Dates confirmed for Lumiere 2025
It’s still some way off but you should note the dates if you want to join the throng for the ninth edition of the biennial festival of light-based art.
Lumiere 2025 will take place from November 13 to 15.
A Thursday to Saturday event once again, but the programme will be new and producers Artichoke are also promising a revised format.
Partly they attribute this to “rising costs and funding challenges” and are calling on even more local businesses and individuals to help sustain something that leaves “a legacy of opportunity, joy and inspiration for County Durham and beyond”.
Prima Cheese and Northern Powergrid, meanwhile, have been welcomed as major new partners, joining the likes of Durham University, EMG Solicitors, MGL Construction, Radisson Blu Durham, New College Durham and Ramside Hall Hotel and Spa.
Read more: Music City status for Sunderland
For the third year, Point North (formerly County Durham Community Foundation) will amplify Lumiere’s impact through their Northern Lights match fund, increasing selected sponsorships and contributions by up to 50%.
Helen Marriage, artistic director of Artichoke, said: “We’re so excited to be returning to Durham to programme the next edition of Lumiere, the landmark cultural event in the North East.
“As well as providing a unique platform for some of the world’s greatest artists, and giving everyone the chance to see great art, Lumiere has been consistent over the years in bringing tangible benefits to the local community, building the local economy and training local kids.
“It is made possible only because of the 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.”
Coun. Amanda Hopgood, leader of Durham County Council and portfolio holder for Culture, Creative, Tourism and Sport at the North East Combined Authority, called Lumiere “a shining example of the transformative power of culture on our communities, our businesses and our wider economy”.
She said: “It has played a crucial role in establishing Durham as the Culture County, inspiring similar events across the world and continuing our long-standing tradition of innovation and investment in the arts.”
With thousands of residents taking part in outreach activities and businesses benefiting from increased footfall (Lumiere has attracted an estimated 1.3 million visitors so far), she said its positive impact couldn’t be overstated.
“We're delighted to commission Artichoke and to work with partners including Arts Council England and generous sponsors to bring Lumiere to County Durham once again in 2025.”
Anyone wishing to support Lumiere 2025 can email Artichoke’s development director, Ma’ayan Plane at Ma’ayan.Plane@artichoke.uk.com.