ABOUT ILLUMINATE THE MIDLANDS

Illuminate the Midlands is a new collaborative network bringing together six light festivals and events across the region. As a pilot programme, it will co-commission and present a high-quality contemporary light artwork that will tour six locations between October 2026 and March 2027, creating a shared cultural experience while celebrating the unique identity of each place.

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Led by Strategic Lead Amy Dalton-Hardy and Producer Paulina Grenda, Illuminate the Midlands brings together local authorities, cultural organisations, business improvement districts and civic groups to explore new ways of working together. By sharing knowledge, resources and expertise, the partnership aims to strengthen the region's growing light sector, support artists, and build lasting relationships between organisations. Co-creation sits at the heart of the project: each place works with local communities and partners to shape how the artwork is presented and experienced, ensuring it feels rooted in place rather than imported.

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Funded by the 6 light festivals and through Arts Council England's National Lottery Project Grants programme, Illuminate The Midlands demonstrates the power of collaboration to deliver ambitious, high-quality light based public art across multiple locations. The pilot will help establish new models for commissioning, touring and partnership working that can benefit the Midlands long after the project concludes.

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More than a series of light events, Illuminate the Midlands is about connecting people and places. Through contemporary light art, the project will animate public spaces during the darker months, encourage communities to experience their towns and cities in new ways, and create moments of wonder, pride and belonging across the region.