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12
Jun
'Dazzling maze of radiant colour' opens to visitors on Harrogate's Stray
A giant inflatable walk-through art installation opened on Harrogate's Stray yesterday (June 11).
Created by the world-renowned Architects of Air and designed by their Artistic Director Alan Parkinson, this monumental inflatable structure, designed to be gentle, inclusive and open to everyone, will transform The Stray from 11 to 14 June.
Luminarium, which will be open to visitors until Sunday (June 14) offers a "dazzling maze of winding paths and soaring domes filled with radiant colour as light filters through the translucent fabric, creating an ever-changing, immersive experience".
More than three million visitors in over 40 countries across five continents have now experienced Luminaria sculptures, which are created by Architects of Air and designed by its founder and artistic director Alan Parkinson, who has been experimenting with light-filled sculptures since the 1980s.
He said:
What motivates me to design is the fact that I continue to be struck by the beauty of light and colour found in the luminaria. These structures nurture an awareness of a pure phenomenon that gently cuts through everyday conditioned perceptions and awakens a sense of wonder in people.
The installations are designed to inspire a sense of wonder in the viewer. Photo: Richard Maude.
Luminarium is the first event in Harrogate International Festivals’ Harrogate Unlocked project – marking the Festivals’ 60th anniversary.
Sharon Canavar, chief executive of Harrogate International Festivals, said:
We are thrilled to be welcoming Architects of Air’s Luminarium to Harrogate. This amazing space is somewhere you can wander, look and enjoy the atmosphere. So whether you’re visiting with family, friends, or simply taking a quiet moment for yourself, Luminarium offers a wonderful opportunity to experience art from the inside out.
Harrogate Unlocked will bring ambitious cultural experiences into the heart of the town, creating new reasons for people to visit, spend time and support local businesses. We are delighted that this funding recognises the important role culture can play in driving footfall and supporting the future vitality of our high street.
Harrogate BID chief executive Jason Maxwell and Harrogate International Festivals chief executive Sharon Canavar in the Luminarium.
The installation is supported by David Skaith, the mayor of York and North Yorkshire, Harrogate BID and the HIF@60 Fund, and funded by York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority as part of the Vibrant and Sustainable High Streets Fund.
Mr Skaith said:
Our high streets are where our communities come together. That’s why I’m backing creative ideas from the people who know their area best with my High Street Fund.
Harrogate International Festivals know how to put on a show, so we’re backing a strong team with a big vision to bring the culture and footfall to the town centre with Harrogate Unlocked.
This is one of 65 projects we’ve supported across York and North Yorkshire helping to transform our high streets into vibrant destinations that residents and visitors will want to return to again and again.
Luminarium will be on the Stray until Sunday, June 14. Tickets cost £7 each, or £24 for 4 and are available through the Harrogate International Festivals website or by calling the box office on 01423 562 303.
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