London was treated to an explosion of colourful animation as BT Tower lit up with original works of art by budding young animators on Tuesday 31st January from 5.30pm.

Europe’s largest digital screen was unlocked for the one-off screening by somewhereto_, a project that helps young people find the space they need to do the things they love, within sport, culture and the arts.

Joe Collins, 23, from Oxford, is one of the lucky animators selected from the nationwide search and works part time at a café whilst trying to achieve his dream of becoming a full time animator.  He said, “It's always nice for other people to see your work on a big screen, and this is definitely the biggest screen my work will have ever been on. I decided to work with a London theme as 2012 is going to be a big year with the Olympic and Paralympic Games, and this was a way for me to pay homage.”

His animation is one of the several entries selected by BT for the unique showcasing opportunity, Suzy Williams, Director, BT Group Marketing and Brand, said: "As one of London's most iconic landmarks what better space to display the creative talents of the nation's young people than the BT Tower? We’re thrilled to be working with somewhereto_ and the standard of animation we've seen has been phenomenal - it's as high calibre as work from professional designers."

somewhereto_ aims to provide 16-25s with both physical and digital spaces within arts, culture and sport. The use of the BT Tower screen follows previous project activity at 10 Downing Street, which saw the PM open his doors as a space for ten young people looking for somewhere to free run, practice boxing and perform spoken word.

somewhereto_ is run by Livity, a youth engagement agency, and is funded by Legacy Trust UK, creating a lasting impact from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games by funding ideas and local talent to inspire creativity across the UK.

Sam Conniff, Chairman at Livity said: “This was a chance of a lifetime to gain access to a platform that will expose their art to a huge audience at a unique venue. I'd like to thank BT for sharing our vision - this is what somewhereto_ is all about; young people thinking creatively about space and pushing the boundaries of its, and their, potential.”

For more information and if you would like to view any of the animations, please visit www.somewhereto.com/bttower

Images from the event can be found on our Facebook page
 

Public art charity NVA today announced that 2500 runners from across the UK and the globe have now signed up to take part in NVA’s Speed of Light, which will see Arthur’s Seat illuminated through a series of mass participation performances in August this year as part of Edinburgh International Festival and the London 2012 Festival. This staggering figure, with participants from 17 to 70 years old, is released as NVA extends the invitation to runners of all levels and from all corners of the UK and further afield to sign up to experience this once in a lifetime opportunity.

Each night hundreds of runners will activate specially designed light suits, illuminating the hillside. Runners will follow a choreographed series of movements over Arthur’s Seat path network creating an astonishing and subtle visual display. 

A tremendous fusion of sport and culture, NVA’s Speed of Light is one of only four national projects to be commissioned as part of Legacy Trust UK’s Community Celebrations programme, an independent charity set up to build a lasting cultural and sporting legacy from the London 2012 Festival.  The project has also been supported and funded by Creative Scotland, Edinburgh International Festival and the Dunard Fund.

Each of the 2500 runners who have already pledged to participate in NVA’s Speed of Light are of different running abilities and have varied reasons for running. NVA hope that these individuals and their stories will inspire the next wave of runners to join in bringing Arthur’s Seat to life between Thursday 9th August and Saturday 1st September 2012, reconnecting the competitive Olympic spirit with the co-operative philosophy espoused by the founder of the modern games Pierre de Coubertin.

Perrotine Orr, 38, Musselburgh said:
“I'm a total 'newbie' at this running nonsense...but its great!  It’s my time away from being a wife, mother and full time professional - its my time to get head space and feel great.  The sense of achievement when I get to a 5km distance is unbelievable - it might not be a long distance for some, but for me it’s awesome!  This event has inspired me to keep running through the winter weather and keep focused on achieving longer distances - just the motivation I need when others are curled up in front of the TV!  Bring on Speed of Light! ”

Irene Kenny, 56, from Houston, Texas, USA
“Bucket list....lifetime event for an asthmatic who was told as a child I would never be able to run AND to be the best example to my family and friends.”

Valeria Morosini, 39 from Rho, Milan, Italy
“When I run I feel free. My head is light”.

Sue Northrop, 53, North Berwick said:
“To honour my dad who died of Parkinson's just before my wedding. He couldn't move at will - I can. I run to celebrate the life he gave me. Since I started running I’ve lost 4 stone, have run a half marathon and next year my first marathon. It changed my life and I am committed to helping others change theirs too.”

NVA’s Speed of Light will also investigate the physiological and psychological aspects of endurance running, exploring the impact upon the body and the extent to which the power of the mind can override physical pain. To be able to take part in this momentous event runners will require a good level of fitness. By summer 2012, those signing up to the challenge will need to have the stamina to complete a 3-5K hill run and be able to stay active over a 1 ½  - 2 ½ hour period each night. 

To assist runners, whether beginners or more experienced runners, with training for their role and to get them to the required level of fitness, bespoke training packs have been launched today to all those registered. The packs, written in partnership with JogScotland, contain advice and information on hill running; tips to get started and carefully tailored training schedules to ensure that taking part in NVA’s Speed of Light in an unforgettable and enjoyable experience.
Cast yourself in this year’s most extraordinary festival performance!
You don’t need to be a runner to take part in NVA’s Speed of Light as you can also participate as part of the walking audience or as a volunteer. 

Up to 800 audience members each night will be integral to the event. Every participant will generate their own light through the movement of bespoke walking staffs as they ascend the summit to witness the remarkable moving tableaux below. Tickets will go on sale in March 2012 with the launch of the Edinburgh International Festival 2012.

Volunteers will also play an essential role in the lead up to, and during the event. A whole host of volunteering opportunities are now being advertised online, with supporting roles in teams ranging from front of house, technical maintenance, stewarding and registration, amongst others. To find out more about the roles available, please note your interest by emailing speedoflight@nva.org.uk including your name and address (incl. postcode).

Angus Farquhar, Creative Director NVA said: “Speed of Light is a challenging new work for NVA which will see us collaborating with thousands of runners and new cultural and sporting partnerships across the country. It is a runner’s dream to be part of making such an extraordinary collective visual statement.

Our ambitions with Speed of Light are many and varied - to encourage interaction and participation on a massive scale; to investigate new technologies using light and energy and to challenge peoples’ perceptions of themselves and the landscape of Scotland.

Speed of Light is an act of co-operative enterprise that rises above the competitive aspect of sport to reveal the simple beauty of running and a mountain brought together for the world to see. “

Jonathan Mills, Edinburgh International Festival Director said: “Speed of Light is a vast and exciting project with important and timely ambitions. We are very proud to be presenting its premiere as part of the Edinburgh International Festival in 2012 and we very much hope to make the most of the many opportunities it presents to grow relationships with sporting and community organisations.

We are asking you to get involved in helping to create this spectacular work. It’s an extraordinary opportunity for people to take part and to experience first hand the ideas and the beliefs at its heart.”
Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs said:  “The spectacle of thousands of runners from Scotland and all around the world illuminating Arthur’s Seat through creative and sporting endeavour is to be celebrated.  NVA’s Speed of Light is an inspiring event which encapsulates the excitement and dynamism of the cultural programme taking place in The Year of Creative Scotland 2012 and will be an added attraction for visitors during Edinburgh’s International Festival.”
Dugald Mackie, Chair, Legacy Trust UK:” The games are about more than just sport. They are a once in a lifetime opportunity to showcase Scotland to millions of people across the world. We believe that Speed of Light will inspire and encourage people throughout Scotland to get involved and will leave a lasting legacy for the country.”

Andrew Dixon, Chief Executive, Creative Scotland: “Edinburgh’s iconic Arthur’s Seat will be the perfect backdrop for NVA’s spectacular Speed of Light.  Bringing together precision choreography, cutting-edge energy technology and breathtaking physical stamina, Speed of Light is a showcase for Scotland’s creative talent.  It will be a unique experience for runners and for audiences.”

Please go to www.speedoflight2012.org.uk for more details.

Runners will be required to pay a £10 registration fee to take part in this once in a lifetime opportunity – this will include access to training schedules, rehearsal events and goodie bag.

To register please go to www.speedoflight2012.org.uk
 

Legacy Trust UK is recruiting a paid Marketing and Communications intern for a six month contract, starting in April. For more information go to our Vacancies page