years, it has welcomed greater than 1.3 million guests and delivered £43m of financial affect. Its significance extends throughout the worldwide mild artwork neighborhood. Lumiere is made doable by funding from us and Arts Council England, who’re joined for the primary time by regional commissioning accomplice North East Combined Authority.

Lumiere’s success depends upon the backing of Durham’s visionary companies and people, together with main companions Durham University and Point North. This yr, over 100 native supporters have come collectively to make Lumiere doable: from long-standing companions like MGL Group who champion the volunteers, to new sponsors reminiscent of Prima Cheese who collaborated with us on the Prima Commission. Their dedication helps carry Lumiere to life and leaves an enduring legacy of inspiration and alternative for County Durham and past.

For 2025, the programme Lumiere as soon as once more brings collectively world-renowned artists, UK debuts and commissions alongside community-created tasks that remember the creativity of County Durham’s folks. From the monumental to the meditative, the 2025 programme
displays Lumiere’s energy to enchant and encourage.

Durham Cathedral Quarter

A spotlight of the biennial since 2009 has been the creative interplay with Durham’s Norman Cathedral each inside and outside. Inspired by the constructing’s significance as a spot of sanctuary, two new commissions for the Cathedral Nave and Cloister will have interaction with this historical past.

EVERYONE EVER by Nighthouse Studio (Elaine Buckholtz and Ian Winters, USA) transforms the huge nave of Durham Cathedral right into a poetic confrontation in stone and lightweight. Accompanied by an unique soundscape, the work acknowledges previous and current injustices whereas providing house for reflection and resilience.

The Cathedral cloister would be the website of a brand new fee by Amelia Kosminsky (UK). Solace fills the Cloister with a whole lot of handmade lanterns, suspended as if in mid-flight. Offering consolation and hope throughout turbulent occasions, they invite audiences to think about the lanterns’ journey whereas reflecting on their very own.

Visitors approaching the Cathedral will likely be greeted by riot of color as Palace Green turns into a supersized forest of illuminated flowers standing two metres tall. Elysium Garden by Jigantics (UK) was impressed by legendary gardens of paradise, with the towering blooms providing a kaleidoscope of color and lightweight, an uplifting celebration of nature, empathy and hope.

Elemental Nature

From Koi carp to butterfly clouds, hearth, melting glaciers and waterfalls, lots of this yr’s installations ponder the fun of the pure world, and the unsure way forward for our planet.

The Garden of Shadows by Jony Easterby (UK) takes the viewers on a magical journey of eight installations by means of The College and South Bailey, that mix sound, shadow and ecological reflection, considering the distinction between mild and darkness.

Cédric Le Borgne’s The River (France) suspends three large illuminated koi carp above Prebends Bridge. Majestic but wild, the glowing sculptures conjure an surprising encounter with nature, inviting audiences to search for and dream.

Glittering Grove by Sound Intervention (UK) creates an immersive 300-metre woodland stroll, the place mirror balls scatter dancing factors of sunshine like fireflies. Accompanied by an unique soundscape by Dan Fox, the path encourages guests of all ages to wander amongst stars and bushes.

Entanglement Is Existential (II) by Justin Brice Guariglia (USA) reimagines solar-powered freeway message boards as roadside indicators for change. Instead of visitors alerts, the boards show compelling ecological texts by writers and thinkers together with Margaret Atwood, Robert Macfarlane, Timothy Morton, Zadie Smith, Re:wild and Guariglia himself, mixing poetry, metaphor and humour, difficult audiences and sparking new conversations about our planet.

Sign by Vendel and de Wolf (Netherlands) conjures an phantasm of flames and sparks rising into the night time sky. Both terrifying and mesmerising, the work displays on hearth as destruction and renewal, an elemental drive of change.

Flutter by Emma Allen (UK) immerses guests in a glowing swarm of butterflies at Crook Hall, inviting them to reconnect with the pure world. Inspired by Durham’s Green Corridor, the kaleidoscope of wings celebrates biodiversity and the great thing about ecosystems.

As Water Falls by Iregular (Canada) is a digital waterfall that responds to human contact. Constantly evolving with natural patterns, no two moments are ever alike. Inspired by the ability and unpredictability of flowing water, every interplay releases a surge of motion and sound, very like water breaking free from a dam.

Point of (No) Return by Anastasia Isachsen (Norway) merges luminous visuals with music by Nils Petter Molvær in a robust metaphor through which behaviour mimics human impacts on the atmosphere.

Dreams of freedom and connectivity

Quite a few installations handle the human situation, be it a eager for freedom in physique and spirit or patterns of connectivity.

Ralf Westerhof’s Take Flight! (The Netherlands) is a large-scale three-dimensional drawing in mild, a neon hen perched on the dome of Hotel Indigo on Old Elvet. Visible throughout the town, for the artist it symbolises the liberty of letting go and the braveness it takes to start once more.

In Market Place, Rhizome by Bobolito and Co (Belgium) is a dwelling community of luminous ropes and sound that dominates the house. Reflecting on each the complexity of pure networks and the best way we construct digital and social connections, the tangled net of its glowing ropes, typically present in forests or city areas, evokes a dwelling construction – natural but synthetic, lovely but chaotic.

Run Beyond by Angelo Bonello (Italy) is a large-scale mild sculpture of illuminated figures leaping alongside Milburngate Riverside. Animated in perpetual movement, the work embodies the liberating leap in the direction of freedom and the braveness it takes to beat concern.

BRILLIANT – Lumiere’s small-scale commissioning programme

Since 2011, Lumiere has nurtured new expertise by means of this scheme, which inspires anybody from the North East and throughout the UK, to submit their creative mild concepts to be created and exhibited.

This yr 5 artists have been chosen and helped to develop their work, together with three from County Durham. Conduit by Mani Kambo (UK), is a luminous archway impressed by sacred thresholds throughout cultures, that invitations audiences to step by means of a ritual portal. LOVE IS by Kevin Edworthy (UK) is a playful homage to his personal true story, reflecting Durham’s on a regular basis life by means of avenue photography-inspired humour. A lightweight nonetheless shines by Lewis Hobson (UK), is an set up impressed by austerity-era window grates, providing house for reflection on inequality and resilience in County Durham’s communities.

FluoreCycle by Hannah Ayre (UK) presents a cover of woven UV-reactive bicycle wheels, a vibrant celebration of biking, sustainability, and pleasure. Vault of Echoes by Aaqib (UK) is a mirrored set up that blends Islamic geometry with County Durham’s brutalist landmarks, revealing hidden threads between heritage and place.

Spotlight on Shildon

This yr’s “Spotlight on Durham” falls on Shildon, at the moment celebrating the two hundredth anniversary as residence of the primary railway station and passenger service. A trio of installations will carry the Lumiere magic to Locomotion, together with community-created lantern set up, Glimmer, and two new commissions that mirror on Shildon’s particular historical past.

Newcastle-based NOVAK (UK) return to Lumiere with Alight, a celebration of 200 years of railway heritage by means of a spectacular projection-mapped art work at Locomotion, telling a narrative of connection and creativeness impressed by the world’s first railways. Also at Locomotion, Iron Horse Junction by Hannah Fox (UK), created along with Durham Academy college students, gives a whimsical signal-box journey by means of 200 years of railway historical past, mixing mild, sound and unique heritage objects.

Beyond the lights: Lumiere and neighborhood participation

Community creativity stays on the coronary heart of Lumiere which continues to ship lasting advantages throughout the county. Since 2009, its studying and participation programme has engaged greater than 14,000 native folks, inspiring schoolchildren, supporting neighborhood creativity, and providing expertise and coaching alternatives.

For this yr’s mild artwork biennial, a whole lot of native residents of all ages have taken half in lantern-making workshops throughout County Durham to create Glimmer, a two-part set up offered in each Durham City and Shildon. Each lantern carries a message, a reminiscence, a hope, or a reality, private to the maker, evoking a second of pause and reflection.

Celebrating Lumiere’s Brightest Moments on the Dead Dog Gallery presents a retrospective of Lumiere by means of the lens of North East locals and guests. Artichoke has labored with Durham Sixth Form Centre college students, supporting them by means of the method from designing a pictures competitors to curating the ultimate exhibition of photos of Lumiere over time.

New College Durham’s media college students have additionally been concerned in a film-making challenge, guided by the Artichoke workforce. The movie memorialises Lumieres previous and current by means of interviews and voxpops with County Durham residents.

Lumiere tickets

Lumiere in Durham City and Shildon runs from 5pm-10pm every night time from Thursday 13 November to Saturday 15 November. Tickets will likely be required to enter the central managed zone in Durham City all through every night and ought to be booked prematurely. More than half the installations are exterior the ticketed zone and may be visited and not using a ticket. Tickets are usually not required for Shildon at any time.

Helen Marriage, Artistic Director of Artichoke, stated: “The 2025 Lumiere programme is a love letter in light — a glowing tribute to the wonderful city and County of Durham. It doesn’t take long to feel the extraordinary beauty of this place – where the countryside gently cradles its towns and cities, which rise from the ancient landscape, proud, enduring, and strong.

“Generations have left their mark right here, and plenty of extra will comply with. But as we stroll this earth collectively, we’re reminded of the transience of our existence and the enduring, restorative energy of the pure world.

“In this 2025 edition of Durham’s world-renowned art event, you’ll discover old friends alongside fresh voices and emerging talent. We’re grateful to everyone who has stood beside us over the last 15 years – helping to create unforgettable moments of light and joy for those who call the North East home and for those who travel from afar to experience the richness and diversity of this remarkable place.”

Our Leader Cllr Andrew Husband added: “Lumiere is a bright example of how culture can transform places and lives and, as commissioners of the festival, we are pleased to once again bring this event to the county.

“Over the years, it has attracted greater than one million folks to County Durham, boosted our economic system by hundreds of thousands, and created alternatives for residents, faculties, and companies alike.

“This year’s programme will once again showcase Durham on an international stage while also bringing Shildon and its contribution to worldwide history into the spotlight. Through Lumiere we continue to demonstrate why we are proud to be known as the Culture County,
and we look forward to welcoming visitors from near and far to experience this extraordinary festival.”

Lumiere Durham is a central pillar of The Culture County, the long-term inventive regeneration technique born out of the Durham 2025 UK City of Culture marketing campaign.

Rebecca Ball, Area Director, Arts Council England, stated: “Over 15 years, Lumiere has illustrated how sustained investment and strong partnerships in creativity and culture can deliver extraordinary results, from generating skills and employment opportunities to attracting visitors and contributing significantly to the local economy. This year’s exciting programme promises to dazzle its audiences once again and I’m looking forward to my visit.”

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness added: “Lumiere is a simply brilliant festival for Durham and I want as many local people as possible to go see it, have a great night and feel inspired. That’s why we have made sure that, through our funding for this year’s festival, even more people from the local area will be invited and encouraged to come into the city to see this amazing festival of light.

“Durham has a extremely sturdy provide to guests, steeped within the satisfaction and creativity of its folks, locations and wealthy historical past. Lumiere actually places that on the map and can carry folks collectively to have fun that as they marvel at the great thing about the illuminations.”

Professor Karen O’Brien, Vice-Chancellor and Warden of Durham University, added: “We’re actually happy that Lumiere will once more happen in our lovely metropolis in November and to be supporting the occasion as a serious accomplice.

“The incredible installations all across the city, including on some of our campus locations, will shine a light on the amazing places to see right on our doorstep. We’re looking forward to welcoming visitors and being part of this brilliant event.”