Proudly made in Durham, Lumiere is set to return for four nights from 16 – 19 November 2023.
Produced by leading UK arts producers Artichoke, and commissioned by Durham County Council, with additional support from Arts Council England, Durham University and a host of further funders and supporters, the free-to-attend event will feature a thought-provoking and entertaining new programme of spectacular light artworks by UK and internationally-renowned artists who have something to say about our world.
Since 2009, Lumiere in Durham has attracted more than one million visitors and stands as a landmark event in the cultural calendar of the North East. For its 8th edition in 2023, the programme will continue to bring magic, joy and light to the local community, brightening the dark winter nights of November and boosting the local economy.
Beyond the lights, over 12,000 local people and schoolchildren have benefitted from involvement in Lumiere’s learning and participation programmes and volunteering opportunities, developing their skills and having a great time in the process.
Helen Marriage, Artistic Director of Artichoke said: “Artichoke is proud to bring Lumiere back to Durham once again, an event that is made with and for its community. The event is free for everyone to enjoy, the result of amazing partnerships forged over the years with Durham County Council, Arts Council England and Durham’s local institutions and businesses who all invest in the event to bring wider benefits to the community. In these challenging times, 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.”
David Anderson, Group property Director at Hargreaves Land said: “Hargreaves has a longstanding heritage in the Durham area so are keen to once again support Lumiere as it is such an important cultural event, which brings significant positive social and economic benefits to the area. We look forward to seeing the artworks and installations which I am sure will be a fantastic experience for residents and visitors, especially after what has been a difficult time for so many.”