Industry News

Tuesday 25 February 2025. Artichoke has today launched BRILLIANT, the national commissioning scheme, inviting anyone to create a new light work at Lumiere Durham 2025, the UK’s light art biennial.Produced and curated by Artichoke and commissioned by Durham County Council, Lumiere will take place in Durham over three evenings this autumn, from Thursday 13 to Saturday 15 November 2025.

Artichoke welcomes anyone to submit a bright idea – you do not need to be a practising artist. Up to four individuals or groups will be selected to have their works made and exhibited alongside UK and internationally-renowned artists as part of a 2025 programme.BRILLIANT is sponsored by locally-based EMG Solicitors.

The scheme is free and open to anyone currently living in the UK, aged 18 or older, who has an innovative idea that will transform Durham’s urban landscape using the medium of light. Successful applicants will receive a fee alongside the costs of production and technical support to create and install their artwork.

BRILLIANT aims to encourage creativity across the UK as well as highlight unique ideas from people living in or originally from the North-East. Up to half of the BRILLIANT commissions will be reserved for people who are currently residing in or are originally from North-East England. 

As UK’s leading arts producers, Artichoke works with communities and artists to invade public spaces and make extraordinary art accessible to all. At Lumiere, Artichoke is committed to broadening the diversity of those working in the medium of light art and encourages applications from people who are currently under-represented in our BRILLIANT alumni, including people of colour and people who identify as d/Deaf, disabled or neurodivergent.

Artistic Director of Artichoke, Helen Marriage says, “I’m always amazed by the inventiveness of artists and those with a creative imagination who can come up with the most outstanding ways in which to express identity, current issues, personal experience or a sense of the beauty of the world around them. 

Lumiere Durham has become an important testbed and a launch pad for all kinds of ideas and careers. Many of our BRILLIANT artists have gone on to show work at other events, both here in the UK and across the world. We prioritise applications who we can see are less well represented in the light art creative community. We’ve loved working with previous cohorts – come and join them!”

Applicants are encouraged to consider ways their work can be more environmentally-friendly such as using sustainable technology or recycled materials with guidance from Artichoke, in line with our commitment to delivering a sustainable and environmentally conscious event.

Since 2011, 32 BRILLIANT artworks have been programmed at Lumiere and seen by over 1.3 million visitors. Past works include luminous rope and drainpipes to make supersized knitting needles, a throbbing heart structure whose brightness corresponds to the sound of an abstract heartbeat, a unique light structure made from thousands of upcycled everyday discarded objects, a giant glowing slinky toy and an elegant light installation of an illuminated sealed door, symbolising hope and seemingly unreachable dreams.

Cllr Amanda Hopgood, Leader of Durham County Council says, “We are committed to creating cultural opportunities within County Durham through our dynamic festivals and events programme. Lumiere is one of these key events, attracting thousands of visitors to Durham and the wider region, bringing with it a boost to our visitor economy.

“BRILLIANT is a fantastic chance for art-enthusiasts and members of the community to showcase their ideas and artistic individuality on a large-scale, international stage. It opens up doors for diversity and brings opportunities for those who may not often have a voice in the artistic world. We would encourage anyone who would like to see their visions illuminated to submit their ideas to the programme.”

EMG Solicitors returns as the sponsor of the BRILLIANT national commissioning scheme for Lumiere 2025. EMG Solicitors is a certified B-Corporation that is based in Durham that has supported Lumiere since 2017.

Claire Hewitt, EMG Solicitors, says: “EMG Solicitors is delighted to renew its support of Lumiere’s BRILLIANT commissioning scheme for 2025. As a company deeply rooted in Durham, and with strong values around supporting our local communities, we can’t wait to see Lumiere return to Durham City and shine a spotlight on the North East’s vibrant cultural scene, which we are thrilled to be a part of. We believe in the power of art and culture to inspire and unite communities, and as a local business, we are proud to play a part in making this happen.”

Applications will close on Sunday 23rd March, 2025. Shortlisted artists for Stage Two of the process will be notified by early April. If shortlisted, candidates will be invited to work with Artichoke’s production team to develop their idea in greater detail, working out some of the initial technical and logistical requirements. From the pool of shortlisted candidates, a group of artists will be selected to take their idea from concept to reality. The entire process, from proposal through to delivery, will give candidates invaluable insight into life as a practising artist and the realities of participating in a large-scale arts event.

Find out all the information about the BRILLIANT scheme, including the application form available in various accessible formats and the information pack.

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

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