The project brought together people from all over the islands during an 18 month period creating artworks that brought light as a significant artform to Shetland for the first time. Light is a magic ingredient acting as a literal and symbolic beacon for our ambitions, for the community and for Mareel.
The project was in two parts; firstly inviting participation in creating temporary illuminations for ten buildings throughout Shetland on a rotating basis through the winter of 2009 – 2010 and offering a variety of creative activities and events across Shetland over twelve months, culminating in a 'festival of light'.
In the second part the lead artists worked with Shetland Lace Knitters to create a permanent internal installation at Mareel using Light and Shetland Lace.
These Lace and Light labs took place in locations throughout Shetland, with skilled knitters working with the lead artists, experimenting with a variety of materials, yarns and technical processes to make unique laceworks for interior projections.
Participants of the Light Labs made videos and translated them into light scores to illuminate the exterior of a local building for several weeks and launched at a public event. These illuminations took place across the islands over a six-month period, creating a 'festival of light' throughout the dark Shetland winter.
