Meet the BRILLIANT scheme artists for Lumiere 2023

Lumiere's BRILLIANT 2023 selected artists (clockwise from top left) Emma Griffiths, Gareth Hudson, Angela Sandwith, Kaori and Patrick Jones, and Martin Glover.

Sponsored by locally-based EMG Solicitors, BRILLIANT encourages anyone to submit a bright idea, not just practising artists. The long-standing scheme's mission is to broaden the diversity of those working in the medium of light both locally and across the UK, and give an opportunity for non-creatives and early career artists to be part of the biennial.

The selected creatives will now develop their artworks in close consultation with an Artichoke Producer and Production Manager to bring their light installations to life. The artworks will be presented alongside established international and UK artists in a thought-provoking new programme, commissioned by us and taking place from Thursday 16 to Sunday 19 November 2023. Lumiere in Durham is a free event for everybody to attend.

This year's BRILLIANT selection

Among this year's BRILLIANT selection, two are from the North East: Seaham-based artist Angela Sandwith and Durham-born, Newcastle-based video artist Gareth Hudson. They are joined by three more artists including Deaf architect and visual artist Martin Glover, multi-media artist Emma Griffiths, and recent Royal College of Arts graduates, Patrick and Kaori Jones.

Former Design educator and now full-time artist, Angela Sandwith, has attended every Lumiere event. This year, she returns as a contributor, presenting a light installation using recycled and discarded materials often found along coastlines. Gareth Hudson will create a kinetic light sculpture choreographed to a North Eastern choir soundscape.

Martin Glover's artwork is inspired by his passion to educate and celebrate sign language. His selection follows his participation in Lumiere 2021, where he delivered a BSL arts tour. Kappa is the joint name of creative duo Patrick and Kaori Jones, who have a background in science and anthropology respectively. They will present an artwork inspired by the positive powers of light. Emma Griffiths will present an artwork centred around her recent hearing-loss diagnosis and how she experiences a typical conversation.

Kate Harvey, Artichoke Director of Projects, said: "This year we were blown away by the high standard of BRILLIANT applications; it was a tough decision. Our five selected artists presented ideas that use light to illustrate their passions, interests or personal experiences against the magical landscape of Durham, whilst also taking into consideration Artichoke's aims to deliver a sustainable and environmentally-conscious event. Over the next few months, we will offer the selected participants the opportunity to bring their unique creative ideas to life and see their work exhibited on the global platform of Lumiere. Together with the support of our team, they will also have the opportunity to see many aspects of how a large-scale, free-to-attend event is put together."

Artichoke is committed to broadening the scheme nationally, encouraging people who are currently under-represented in our BRILLIANT alumni, including people of colour and people who identify as d/Deaf, disabled or neurodivergent.

BRILLIANT artist Emma Griffiths said: "Being selected by Lumiere as a BRILLIANT artist means so much to me as a deaf woman from a working-class background. There isn't enough working-class representation in the art world and the sector is greatly missing out on our potential. BRILLIANT has also given me the opportunity to be listened to, by giving me a space to raise awareness about hearing loss. I am so excited to be alongside so many amazing artists. My dream is to use art to create spaces where those who don't get the same opportunities to have a voice are welcome to, and question everything through creativity."

Fellow BRILLIANT artist Angela Sandwith, said: "I have attended every Lumiere, and for a long time I have aspired to take part in the BRILLIANT scheme knowing that it would push my creative capabilities into new and exciting realms. To be part of the magic that is Lumiere motivates me to create art that gives people an unforgettable experience. I am proud to have been selected, and I look forward to working with Artichoke and exhibiting my installation in the beautiful and historic city of Durham."

'A very special thing'

Cllr Amanda Hopgood, Durham County Council's leader said: "To be giving these five artists the opportunity to exhibit their work at a world-renowned event like Lumiere is a very special thing, and I look forward to seeing how people attending this year's event engage with and respond to their creations. The BRILLIANT scheme is all about encouraging people from all walks of life to get involved in light art, and the brilliant thing about it is that it's open to anybody, not just practising artists. That opens up a wonderful opportunity to all. It's great to see two County Durham artists among the five - this will be a particularly special moment for them and I hope it provides inspiration for others to follow in their footsteps."

EMG Solicitors returns as the key sponsor of the BRILLIANT national commissioning scheme for Lumiere 2023. EMG Solicitors is a growing firm based in Durham that has supported Lumiere events since 2017.

Emma Gaudern, Managing Director of EMG Solicitors said: "Lumiere is an amazing event, not just for Durham city but for those in the wider area too. We sponsored installations in 2017, 2019 and became sponsors of the BRILLIANT national scheme for the first time in 2021. This year we have been lucky enough to be involved in the judging panel as part of our sponsorship of BRILLIANT in 2023. Lumiere is loved by our own team, their families and our community and so we really enjoy being part of making the event happen. The team at Artichoke are an inspiring bunch, great to work with and they offer so many opportunities for like-minded businesses to get involved."

Since 2011, 27 BRILLIANT artworks have been programmed at Lumiere and seen by over four million visitors. Past works include luminous rope and drainpipes to make supersized knitting needles, a large, metal disc incorporating sound and colour to create a meditative work, a unique light structure made out of thousands of upcycled everyday discarded objects, illuminated street signs and a giant, glowing slinky toy.

Lumiere Durham is a central pillar of The Culture County, the long-term creative regeneration strategy born out of the Durham 2025 UK City of Culture campaign.