Illuminated River
Production Team, Engagement Programme
Illuminated River is the longest public art commission in the world. Using custom code and LED, Leo Villareal’s artwork lights up nine bridges across 3.2 miles of the Thames at night.
As part of the production team, my role included being the main point of contact for Leo Villareal and his team in London, as well as designing and delivering a creative engagement programme that would celebrate the Illuminated River bridges as architectural, social and historical landmarks, as well as a symbolic link across the city.
I formed partnerships with stakeholders including the Mayor of London, ZSL, BFI and Historic England, as well as local schools, residents groups and cultural institutions along the length of the Thames, to produce a UNESCO patronised public engagement programme that included:
An exhibition of historic Thames paintings at Guildhall Art Gallery
A partnership with Guildhall School of Music and Drama, commissioning their young musicians to write and record new music inspired by the bridges
A 360° Virtual Showcase with Google Arts and Culture
An audio tour for blind and partially sighted people with Vocaleyes
A community fund supporting local groups to offer art activities inspired by the bridges
Interpretation materials such as maps, kids activities and information packs
Engagement events such as artist talks, boat trips and walking tours
Students from Guildhall School of Music and Drama perform new music they have written inspired by the Thames bridges and Illuminated River Artwork. This video was shot by Maya Amin-Smith.
‘Still We Move’ by Lillian Chan, ‘Home’ by Isabelle Brawn,‘Golden’ by Gwen Howard.