Published Friday 23 July 2021 at 14:27
International artists, Architects of Air, are bringing the globetrotting installation ‘Dodecalis Luminarium’ to Corporation Park from Thursday 19th – Sunday 22nd August – hosted by the National Festival of Making.
A playground for the senses arrives in Blackburn this summer! Described as a ‘walk-in rainbow’, the Luminarium is an air-filled, colour-rich chamber that brings an out-of-this world experience to anyone lucky enough to witness it.
The installation is a result of a 30 year mission to capture the changeable beauty of light by artist and maker Alan Parkinson. The Luminaria are inspired by Islamic architecture and the geometrics of gothic cathedrals.
Alan and his team, the Architects of Air, aim to design and build a new model each year. They cut and assemble thousands of pieces of PVC and zips during a six month period to create the sculptures.
They have been celebrated as playful and ambitious temporary landmarks in every city they have visited around the world, including Australia, Germany and the USA – with the next stop being Blackburn.
Inviting visitors of all ages to explore the changing patterns of light, the sculpture hopes to provide moments of fun and wonder for anyone who visits.
Parkinson, who started developing his Luminaria in 1992, says of his creative drive and the public’s response since:
I design luminaria because I want to share my sense of wonder at the phenomenon of light. One of the exciting things about ‘inflatable making’ is not knowing exactly what one has got until it is finally blown up outdoors and it is able to stretch out to its full extent. I am continually amazed by how well the luminaria engage people’s attention and enthusiasm.
Brought to Blackburn by the organisers of the annual National Festival Of Making, postponed for a second year this summer, Dodecalis Luminarium was made by hand by a team of five craftspeople and took six months to make. A specially composed soundtrack plays throughout the structure to deepen the visitor experience.
Cllr Zainab Rawat of Blackburn with Darwen Council welcomed Dodecalis Luminaria, saying:
I am delighted that Blackburn is the only place within the North West where this is taking place. It is an incredible installation and will attract visitors from far and wide and it further establishes Blackburn’s reputation as a place where culture is very much valued and prioritised.
We know first-hand the wider benefits that major cultural events bring to our borough as demonstrated by our internationally renowned National Festival of Making. So, it is fantastic that Blackburn will become the temporary home to host this truly interactive, family-focused occasion. The producers and council colleagues have worked hard to make sure this will be an affordable and memorable family event for everyone to enjoy.
Lauren Zawadzki, co-founder and Director of The National Festival of Making, says:
As the summer holidays begin it’s wonderful for us to have something to look forward to and to create new memories in Blackburn. ‘Dodecalis Luminaria’ will truly be an experience like no other and one that every visitor will see and hear differently as they move around at their own pace. We were inspired to work with Alan and his team given his passion for designing, making and creating. From the outside the structure will be unmissable, a spectacle and photo opportunity in itself, but we’re especially looking forward to seeing the reactions of everyone that is lucky enough to step inside the incomparable, dreamlike environment.
Working responsibly within the limits of cautious public health guidance, the capacity of Dodecalis Luminarium will be constantly monitored. Visitors are being advised to book in advance to guarantee their entry, but limited tickets will be available to purchase on the door too.
All ages are welcome, with tickets priced at £4 for adults and £2 for accompanied children under 16. Infants under two go free of charge, but still need a ticket to enter.
The experience is accessible to people who use a wheelchair. If you would like to discuss individual accessibility requirements with the organisers, please email them at info@festivalofmaking.co.uk or call 01254 582579.
Further information and tickets are available via www.festivalofmaking.co.uk