York BID successfully launched Colour & Light 2024 event

York BID successfully launched Colour & Light 2024 last night with an exclusive press night and stunning display, in collaboration with York Art Gallery, Double Take Projections, and lead funding partner, LNER.

From today until 25th February 2024, this innovative project will transform part of the city with a vibrant light installation, creating a magical and memorable experience for visitors and residents alike.

Colour & Light is a high impact and large-scale visual arts project, using 3D projection mapping to bring York’s iconic buildings to life. The project was launched in 2023 at York Minster and celebrates the city’s UNESCO Media Arts status.

This year, York BID is thrilled to be working with York Museums Trust to illuminate the façade of York Art Gallery. Colour & Light is a non-ticketed, free event. The projection will play every 10 minutes, between 6-9pm daily.

Carl Alsop, York BID’s Operations Manager, said:

‘It’s a great privilege to host a free event in the city during a quieter time of the year. 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 and Commercial, 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." 

David Flesher, Commercial Director at 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.”

Colour & Light is proudly brought to you by York BID, in collaboration with York Art Gallery, Double Take Projections, and lead funding partner LNER. Supported by HSBC and City Cruises.