The spectacular light art biennial is due to return to the streets of Durham from 16 – 19 November, and businesses from across the county have been donating to support not just the event itself but the year-round Lumiere Learning & Participation programme.

We have partnered with Lumiere producers Artichoke for a second year to double the donations made through our match funding programme. And thanks to the generosity of local businesses and individuals, £200,000 has been raised this year!

The funds will mean people throughout County Durham can join in with year-round creative opportunities for free as part of the Lumiere Learning & Participation programme and some of the funds raised will go towards our Poverty Hurts Appeal.

We launched Poverty Hurts Appeal one year ago with the aim of raise £1 million to fight poverty in County Durham, which is one of the most deprived areas in England.

“To support Lumiere is to support one of County Durham’s great treasures – an event that brings art, culture and magic to everyone, while enriching local lives throughout the year,” said Michelle Cooper, Chief Executive of the Foundation.

“To be able to offer businesses match funding once again, and the chance to support our Poverty Hurts Appeal, is a win-win. It’s because of the generosity of businesses like Citrus Group, DTZ Investors (Walkergate), Leonard Curtis, BAM Nuttall, Kier and Sherwoods Motor Group who have donated through the Lumiere match funding programme, that we’ve actually gone past the £1 million target!”

Hear more from the businesses who have supported Lumiere by visiting our Wall of Fame blog posts.

The Artistic Director of Artichoke, Helen Marriage said, “Lumiere has never just been about stunning spectacle and pretty lights. Over the years, Lumiere has consistently brought tangible benefits to the local community, building the local economy, investing in local businesses, training local kids and putting Durham firmly on an international culture map. In these challenging times, it is all the more important that families have events to look forward to without having to worry about what it will cost to attend.

“Lumiere is a free gift for everyone to enjoy, the result of amazing partnerships forged over the years with Durham County Council, Arts Council England and Durham’s local institutions and businesses who all invest in the event to bring wider benefits to the community. And as part of County Durham Community Foundation’s match funding programme and Poverty Hurts Appeal, donations to Lumiere will both help local people and shine a light in these dark times”.

You can still donate towards Lumiere and have your donation matched.

You can donate online by visiting the Lumiere website or you can donate by text message, just text DURHAM to 70560 to donate £3.

Donations will be matched by the Foundation to support Lumiere as well as the Poverty Hurts Campaign, making your donation go even further. Members of the public have already raised £16,228 by donating when booking their free Lumiere tickets!