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.
South Bank Art Trail, produced with South Bank London. Design by Hudson Fuggle
Illuminated River by photographer David Winston
Guildhall School of Music and Drama students recording new music commissioned and inspired by Illuminated River
Blackfriars Stories, lantern parade, with local primary schools
Artwork produced by Coin Street community workshops
Performance of new music by students at Guildhall School of Music and Drama, inspired by Illuminated River, at The Scoop, London Bridge
Benedict O'Looney's plein air sketch of Southwark Bridge. Drawing workshop.
Mudlarking with Illuminated River. Photo: Milo Robinson
Illuminated River. Photo: James Newton
Illuminated River. Photo: James Newton
Westminster Bridge. Photo: James Newton
Bringing Light Art to London: artists Leo Villareal and Teemu Määttänen in Conversation. A virtual talk
Artwork produced by Coin Street community workshops
Illuminated River by Photographer David Winston
Creating a 360° exhibition with Google Arts and Culture
Creating a 360° exhibition with Google Arts and Culture
Luminance survey, Illuminated River
Guildhall School of Music and Drama students recording new music commissioned and inspired by Illuminated River
The team installing Illuminated River
Illuminated River by Photographer David Winston
Illuminated River boat tour in partnership with City Cruises, September 2021 © London View Points