Another spectacular light show has been launched in York.
Colour & Light 2024 sees the front of York Art Gallery explode into life thanks to a dazzling projection which premiered at a VIP evening attended by the Lord Mayor of York last night (Tuesday).
Brought to the city by the York BID (Business Improvement District), the high-tech display sees artworks from across the ages dance and spin across the gallery walls.
The free show runs from today until 25 February. There’s no need to book, just turn up at Exhibition Square – the projection will play every ten minutes, between 6-9pm daily.
The vibrant light creation has been designed by Double Take Projections.
After last year’s debut Colour & Light at York Minster brought tens of thousands of people to the city centre, the BID are hoping for a similar outcome this year.
“It’s a great privilege to host a free event in the city during a quieter time of the year,” said Carl Alsop, York BID’s operations manager.
“It was incredible to see the cultural benefit to York throughout our 2023 event; highlights included over 45,000 viewers and some local restaurants even running out of food due to popularity!
“We’re looking forward to building on that success with this year’s display, which has already had an overwhelmingly positive reaction during the launch night.”
Richard Saward, York Museums Trust’s head of visitor experience, said: “We are thrilled to be involved with York BID’s Colour & Light show and look forward to seeing the gallery’s frontage brought to life.
“This event kicks off a fantastic season at York Art Gallery. The Aesthetica Art Prize 2024 exhibition will open on 15th February and ‘National Treasure’ Claude Monet’s painting The Waterlily-Pond will be on display in York from 10th May to celebrate the 200th birthday of the National Gallery.”
And David Flesher, commercial director at lead funding partner LNER, said: “We’re proud to support Colour & Light 2024 and to be part of a vibrant project which not only showcases the beautiful architecture of York Art Gallery, but also encourages visitors and residents to come and enjoy everything York has to offer, providing an important boost to local businesses.”