River of Light is set to illuminate the waterfront across 17 nights from Friday 21 October to Sunday 6 November, and will showcase ten artworks from a host of local, national and international artists along a 2km route.
The installations will include a mix of brand new, never-before-seen commissions as well as existing artworks which haven’t been on display in the city before.
The theme of this year’s free event is Unexpected Twist in a nod to the World Gymnastics Championships 2022 which is taking place in the city during the same period.
Full details of all ten pieces, the artists and their locations will be unveiled next month, but to whet people’s appetite the team behind the trail has announced the first two pieces:
- BEAM – A brand new commission by the acclaimed Lucid Creates (artists Helen Swan and Chris Carr) will see a beam of light transport visitors to a hot, summer’s day, accompanied by the sounds of the British countryside. But after several minutes the feeling of peace and warmth will change to unease and suspense… Located at Canning Graving Dock, opposite Museum of Liverpool, the artists behind the work are no strangers to River of Light and have previously showcased large-scale artworks including 2021’s incredibly popular Dance Together – a huge tribute to the legendary nightclub Chibuku.
- Evanescent – A series of giant bubbles will take over Exchange Flags courtesy of Australian artists Atelier Sisu. The immersive sound and light structure will react to visitors as they explore the artwork, depicting the transient nature of human existence. It has already been showcased in locations including Taiwan, the USA, Greece and Australia.
River of Light will be delivered by Liverpool City Council’s Culture Liverpool team and is supported by Arts Council England.
River of Light 2022
Friday 21 October – Sunday 6 November 2022
Liverpool City Centre & Waterfront
For more information and announcements visit https://www.cultureliverpool.co.uk/