Inspire Youth Arts' Light Night installation: Standing Ground presented to 5250 people

Published 8th February 2024

On Friday 2 and Saturday 3 February 2024, Inspire Youth Arts’ Light Night Installation Standing Ground, was presented at St. Mary’s Church, Nottingham bringing in audiences of 5250 over two incredible evenings.

Standing Ground showcased stunning light projections and immersive sound created from field recordings taken on the historic Welbeck Estate in North Nottinghamshire. Artists Urban Projections and CJ Mirra worked with young people from Aebal Mental Health and Autism Support and Prototype Collective, to explore our relationship with the natural world. Bright and beautiful visuals of trees and flowers were prevalent with many people, particularly young children, dancing and smiling in response to rapidly changing colourful floral projections, which were accompanied by an upbeat dance track. This was followed by spoken word about the climate emergency combined with heavy bass sounds to conclude.

With the lights visible through the Church’s stained-glass windows from the outside, a queue quickly formed. This was a perfect opportunity to encourage audience members to scan the QR code or use NFC tap technology to access the online Zine by Harry Hempsall, which brought together thoughts and experiences during the making process.

There was a sense of real excitement and anticipation outside the church throughout both evenings as crowds were intrigued by the resonating sound vibrations, including those who had attended previous Inspire Youth Arts Light Night installations and those there for the very first time. The high-quality professional sound and light equipment was made possible through a partnership with Sterling Events.

"This was one of the best performances I have seen, very creative and with a powerful message. I loved the blend of images, words, light and sound. The voice-over was excellent. I was blown away by this very professional performance. Was excellent!"

Light Night visitor

Inspire Youth Arts are incredibly grateful to St Mary’s Church, Nottingham for hosting the installation. The church is steeped in history as a Grade 1 listed building and the oldest parish church of Nottingham. The beauty of the setting really enhanced the artistic work. It was a privilege for Inspire Youth Arts' work to be presented in this working church which has regular services and strong offerings for the community.

Standing Ground is the third part of a triptych of work, exploring our relationship to the natural world through the lens of a changing climate. This follows States of Matter (2022) and Re-Move (2023).

Watch the Light Night 2024 Video

People standing in a dark church with pink light flooding to the ceiling.

People standing in a church in front of a large screen showing a tree.

An empty church with a large screen showing flashes of light

A screen in an empty church showing a flower with pink lights

An empty church with purple lights and a black and white screen

Back of head crowds with hands holding mobile phone

Crowds in a dark church with blue lighting

Crowds in a dark church in front of a large screen

Crowds in a dark church in front of a large screen with red lighting.

Back of head holding a mobile phone in a dark church with light installations.

Credits

Artists - Urban Projections & CJ Mirra 

Ecologist - Simon Pickles 

Zine Artist - Harry Hempsall 

Spoken Word: Seth Hughes - @urfromere 

Co-Creation: 

Aebal - Morgan Stocks, Tony Dickinson, Robert Rusk, Jack Watson, Dan Hill.  Support: Jason Bradley & Joseph Lyons 

Proto-Type Collective - Eseose Okotako, Casey Francis, Lina Vourlou, Jenson Brown, Leo Dawson, Poppy Hewett, Harry Hempsall.  Support: Brendon Gravell 

Produced by Jon Bevan 

Partners: 

Harley Foundation 

North & East Yorkshire Ecological Data Centre 

Produced & commissioned by Inspire Youth Arts 

Funded by Arts Council England 

Technical Partners - Sterling Event Group 

With thanks to: The Welbeck Estate, St Mary’s Church 