Lumiere 2023

Diamond Garden, a large diamond installation, reflects the importance of renewable energy in today’s climate. The piece was powered by batteries charged by solar lights, highlighting the importance of sustainable energy.

Science Engagement and the Durham Energy Institute worked in partnership with OASES and Redhills Durham Miners Hall on the development of resources and activities for primary pupils - centring around the science, history and art. Through the creation of the piece, young people were educated on the evolution of energy, from the importance of Durham’s coal history to the value of using sustainable energy sources.

Our partners, OASES, ran assemblies & workshops (supported by Durham University staff and students) in primary schools around County Durham. The schoolchildren used kits provided by the project to produce additional solar powered diamond artworks that were hung around the main piece throughout Lumiere presenting a sparkling garden.

Around 120 school children from primary schools around the County contributed to the work and the final piece, which is completely powered by solar energy, is the first Lumiere exhibit to have electricity supplied entirely by batteries.