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The SHINE programme is dedicated to fostering the careers of emerging light artists. Through an open call, we select artists to create new works for presentation at our network partners’ winter festivals. Successful applicants receive bursaries of up to £15,000 to bring their ambitious visions to life. Beyond financial support, SHINE provides mentoring support for artist development. This includes an induction to the programme, access to mentorship and training from the network, and direct support in areas like marketing, finance, production, risk assessment, and fundraising.
Follow the journey of Emma and Matt, our 2024 SHINE artists, as they transform their concepts into captivating light art installations.
Emma Gasson, an artist supported through our 2024 SHINE emerging artist programme, created REFLECT, a captivating sensory light installation encouraging the audience to engage in a state of drifting.
Emma’s material and muse is light. With honesty and care she invites audiences to experience the sensation of light and explore what the interaction means to them. As an artist, lighting and service designer from London, Emma hopes people will feel connected to their magic, wonder and sense of being. Emma has a background in art and design and recently completed a Masters in Light in Performance at Rose Bruford college.
REFLECT aims to cultivate a sense of tranquillity and presence within the audience. Drawing inspiration from the impact of water on the human body, the artwork features a 10-metre surface of water illuminated to cast vibrant reflections onto the opposing wall. This concept draws on the idea that our bodies, composed of 60% water, naturally enter a semi-meditative state when near water, allowing us to be more attuned to our immediate surroundings without the pressure of productivity. This dynamic setup transforms the space, inviting audience interaction.
Reaching a wider audience, the installation was presented at Light Night Leeds, Lightwaves Salford and Illuminate Oldham. Emma was attracted to the SHINE programme as “It felt right for me, there is a sense of community in the network and they are there to support light artists. They really want to see your artwork out there in the real world.”
Visitors are encouraged to engage with the water, creating ripples that contribute to the ever-evolving visual spectacle. The interplay of light and water, guided by ambient sounds, provides a contemplative space for individual and collective experiences.
Reflecting on her SHINE journey, Emma added, “It’s so good to see the public interacting with REFLECT, this is exactly what I needed! I want to do more and bigger things. I am super excited to keep going.”
Matt Tully’s Big Yellow Blobs and the Box that Buzzes, an interactive and immersive artwork, was developed through our 2024 SHINE emerging artist programme. Emphasising the joy of play, the installation presented a fun, large-scale encounter where art blended with the absurd, inviting everyone to join in the playful exploration and embrace the weirdness.
Matt, a designer and maker from Sheffield, understands play’s profound influence on design, performance, and culture which draws upon his extensive experience as a set builder and prop maker, along with his innate passion for storytelling. Matt actively explores these concepts through his collaborations with organisations such as the National Theatre’s ‘SpeakUp’ schools programme and his role as an Associate Practitioner with the theatre company, Imitating the Dog.
Showcased at Lightpool Blackpool and Light Up Lancaster, the installation presented itself as a large, spread-out, playground-like experience. A series of captivating yellow illuminated blobs adorned the route, guiding viewers towards the heart of the artwork. This unique approach fostered a sense of discovery and encouraged active exploration within the installation.
Matt explains that, “It has been good experience dealing with the light festivals, I have worked with various venues before but the network has walked me through the festivals process and it’s been really helpful.” Reflecting on his SHINE journey, Matt added, “It’s not been easy but it’s been worth it, to see the kids interacting and laughing with it.”