By Olivia Kehoe, OUTSIDE
Community arts programme OUTSIDE will be bringing the stories and places of the Staffordshire Moorlands to life through colour this summer. The project, Colours of the Moorlands, kicks off in a big, bright and bold way with the Luminarium in Leek on 26th to 29th May 2023 – and everyone is invited to this monumental experience to immerse themselves in a wonderful world of light and colour.Â
The Luminarium is an interactive walk-in sculpture by Architects of Air and designed by Alan Parkinson. A dazzling maze of winding paths and soaring domes, it melds into an inspiring monument to the beauty of light and colour. Visitors will be transported and immersed into an amazing world of light and subtle, saturated hues, for a unique sensory experience.
The Luminarium will be at Leek Hockey Club and open for schools and community groups on Friday 26th May 12pm-6pm, and from Saturday 27th to Monday 29th May 12pm-6pm for everyone. Tickets are free but need to be booked in advance on the OUTSIDE website – outsidearts.orgÂ
“Colours of the Moorlands is a history, geography, social science and art project all rolled into one,” said Sarah Bird, artistic director of OUTSIDE.
“We’re asking residents to help us develop a colour palette for the Moorlands, to look at their place with fresh eyes. And through the lens of colour, to help us illuminate and celebrate the vibrancy and uniqueness of the district. And what a way to begin, with the spectacular Luminarium in Leek! Â
“As well as experiencing the phenomenal Luminarium, we’ll be asking everyone who comes along to identify their colour on a giant map of the Moorlands, and tell us why they’ve chosen it. We can’t wait to hear the surprising stories of colour that run like a bright thread through this special place.”
Once the colour palette for the Moorlands has been created, OUTSIDE will invite artists to respond to it with inspiring ideas for public art works, projects and events.
OUTSIDEÂ is a new Creative People and Places project, funded through Arts Council England. A participatory arts programme, OUTSIDE is led by local residents in the Staffordshire Moorlands working with professional artists. Together, they will co-curate ambitious, inspiring and inclusive arts and cultural activities and events celebrating life in the rural landscapes, villages and market towns of the Moorlands.
