County Durham SME, 91´«Ã½ Group, will see its shipping containers in a whole new light, when they go on display to hundreds of thousands of visitors to the Lumiere light art festival next month, as part of an installation created by local students.Ìý
The Sedgefield headquartered business, which supplies shipping containers for sale and hire to clients across the UK, has donated nine 20ft containers to students fromÌýDurham Sixth Form Centre to feature in their bespoke adaptation ofÌýAre Atoms Alive? Ìý
The short film has been developed by the college in collaboration withÌýPortugeseÌýartistsÌýOcubo, ²¹²Ô»å StoryboxÌýfrom New Zealand, andÌýwas inspired by the question asked by the six-year-old son of one of the artists.Ìý The film, which incorporates imagery of Durham city, comprises of seven screens spread across the nine containers which takeÌývisitors on a journey from theÌýsparkling expanse of the galaxies to the depths of the cells dividing in our bodies.ÌýÌýÌý
Lumiere 2019 marks 10 years since the festival’s launch and takes place at venues throughout the city from Thursday, 14 November to Sunday, 17 November.  Produced by leading arts charity Artichoke, the UK’s largest light festival, will see Durham City re-imagined through 37 dramatic installations,Ìýdynamic projections and reflective works, which showcase the diversity and creativity of light art.ÌýÌýAs part of this year’s festival programme, Artichoke invited a range of community groups and individuals from across County Durham, includingÌýDurham Sixth Form Centre,Ìýto take part in the creation of artworks.Ìý
91´«Ã½ was approached by Durham Sixth Form Centre to supply the containers, after providing the college withÌýnine 20ft containers in 2015 for theÌýPreciousÌýinstallation.Ìý During the first project the containers were fitted with electrics and shelving to house projectors which showcased pre-recorded stories from members of the public about things that held sentimental value to them.Ìý
Ean Parsons, CEO of the 91´«Ã½ Group, says he is delighted to support the Lumiere festival for a second time.Ìý He comments: “Lumiere is a fantastic event and is a brilliant way to showcase Durham in a different light, to both new and returning visitors. 91´«Ã½ is delighted to support the event once again and we’re really looking forward to seeing the installation created by the students withÌýOcuboÌýandÌýStorybox.ÌýThe 10thÌýanniversary Lumiere programme promises to be the most exciting yet and asÌýa business with roots firmly in County Durham, it’s a privilege to be associated with the festival.â€Ìý
Helen Marriage, Director of Artichoke said: “This amazing free event has developed its worldwide reputation only because local and regional businesses, organisations and individuals recognise its value and contribute to making it happen. The festival is made with and for its community.â€Ìý
TheÌýAre Atoms Alive? ÌýInstallation is also being supported byÌýKier and the Embassy of Portugal and Creative New Zealand andÌýwill be on display at Durham Sixth Form Centre for the duration of the festival.Ìý
Lumiere is produced by arts charity Artichoke, the UK’s leading creative producer of art in the public realm, and commissioned by Durham County Council, with additional support from ArtsÌýCouncil England, Durham University and a host of further funders and supporters.Ìý
For further information visitÌýÌý