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Co-commissioning light art within our network gives significant advantages. Collaboration allows for the sharing of best practices, support for UK and international artists, and ensures artworks reach wider, more diverse audiences through touring.
‘Somnius’, co-commissioned by Lightpool Festival Blackpool, Light Up Lancaster, Illuminate Oldham, Lightwaves Salford, Light Night Wigan and supported by core funds from the network. Presented in different locations like Lancaster Castle, Mesnes Park in Wigan and Blackpool Promenade, it engaged diverse local communities and has since toured internationally, including to Vivid Sydney in Australia.
“This artwork simply wouldn’t exist without the network… Now, we’re looking forward to taking Somnius to festivals around the world.” Gemma Mills, Artistic Director, illumaphonium.
Other successes include Tine Bech’s ‘The World has Gone Pear-Shaped’, a six-metre inflatable pear premiered across Light Night Leeds, Nightfall Middlesbrough, and Illuminate Oldham before travelling to Australia, prompting environmental reflection. I Don’t Love You Anymore’s ‘Matter of the Heart’, co commissioned by Light Up Lancaster, Barnsley Bright Nights, and Lightwaves Salford, fostered community connection via heartbeat-synchronised light boxes. Their ‘On the Curled Clouds’, presented by Barnsley Bright Nights and Light Up Lancaster, offered an immersive digital experience inspired by ‘The Tempest’, exploring power and vulnerability.
8 Co-commissions
28 Festival appearances
102 Presenting days
749K+ Estimated audience reached
Monad – Image Credit Robin Zahler
‘MONAD’ by international artist Anastasia Isachsen, co-presented by Light Up Lancaster, Light Night Leeds, and Lightwaves Salford. This striking large-scale installation, exploring elemental forces through the symbolic circle, captivated UK audiences. Projected onto a fine water mist, ‘MONAD’ appeared as a shimmering 3D display, evoking awe and inviting reflection on life’s cyclical nature. Thanks to MediaCity’s support, ‘MONAD’s’ time at Lightwaves Salford was extended for an additional two weeks, providing 13,000 more visitors with the chance to experience the light art.
“Initially, the artwork was unaffordable and logistically challenging. By collaborating with Leeds and Salford, we shared trucking and secured a substantial cost reduction, making it feasible for all three festivals. This partnership was mutually beneficial.” Julie Brown, Light Up Lancaster
Our network further enriched public spaces with cocommissions like Severi Haapala’s ‘A Kind of Magic’ (Light Up Lancaster and Lightpool Festival Blackpool), which playfully explored perception. Stéphane Masson’s enchanting ‘I caught a…’ (Lightpool Festival Blackpool and Light Up Lancaster) created delightful illusions within oversized birdcages. Studio Toer’s ‘Firefly Field’, co-presented across five festivals, recreated the magic of bioluminescent lights, fostering wonder in urban and natural settings. These collaborations demonstrably expand artistic possibilities and deepen audience connection.
4 Co-presentations
13 Festival appearances
73 Presenting days
1.1M+ Estimated audience reached
*Data represents combined results from eleven Light Up The North members and covers festivals that took place in 2023/24 and 2024/25 winter seasons.