For each edition of Lumiere, Learning and Participation activities are integrated into the artistic programme, leaving a legacy of skills and newfound creativity. Over the last ten years, Lumiere has become embedded in the imagination of the local population, and a generation of young people in Durham have grown up with light art and inspiring learning projects. Since 2009, our producers and artists have worked with over 15,000 local people, with plenty of opportunities for people in the North East to play an important part in Lumiere.
JOYFUL MOMENTS
In 2025, 400 community members are taking part in workshops to make and decorate lanterns for Glimmer, from primary schools and youth groups, to mental health charities and community centres. Each lantern contains a message, a memory, a hope or a truth to be carried away. The piece offers the viewer a moment of joy and a glimmer into the lives of the community around them.
We’re delighted that our long-standing partner, Point North, has commissioned this piece.
With additional support from our friends at the National Trust.
And workshops supported by Karbon Homes and The Leonard Curtis Foundation.
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BRIGHT IDEAS
Bright Ideas is a new programme designed to raise awareness of the hidden science and engineering behind Lumiere. Year 9s from Durham Academy are working with artist Hannah Fox to create Iron Horse Junction, an immersive artwork inspired by and celebrating the S&DR Bicentenary at Shildon Locomotion Museum.
Working with Locomotion and our engineering partner Kromek, young people are learning about the incredible feats of engineering that went into the development of the railways 200 years ago, and finding out how engineering continues to benefit society and shape our future. In partnership with the Durham University Science Engagement team, students are also learning about the physics of light and diffraction, inspiring young people to pursue STEM education and careers.
Supported by Royal Academy of Engineering Ingenious.
The Ogden Trust and Darlington Building Society
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LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!
Young filmmakers from New College Durham are working together to produce a short film celebrating the impact of Lumiere in the community, developing creative skills. The film will feature interviews with teachers, community leaders, volunteers, artists and audiences, captured and edited by local young people.
Supported by New College Durham, The Gillian Dickinson Trust, The Hays Travel Foundation.
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CELEBRATING LUMIERE’S BRIGHTEST MOMENTS
A-Level students from Durham Sixth Form Centre are curating a photography exhibition inspired by Lumiere. The students took part in hands-on workshops with the Artichoke team, learning about curation, marketing and fundraising. In June 2025, they launched a public photography competition inviting North East residents to submit their favourite Lumiere photos. The students have helped to shortlist the photos, publicise the exhibition and secure prizes for the winners, and will manage the exhibition during Lumiere. The selected photos will be exhibited at the Dead Dog Gallery, celebrating memorable moments from previous Lumiere events.
Supported by Durham Sixth Form Centre, The Gillian Dickinson Trust,
The Hays Travel Foundation and Henry Smith’s Charity Durham.
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BRIGHT FUTURES
As part of Lumiere, we offer paid traineeship opportunities for local young people. Trainees gain hands-on experience in the creative industries, supporting their future career development. This year, two local young people are working with our Learning and Participation team as Trainee Facilitators, helping to support our community workshops. Our Marketing Trainee will work alongside the Artichoke Communications team to promote the event, while our Production Trainee will help Lumiere Producers and technical teams to install the artworks. Professional Cookery & Hospitality students from New College Durham will work with our Development team to host Lumiere events and receptions.
Trainee programme supported by Point North.
Marketing & Communications and Production Trainees supported by Avison Young.
Development Trainees supported by Savoy Educational Trust.
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VOLUNTEERING
Lumiere is made possible by the support of our incredible volunteers. Each year, hundreds of local people volunteer their time to welcome visitors to Durham and tell people about the artworks. Volunteers make new friends, develop new skills and glimpse behind the scenes of a major art event.
Lumiere Volunteers Sponsored by MGL Group.
With additional support from William Leech Charity.
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BRILLIANT
BRILLIANT is a national commissioning scheme that invites anyone with a great idea to submit an artwork for Lumiere. The scheme aims to encourage creativity across the UK, as well as highlight brilliant ideas from people living in or originally from the North East. Winners work with Artichoke Producers to turn their brilliant idea into a Lumiere artwork, exhibiting alongside internationally renowned artists. This year’s winners are Aaquib, Hannah Ayre, Kevin Edworthy, Lewis Hobson and Mani Kambo. Previous winners have gone on to have successful creative careers.
BRILLIANT Supported by EMG Solicitors
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Thank you to supporters of the core Lumiere Durham 2025 Learning and Participation programme.
Point North, Sir James Knott Trust, The Hays Travel Foundation, Savoy’s Educational Trust, Hadrian Trust and The Catherine Cookson Charitable Trust.
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FIND OUT MORE
Lumiere workshops and learning opportunities are produced by Artichoke. Since 2006, more than 100,000 people across the UK have taken part in Artichoke Learning and Participation programmes. Find out more about the work we do by visiting: artichoke.uk.com/participation
If you’d like to give feedback or ask any questions, you can do so by emailing the Learning and Participation team at [email protected]
Image credits:
- Lantern-making workshop with Jubilee Fields Community Centre for Glimmer, August 2025. Photo by Beth King.
- Durham Academy workshop at Locomotion for Iron Horse Junction, September 2025. Photo by Michaela Alagbala.
- Workshop with Durham Sixth Form Centre for Celebrating Lumiere’s Brightest Moments, May 2025. Photo by Beth King.
- Volunteer, Lumiere Durham 2023, Photo by Matthew Andrews.