The shortest day is on it’s way but ‘Light Nelson’ will brighten up the skies once more.
The city’s winter light festival, will be back for the third time from July 8 to 12 with over 40 installations.
Light Nelson Trust Chair Brian Riley says Light Nelson will quite literally be ‘bigger and brighter’.
“We were somewhat overwhelmed by the crowds in 2014, so we have introduced changes to manage the event in a way that makes it an even better experience for everyone.”
Brain says the festival has also received increased funding.
“We have been able to show funders that Light Nelson not only draws the community together, it also brings in the visitors as a winter windfall for the hospitality and retail sectors, which is reflected in the confidence shown by our core funders,” he says. “The essence of Light Nelson is art at its most accessible, and with our sponsors’ help we can keep it as a free event for everyone to enjoy.”
Caroline Marshall from the selection panel says they received an amazing array of concepts from locals and from afar.
“We were looking for installations where light was integral to the concept and for aspects such as science, fantasy, the use of new technology, respect for the environment and having something to say.
“We’re really excited at the level of diversity, the wonderful mix of artists working collaboratively and the strong level of community input.”
Caroline says a stand-out example embracing many of these criteria is the entry from Nelson’s Kayan community, led by John-Paul Pochin and Dr Kay Sneddon.
“This installation is called Camplight and it is going to be both spectacular and intriguing,” Marshall said. “The former refugees from Burma are weaving ceremonial banners, known as Tungs, incorporating electrical thread connected to LEDs…these will surround a ‘campfire’ of musicians playing the instruments they made in the refugee camps from whatever waste materials they could find. Right now the women are weaving the tungs on back-strap looms in their homes – I find it really moving that Light Nelson offers these former refugees a way to engage in an arts event in their new community.”
To find out more about Light Nelson 2016 visit the website, www.lightnelson.org.nz, join us on Facebook or join our mailing list to receive our regular newsletters by sending an email to info@lightnelson.org.nz
