Illuminated Trail | Friday 21 – Sunday 23 February
Light installations, projections and a fire garden will illuminate the building and grounds of The Story as we open late for visitors to explore the exhibitions and grounds after dark.
The trail will include new commissions from northeast-based artists:
Hannah Kelly’s ‘Travelling Tales’ installation brings together pictures of stories (real and imagined) created by people in communities across the county. Hundreds of pictures have been created in workshops by schools, community groups and visitors to The Story over the last 6 months and the work showcases the creativity and imagination of those who participated.
Chris McQuillan’s large-scale projections will playfully animate the etchings on the wall of the new archives and collections building as a celebration of the rich tapestry of the county’s history as well as a nod to the upcoming celebrations of the 200th anniversary of Stockton and Darlington Railway.
Bravura’s simple but beautiful fire garden draws upon the roots of a tree as analogous to our roots as a county, kept alive in the archives and collections. Dan Fox’s enchanting soundscape is inspired by the Fibonacci sequence, the golden ratio so often found in nature.
Artworks created by community artists working with Consett Open Art Studio will be projected on to the frontage of the Georgian building.
There will be existing work too:
‘Illuminated Sheep’ is a flock of 30 life-sized model sheep created by Deepa Mann-Klerr and Queen’s Hall Arts in response to the visit of the Lindisfarne Gospels to the region in 2022. The lighting treatment by Axiom combines with a specially commissioned soundtrack by composer Cathal Murphy to create a mesmerising experience.
You will also be able to explore the exhibition and research areas inside The Story and enjoy a range of food and drink offers.
Visitor Information
Free parking will be available at Howlands Park and Ride car park DH1 3TQ. Follow the signs to find the area of the car park reserved for the event. There will be a free shuttle bus from the car park available to those who might otherwise struggle with the 5 minute walk to site.
Whilst there will be no general event parking on site, there are a very limited number of spaces reserved for the use of blue badge holders. These will be available on a first come, first served basis and can be accessed through the rear entrance (the same entrance we are directing all ticketholders to). If spaces are no longer available, guests may still be dropped off at this point but the car will need to be parked off site.
Entry to the event will be via the rear entrance of The Story, not the normal driveway entrance from South Road. The entrance is on the opposite side of the street from the Mount Oswald Hub on the same road (The Drive) as South College and John Snow College. Event signage will direct you from the Howlands car park.
Some of the paths on site are narrow, so we ask you to follow the one-way route where possible and politely request that you don’t bring your dogs. Please note assistance dogs will need to be on a short leash. The route is wheelchair and pushchair accessible, but if possible please don’t bring double-width buggies.
There will be a number of food concessions outside, with hot and cold drinks and snacks also available from the café inside.
Accessible toilets and baby change are available within the building, with additional toilets located near the food concessions.
Please dress appropriately for the weather as you will be spending much of your time outdoors. If the weather conditions are such that it would not be safe for the event to take place we will email you to inform you as soon as the decision is made.
Last entry is 20:00 and the event closes at 21:00.
Book your free tickets
Friday 21 February
Saturday 22 February
Sunday 23 February
Credits
This is a Community of Light event funded by Arts Council England.
Event organised by Durham County Council.
‘Travelling Tales’ by Hannah Kelly is part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Arts Council England.
‘Illuminated Sheep’ by Deepa Mann-Kler developed in collaboration with Queen’s Hall Arts.
Photographs courtesy of Sound Ideas Media and Andy Garbutt.
