High profile project updates at the latest Culture Meeting

Illuminated River - Illuminated River Foundation

In a busy time of year for all involved in arts and culture, the London Bridge Culture Group convened on 27th March to hear about some of the high profile projects happening this summer and catch-up with news from the areas thriving cultural community - Ellie Beedham, Director of Arts Team London Bridge.

During a well-attended session the Group heard from Sarah Gaventa, Director of Illuminated River, about the plans for a July launch of the first four illuminated bridges (including London Bridge of course!). Over the next two years, American light artist Leo Villareal and London architects Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands will light up a total of 15 bridges, from Albert Bridge to Tower Bridge, to create the longest public art commission in the world at 2.5 miles in length! Work has already started on London Bridge and Leo’s kinetic installation and programming will be more energy efficient and less light polluting than the current light scheme on the bridge.

We also heard from Josephine Noti, Marketing Manager at Tower Bridge, who brought us up to speed with the packed calendar of events they have planned to celebrate the Bridge’s 125th anniversary. The programme contains talks, exhibitions and activities for visitors of all ages, including £1.25 admission over the 29/30 June anniversary weekend, and a ‘Happy Birthday Sir Horace’ celebration in the Engine Rooms for families from 20 May.

Team London Bridge Arts Director, Ellie Beedham, brought us all up to speed with the vast array of projects she has been developing, including the busy London Festival of Architecture programme, Musicity x Low Line, and Gnomus, before the Group shared news and ideas for further collaborations.