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

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. 

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). 

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