Light will guide thousands to the central city’s biennial sensation this July.
Bayleys Te Ramaroa Nelson Light Festival is back after a one-year hiatus due to a previously dim funding situation.
It promises a scintillating playground of light, lasers, sound, sculpture, and interactive art - bringing internationally-recognised artists and large-scale installations.
Director Michaela Blackman says Te Ramaroa’s translation “beacon of light” is testament to the festival’s image of a free community event at a predominantly indoors time of year for the whole family to beam, and the “incredible” backing from local businesses to keep its lights on.
“In a time when people are really finding it tough, and the city is under massive redevelopment, we want the public to come into town and enjoy themselves, the kids love running around in the park in the dark,” she enthuses.
“We've relied heavily on grant funding in previous years, but this year Bayleys have become our naming partner, which has been super valuable to us. A lot of other local businesses have come on board and we've also got a lot of in-kind sponsorship, which has been amazing.
“One thing we have found this year as we've got it back off the ground, is that everybody loves it, and they really want it to survive.”
Highlights include a major installation inside Nelson Cathedral by Auckland-based light artist Angus Muir, inviting visitors into a meditative space where light, sound and architecture combine.
Queenstown artist Simon Holden will bring a hand-built sculptural digital instrument, allowing audiences to create sound and light through movement using infrared tracking and light-mapping technology.
Michaela says that 18 local artists, along with 16 NMIT students, will also feature. Rutherford Hotel will host a light art gallery showcasing 7000 LEDs, while a silent disco, community stage and food vendors will add to the atmosphere.
She says, this year’s displays are more condensed due to the city’s makeover, with most installations located in the vicinity of the top of Trafalgar St.
“I think it gets better every year, it'll be a good one, it’s been three years in the making.”
Set-up begins on 22 June.
Bayleys Te Ramaroa Nelson Light Festival runs from Friday, 3 July, to Tuesday, 7 July, with lights on from about 5pm to 10pm each night.
Visit www.teramaroa.nz for more information.
