Member Article

Lumiere festival to be ‘bigger, bolder and brighter than ever’ with new £250k investment

Durham’s Lumiere festival has £250k in funding from backers Wellcome and the Garfield Weston Foundation.

Produced by creative charity Artichoke and commissioned by Durham County Council, the UK’s largest festival of light has become an increasingly-popular event of the North East’s cultural calendar.

In 2015 an estimated 200,000 people journeyed to Durham to see the attraction, generating £9.6m for the local economy.

Wellcome has awarded a grant of £150k to support the creation of Cosmoscope, a major installation commissioned by Artichoke and developed by artist Simeon Nelson.

The Garfield Weston Foundation has awarded Lumiere £100k as part of the programme of proactive funding it is carrying out across the North East.

Lumiere was selected as a recipient for the award because of the longer term benefits the festival brings to the area, as well as providing a high quality immersive experience that inspires and delights the audience.

Both awards will support Artichoke’s programme of community-based work in County Durham, delivered in conjunction with Area Action Partnerships, schools, universities and other groups from around the county.

Sarah Coop, Director of Development at Artichoke said: “We’re immensely grateful for this substantial investment in Lumiere from Wellcome and the Garfield Weston Foundation.

“It is a testament to the commitment and support of Durham County Council, Arts Council England and the many supporters and funders large and small that have put Lumiere on the map and achieved recognition of its place as a world class cultural event in the North East.”

Coop added: “We are now looking for our final partners to ensure this year’s Lumiere is bigger, bolder and brighter than ever.”

Council Leader, Cllr Simon Henig, said: “The support of sponsors and investors is vital in producing what is a truly world-class event.

“A festival of this scale and quality is only possible thanks to significant partnership working. I would like to add my gratitude to both investors and to say I feel sure Lumiere will deliver beyond everyone’s expectations once again .”