BRILLIANT scheme launched for Lumiere
When Lumiere lights up Durham later this year, it could include a light work by YOU.
That’s the message coming from event producers and curators, Artichoke via the 2025 launch of BRILLIANT - a national commissioning scheme inviting anyone who has a bright idea to submit it for consideration.
To be clear, no artistic experience is necessary to get involved in this… but you could come out of it with some insight into the life of 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 the 2025 programme.
Since 2011, 32 BRILLIANT artworks have been programmed at Lumiere and seen by more than 1.3 million visitors.
Past works in the BRILLIANT back catalogue 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.
As you can see, the brief is a wide one.
Free to enter, anyone over 18 and currently living in the UK is welcome to enter… as long as they have ‘an innovative idea that will transform Durham’s urban landscape using the medium of light’.
A fee of up to £1,000 will be given to successful applicants alongside up to £7,000 to cover costs of production and technical support to create and install their artwork, which will be displayed as part of Lumiere across three evenings from November 13-15.
There will also be support from an Artichoke producer and production manager to help realise the BRILLIANT commission as well as the chance to receive ongoing mentoring and advice after the lights go out on Lumiere.
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Aiming to flick the switch on creativity across the UK, some of the commission slots will be ring-fenced for people in or from the North East.
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.
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.”
Applications close on March 23. Those shortlisted for stage two of the process will be notified by early April.
All information about the BRILLIANT scheme, once again sponsored by Durham-based EMG Solicitors, can be found here