Lumiere to shine again in 2023
THE much-loved light festival Lumiere is to make a dazzling return to Durham next year, it has been announced, with a four-night run that will transform city streets and buildings.
Lumiere will run next year from November 16-19. The free festival, created by leading arts producer Artichoke and commissioned by Durham County Council, will showcase a new programme of illuminations and installations by a range of artists, including international commissions, who have “something to say about our world”.
Fundraising for the big event is under way and there are plenty of opportunities for local businesses to become involved.
Lumiere will be joining forces with County Durham Community Foundation to work on ways to channel investment back into the local community.
Donations made to Lumiere by individuals, new partners and local businesses will be doubled by the foundation, unlocking additional funds for the festival’s learning and participation programmes as well as for the foundation’s Poverty Hurts Appeal.
This appeal provides year-round support to
County Durham families, helping the likes of older people at risk in cold homes; younger people struggling with mental health and employment problems and children lacking warm winter coats.
Helen Marriage, artistic director of Artichoke, said of its 2023 return: “It would be tempting to think Lumiere is not a priority in our current difficult economic circumstances, but Lumiere has never just been about stunning spectacle and pretty lights. Over the years, Lumiere has consistently brought tangible benefits to the local community, building the economy, investing in businesses, training kids and putting Durham firmly on an international culture map.”
She said that in view of current challenges, it is all the more important that families have events to look forward to without having to worry about what it will cost to attend and that it is thanks to investment from “amazing partnerships” built up over the years with the council, local businesses and Arts Council England that the city festival is free.
She added: “As part of County Durham Community Foundation’s match-funding programme of the Poverty Hurts Appeal, donations to Lumiere will both help local people and shine a light in these dark times.”