Local Voices, Creative Choices, has launched with the Bridges of Light festival and Cygnet Swan, supported by Public Health, on Worcester Bridge.
Cygnet Song, the breathtaking light installation that lit up Worcester’s main bridge across the River Severn as part of the Bridges of Light festival, has launched the new programme of art, creativity and collaboration in Worcester. The two-day celebration showcased installations and interactive light-based artworks created by professional artists and local community groups throughout Worcester City this October half term (29 and 30 October).
Public Health’s contribution enabled local community groups, including Worcester residents of all ages, to come together in creative workshops and bring Cygnet Song to life alongside professional artists, Illuminos. Inspired by the story of the Ugly Duckling and shaped by residents’ own stories and experiences the installation explores themes of resilience, strength, wellbeing and personal growth.
“Cygnet Song doesn’t just light up the bridge; it lights up the stories of our communities. We know that creativity can have a powerful impact on health and wellbeing, and this project is a beautiful way to bring people together, whether they’re contributing to the artwork or simply enjoying it” said Dr Lisa McNally, Worcestershire’s Director of Public Health.
The festival is the first of an ambitious two-year programme led by eight city partners aimed at developing the cultural life of Worcester.
Local Voices, Creative Choices will see a series of arts projects and festivals take place in the city, created with input from Worcester residents. There will also be a series of new professional development opportunities for FE and HE students, early career artists and creatives.
The programme has been made possible by a grant of £800,000 from Arts Council England.
For this festival, professional artists have worked with a range of community groups in order to share their stories through the light artworks and installations, all exploring literal and metaphorical themes of bridges – connecting communities, environments, heritage and each other.
A spokesperson from the Local Voices, Creative Choices partnership board said: “To fully grow and develop the cultural life of Worcester, supporting artists, developing students, engaging communities and delivering high-quality, meaningful cultural events – we are working collectively and collaboratively to ensure we take a strategic approach. Drawing on the expertise of all our partners – arts and non-arts – Local Voices, Creative Choices will deliver a huge impact for our city.
“It really is an exciting moment as the project begins to come to life with a fantastic two-day light festival from Severn Arts. We look forward to seeing the city buzzing with communities and artists and to see this continue over the next two years.”
Local Voices, Creative Choices is a unique partnership, bringing together arts organisations Severn Arts, Scala Arts Centre, Worcester Mela; higher and further education providers University of Worcester and Heart of Worcestershire College, plus Worcester Community Trust, Worcester City Council and Worcestershire County Council.
Local Voices, Creative Choices will run from Autumn 2025 until September 2027.
Find out more at www.severnarts.org.uk/local-voices-creative-choices
Featured image: Local Voices, Creative Choices Partners at Bridges of Light. By Rachel Jones.