SPOTLIGHT – A Series of Talks about Light Art and Light Festivals
Join Light Up The North for a series of talks exploring the dynamic world of light art. Hear from exhibiting light artists at Light Up Lancaster and BD:IS LIT on the nature of light art and their creative practice. Plus, engage with expert guests as we examine the phenomenal rise of light events across the UK, and the cultural and economic impact of light festivals on our towns and cities.
The talks will take place across two days, two cities, and two festivals!
- Register for Friday 7th November in Bradford, 11am and 2pm (The Chamber, City Hall)
- Register Saturday 8th November in Lancaster, 11am and 2pm (The Music Room, The Storey)
Join us in person or online! The talks are free, but booking is required.
Supported by: Light Up The North, Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture, Bradford Council, Light Up Lancaster, and with funding from Arts Council England.
Day 1: Friday 7th November, BD: IS LIT Bradford
Venue: Council Chamber, City Hall, Norfolk Gardens, Bradford, BD1 1SD
11am – 12pm | What is Light Art?
Light art has become its own phenomenon. Artists exhibiting at BD:IS LIT will discuss the changing definitions of the art form, the variety of works shown at festivals—from handmade to digital projection—and share their personal artistic practices.
- Chair: Abbe Robinson (Senior Producer, Bradford 2025 / Curator BD:IS LIT)
- Panel: Ronan Devlin (Artist, Worstedopolis), Jack Cheeseborough (Artist, Rever), Anne Bennett (Artist, Amazon Butterflies)
2pm – 3pm | Illuminating Success: The Rise of Light Festivals
We will explore why these events attract such a wide range of audiences. Is it the spectacle, the novelty of seeing familiar places transformed, or the time of year? We will also debate the future of light festivals amid a challenging funding landscape.
- Chair: Phil Hargreaves (Artistic Director, Freedom Festival)
- Panel: Kate Harvey (Director of Projects, Artichoke), Daniel Bernstein, CEO, Emergency Exit Arts, Dr Tine Bech, Tine Bech Studio
Day 2: Saturday 8th November, Light Up Lancaster
Register for Light Up Lancaster – A Series of Talks about Light Art & Light Festivals
Venue: The Music Room, The Storey, Lancaster, LA1 1TH
11am – 12pm | Pathways into Light Art
A conversation with artists about their journey into working with light, from first steps to commissioned artist. This session will highlight development opportunities offered by Light Up The North and outline the process for submitting proposals.
- Chair: George Harris (Light Up Lancaster Creative Director)
- Panel: Daksha Patel (Artist), Millie-Beth Wright (Artist), Laura Spark (Artist)
2pm – 3pm | Illuminating Places
A discussion examining the special role Light Festivals play in towns and cities. We will explore their impact on diverse communities, their role in place-making, and ask the question: What Next for Light Festivals?
- Chair: Carolyn Primett Carolyn (Head of Arts at Blackpool Council and a Creative Producer with Mirador)
- Panel: Gail Faragher (University of Liverpool), Maria Bota (Consultant), Anna West (idontloveyouanymore), Laura Jamieson (LeftCoast)
Supported by:
Light Up The North, Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture, Bradford Council, Light Up Lancaster, and with funding from Arts Council England.
