Across the next two evenings - Wednesday, April 12 and Thursday, April 13- visitors to Newcastle Cathedral can see the medieval crypt brought to life, watch as the brass eagle takes flight and experience the atmospheric space filled with light and colour.
The Light at the End of the Tunnel art trail is a ticketed after-hours event, made possible by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and featuring the work of six artists who create using light and sound. Jim Bell, one half of Multiminded Digital based in Newcastle’s Ouseburn Valley with his partner Fiona Birkbeck, has created an immersive animation and soundscape which fills one end of the historic crypt which reopened to the public last June.
Jim says: “I was delighted to be given the opportunity to use this fantastic space in the Cathedral – it’s very atmospheric. I’ve produced a video piece along with a bespoke electronic soundtrack which explores the journey we’ve been on moving from winter out of the tunnel into the light of summer. It’s got lots of interesting visuals and the soundtrack is built specifically to match.”
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‘The Brass Eagle Takes Flight’ is another artwork, created by UK-based award-winning Māori artist and designer Frederick Worrell. This puts a new spin on one of the Cathedral’s oldest and most treasured sacred objects, with a hand-carved image colourfully projected above the High Altar.
The other pieces are Julia Snowdin’s immersive ‘Dot Dome’ in the centre of the nave and site-responsive soundscapes created by Graham Dolphin and Lizzie Lovejoy, respectively. Egypt Clarke’s ‘Barrier of Illusion’ takes the form of three vibration-sensitive light sculptures that respond to visitors as they move around the space.
The Very Reverend Dr Jane Hedges, Interim Dean of Newcastle, says: “Looking for the ‘light at the end of the tunnel’ is particularly relevant now, as we emerge into spring from the dark and cold of a long winter, which has been challenging for many. We hope the art trail will leave our diverse community of visitors and the regular congregation of our beautiful Cathedral with feelings of hope and joy. That was certainly our intention when we invited artists to respond with their ideas to a brief we set at the end of 2022.”
Rachael Rickwood, the Cathedral’s Learning and Activities Officer, said: “We wanted to include a good mix of styles and content in the art trail – so there is something for everyone to enjoy and get them thinking about the changing of the seasons and how, even on the darkest days, the light and hope of spring is just around the corner.”
Timed slots for the art trail are available now via the Cathedral’s event page. Tickets are £6 for adults and £3 for children. All ticket holders are welcome to stay until the end of the event at 9:30pm and can get involved in creative activities.
Hot and cold refreshments will be available in the Cathedral refectory, Cafe 16, which will stay open till late. Northumberland charity The Oswin Project runs the cafe, which is staffed by a team of prison leavers, enabling them to learn new skills and find a fresh direction on release.
Tickets are available to book online via newcastlecathedral.org.uk/whats-on. Full descriptions of the artworks can be found at lightattheend.eventbrite.co.uk
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