New installation adds to SPECTRA festival's offering
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SPECTRA, Scotland’s festival of light which takes place in Aberdeen from February 10 -13 has announced a new addition to its illuminated lineup, an acquisition supported by new sponsorship from the University of Aberdeen.
TOGETHER, a spectacular public-art installation that offers audiences a unique and immersive experience generated by the written and spoken stories of local communities, artists and collaborators, will take over Castlegate in Aberdeen city center as part of the Spectra city wide light and soundscape.
From design and fabrication studio Lucid Creates, TOGETHER was created as a reaction to the isolation of lockdown, and this huge pavilion-like open space is designed as a place in which communities can come together to celebrate their unity and uniqueness, and this is the first time ever that it has come north of the border.
Filled with words, light and sound and inspired in 2022 by Scotland’s Year of Stories, TOGETHER comprises a structure built of giant, ribbon-like rings, that creates a space imbued with experiences, thoughts, and memories.
These have been submitted by staff and students from across the University who, working with the artists from ‘Lucid Creates’, have created the text that will run across the inner surface of the structure’s giant rings.
With the final deadline for submissions from the wider University of Aberdeen community on January 17, Spectra organisers hope yet more memories, thoughts and experiences will shared and included in the final iteration of this unique installation.
Entirely outdoors this new addition to the Spectra lineup is ideal for those looking for fun out of doors that lift the spirits, whether enjoyed as part of a family outing, or an evening with friends.
Professor Pete Edwards, Vice-Principal for Regional Engagement and Regional Recovery at Aberdeen University who are a key sponsor said: “The University was established almost 527 years ago with the founding principle of being ‘open to all’.
"Much has changed through those centuries – and been accelerated in the last two years through the pandemic – but our commitment to deliver positive change locally and regionally has not.
“Spectra is a celebration of creativity which also prides itself on bringing people together.
"We are delighted to be working with regional partners to deliver the 2022 festival and look forward to playing an important part in the cultural life of the north-east.”
Part of the north-east’s vibrant, year-round calendar of cultural events, Spectra lights up the winter nights with breathtaking installations, giving locals and tourist alike the perfect opportunity to discover the city in a new way.
The Spectra website will share more information on the installations and how to enjoy them, whether travelling into the city centre with family or travelling from across the area at www.spectrafestival.com
