On 30 October 2013, guests at Bournville College’s centenary celebrations were given a taste of a new annual Lighting Festival in Longbridge with outdoor light installations by the Lyonnais artists associations ‘Pitaya’ and ‘Collectif Coin’.

Following the example of the Lyonnais Fête des Lumières, the Lighting Festival forms the centrepiece of Longbridge’s Public Arts strategy, an joint initiative by EC Arts and Bournville College, and is set to be launched officially in 2014 in collaboration with Birmingham’s French partner city Lyon.

‘H20’ Light installation by Collectif Coin – Matrice

The initiative aims to involve local and overseas artists who will collaborate with the local community create concepts for physical public art. The project, which is funded by the West Midland Arts Council, Birmingham City Council and Bournville College forms part of the area’s regeneration efforts after the closure of Longbridge’s MG Rover car plant in 2005 created major job losses.

The vision of the project is to enhance the community’s attractiveness and transform Longbridge into a premier culture and art destination.

11 December 2013