Green Space Dark Skies announces Orkney Mainland and North Ronaldsay as new event locations
Green Space Dark Skies, led by Walk the Plank as part of UNBOXED: Creativity in the UK, has announcing two new locations for this unique project.
Article Source: Green Space Dark Skies
Last Updated: 28 June 2022 10:12
ORKNEY (MAINLAND & NORTH RONALDSAY) AND CAIRNGORMS NATIONAL PARK WILL FORM THE BACKDROP TO MASS PARTICIPATION ARTWORKS IN SCOTLAND
Green Space Dark Skies, led by Walk the Plank as part of UNBOXED: Creativity in the UK, is today announcing two new locations for this unique project. Thousands of people across the UK, including over 1000 people in Scotland, are being recruited to create large-scale outdoor artworks for Green Space Dark Skies in 20 of the UK’s most outstanding landscapes between April to September 2022.
In Scotland, the events will take place in some of the country's most stunning locations including the Cairngorms National Park, Orkney, and North Ronaldsay.
The gatherings will be created at dusk by local participants, referred to as Lumenators. They will be guided along pathways or waterways carrying smart lights that will enable digital choreography to be captured on film, while also being sensitive to the night-time environment. Each short film will incorporate the stories of the people and places featured and will be broadcast online after the event. Lumenators, as well as the general public are also encouraged to share their own connections to the landscape through Green Space Stories, a citizen science project to create an online archive of stories detailing our relationship to nature in 2022.
Developed by graduate engineers at Siemens specially for this project, the hand-held lighting technology, called Geolights, carried by participants uses existing wireless programmable lights and incorporates something that's never been done before: the ability for the lights to be animated through geo-positioning, whereby the position of each light can be known in relationship to the others.
Orkney mainland - 20 August
Local residents in Orkney are invited to become Lumenators in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of this interactive work of art. Lumenators will gather at dusk to form shapes central to local folklore and mythologies.
To sign up for the Orkney Islands event click - here
North Ronaldsay - 16 August
Residents of the small island of North Ronaldsay (by invite only) are to participate in this unique event, creating images of astronomical symbols and constellations which will celebrate the island’s Dark Sky Award.
Cairngorms National Park - 11 August
This event will be taking place both on water and on land. Paddleboarders and kayakers will help to create patterns on the loch. Paddleboarders and kayakers are encouraged to bring their own equipment if they have a paddleboard or a kayak, otherwise there will be equipment available for Lumenators to use on the day.
To sign up for Cairngorms National Park event click - here
To protect these amazing places, the exact locations will only be revealed to the people who have registered to take part. There will be no spectators, but anyone can take part for free as long as they sign up in advance.
Event producer, Walk the Plank is working directly with the authorities who are responsible for the conservation of each location to create the events for Green Space Dark Skies.
Green Space Dark Skies is enabling people from all walks of life to forge new connections with the countryside by supporting those who face cultural and physical barriers to experience our iconic landscapes. These gatherings are celebrating the countryside as well as encouraging our responsibility to take care of it for future generations.
Green Space Dark Skies places environmental and social sustainability at the heart of its design and delivery; highlighting the value of the natural environment as a core purpose and delivering significant measurable positive impact. The project is working with a diverse group of partners to ensure that each event throughout the UK is implemented with the greatest care and precautions to protect the environment and communities of the locations. With a track record of experience in managing large-scale public events, Walk the Plank aims to bring people from all different backgrounds together to enrich lives through shared creative experiences.
Keren McKean, Walk the Plank’s Producer for Scotland says, “Scotland’s landscapes are rich, unique and diverse. The country’s dramatic backdrop is globally recognised and attracts millions of tourists per year, but often local people and people from particular communities can feel like the great outdoors isn’t for them. Green Space Dark Skies is about engaging with communities and encouraging people to feel connected to the land, to enjoy it and to protect it.”
The Green Space Dark Skies team is working with Dark Skies representatives in many locations to explore how the project might highlight the value of minimising light pollution in our towns, cities and rural landscapes to support wildlife to flourish.
John Wassell Creative Producer UK, Walk the Plank says, “The moment when darkness falls, and we switch the lights off, is going to be the most important collective act of connection between people and nature within each event”.
Green Space Dark Skies is one of 10 major creative projects commissioned by UNBOXED: Creativity in the UK, a celebration of creativity taking place across the UK in 2022, designed to reach millions and bring people together. UNBOXED features free large-scale events, installations and globally accessible digital experiences in the UK’s most ambitious showcase of creative collaboration.
Martin Green CBE, Chief Creative Officer of UNBOXED: Creativity in the UK said, “UNBOXED is the result of collaborations across science, technology, engineering, arts and maths that share an ambition to find new solutions and present optimistic ideas for the future.
“Green Space Dark Skies perfectly demonstrates the innovation and creativity seen throughout the UNBOXED projects. By bringing together artists, engineers, and members of the public in the creation of unique experiences, it will enhance people’s understanding of our natural environment and relationship to the countryside and show the power of creativity to bring about change.”
John Scott, Chair North Ronaldsay Trust says: "North Ronaldsay is thrilled to be involved in this innovative project working with light and place. Our event will take place on nearly our first-year anniversary of being awarded the designation of a Dark Skies Island from the International Dark Skies Association which honours our dark nights. The use of light art is very apt, as the darkness here makes light so much more intense, be it the stars of the milky way flowing over our heads, the merry dancers in the north or the beams from the Denishead lighthouse raking across our tiny low-lying island."
Events have already taken place in the Peak District, Dartmoor, Exmoor, Dorset, the Norfolk Broads, Lagan Valley, the Sperrins and Gower. Forthcoming events across the UK are:
● England: The Chilterns AONB (15 July).
● Northern Ireland: Causeway Coast AONB (2 July).
● Scotland: Cairngorms National Park (11 August); North Ronaldsay (16 August); and Orkney (20 August).
● Wales: Brecon Beacons National Park (6 July); and Anglesey (6 August).
Green Space Dark Skies is a carbon net-positive project* combining exemplar low-emissions production with climate investments.
*The Green Space Dark Skies project is measuring and balancing 100% of its unavoidable Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions. The project also acknowledges its Scope 3 emissions and the complexity associated with calculating these and is working hard to rise to the challenge with its stakeholders.
UNBOXED: Creativity in the UK is funded and supported by the four governments of the UK and is commissioned and delivered in partnership with Belfast City Council, Creative Wales and EventScotland.
Listings information
UNBOXED events in Scotland include:
Dandelion (across Scotland, April to September), Dreamachine (Edinburgh Dates 13 Aug-25 Sep), Green Space Dark Skies (across Scotland, April to September 2022), and StoryTrails (Dundee 7-8 July and Dumfries 12-13 July).
Green Space Dark Skies part of UNBOXED: Creativity in the UK
23 April – 30 September 2022
To take part in Green Space Dark Skies register at https://greenspacedarkskies.uk/get-involved/
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
UNBOXED: Creativity in the UK
1 March – 2 October 2022
Unboxed2022.uk
Photo credit: Sands of Evie, Visit Scotland, Paul Tomkins
Sponsored Links
Latest Edinburgh News
Rare female cheetah arrives at Edinburgh Zoo
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) has welcomed four-year-old female cheetah Domino to Edinburgh Zoo from Zoo de Cerza, France.
READ MORE
Santa clocks in early: Scotland shift heroes among 30,000 invited to claim free festive meal
Greene King pubs is raising the spirits of Scotland's hardest workers this festive season, hosting 'The Big Christmas Shift' across 700 pubs nationwide, giving away 30,000 meals on Monday 1st December
READ MORE
Festive days out to make the most of the season
From wreath-making workshops through to New Year’s Eve street parties, here's a rounded up some of the best events to help make the most of the season with loved ones in a fun and creative way.
READ MORE
November and December at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
From Christmas to Artist in Residence, discover Virgin Hotels Edinburgh's events taking place in this festive season!
READ MORE
Edinburgh Small Businesses shine as part of small business roadshow
Independent businesses in Edinburgh celebrated as part of Small Business Saturday’s Tour highlighting the nation’s favourite businesses
READ MORE
SAY Award winner announced as Kai Reesu
Kai Reesu’s ‘KOMPROMAT vol.i’ was tonight announced as winner of The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, as the country’s national music prize Ceremony took place in Dundee’s Caird Hall.
READ MORE
Beyond Monet and Beyond Van Gogh open in Edinburgh this month
Two immersive experiences which bring the work of a pair of iconic artists to life in mesmerising and moving fashion are set to open in Edinburgh this month.
READ MORE
The many worlds of Stephen King return to Vue this autumn
As the The Long Walk wraps up in cinemas, fans of Stephen King can look forward to seven classic re-releases heading to the big screen this autumn.
READ MORE
First ever Letters Live cinema events comes to the Big Screen in Edinburgh this week
A very special cinema event is coming to Edinburgh this week, comprising a preview of a brand-new film, a world-renowned literary event and an appearance from a BAFTA-winning actor.
READ MORE
Flight Club Edinburgh launches limited edition Winter Menu and Festive Brunch
Flight Club Edinburgh kicks off Christmas party season with the unveiling of its specially curated limited-edition menu and festive celebration-worthy bottomless brunch.
READ MORE
Deer Park unwraps a festive calendar of fun for December
Deer Park Golf & Country Club is set to bring a touch of Christmas magic this December, with a month-long programme of festive events for families, friends and colleagues to enjoy.
READ MORE
Vue Ocean Terminal set to welcome luxurious new seating option
Film fans in Edinburgh will soon be able to enjoy the latest releases in the ultimate comfort with the arrival of Vue’s signature Ultra Lux seat at its Ocean Terminal venue.
READ MORE
Decade of teaching Scotland to swim capped In Edinburgh
A PROGRAMME that has created a legacy of confident swimmers across Scotland has reached a major milestone, celebrating ten years of transforming lives through the power of swimming.
READ MORE
Call for homeowners in Edinburgh and Lothians to check eligibility for Energy Saving Home Improvements
With energy bills remaining high and winter approaching, thousands of families in Edinburgh and the Lothians could be missing out on free home energy improvements worth £10,000 or more.
READ MORE
Public vote opens for Scottish Jazz Awards 2025 as scene flourishes
A stellar lineup of nominees has been announced for the Scottish Jazz Awards 2025, showcasing the exceptional talent flourishing across Scotland's vibrant jazz scene.
READ MORE
RZSS continues call for national ban on public sale of fireworks
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) is renewing its call for a national ban on the public sale of fireworks, one year after the tragic death of baby red panda Roxie at Edinburgh Zoo.
READ MORE
Edinburgh to welcome globally renowned DJs to perform at The Johnnie Walker Experience
FREE Tickets for ‘Keep Walking Live with NTS Radio, presented by The Johnnie Walker Experience’ are available now on Resident Advisor.
READ MORE
Magical Winter Village to light up Fort Kinnaird for the first time this Christmas
This Christmas, Fort Kinnaird will be transformed into a festive wonderland filled with seasonal street food, artisan gifts, fairground rides and spectacular circus shows for all to enjoy.
READ MORE
First Footin Trail returns to Kick Start
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay organisers today announce the first events at this year’s First Footin’ programme on New Year’s Day.
READ MORE
Edinburgh International Book Festival makes 60 new flagship events available worldwide
Edinburgh International Book Festival is releasing 60 more events from its August 2025 programme for global audiences this week on a Donate What You Can basis.
READ MORE
Heroes call on Scottish rugby fans to vote for the greatest Murrayfield rugby moment
SCOTTISH rugby fans have been called upon to cast their vote for the greatest ever Murrayfield rugby moment as part of celebrations marking the national stadium’s centenary.
READ MORE
Make a difference to East Lothian during Trustees Week
Volunteer Centre East Lothian urges people to lend their support to local charities by becoming a trustee.
READ MORE
The Christmas tradition of the year is back...
Scotland's biggest Christmas drive-in returns: 11 days of Elf, Home Alone & more at Loch Lomond Shores!
READ MORE
Customers queue for 18 hours at Popeyes Fort Kinnaird
Today, Popeyes® UK, home of the famous Louisiana Chicken, opened its Fort Kinnaird restaurant in Newcraighall, with over 100 people in the queue for launch day.
READ MORE
Midlothian primary school set to celebrate centenary with a week of music and memories
Exactly 100 years since Newtongrange Primary School first opened its doors, teachers and pupils are set to celebrate its centenary in style.
READ MORE
National Roadshow to Shine a Spotlight on Edinburgh Small Businesses
Edinburgh’s small businesses are set to take centre stage this week as the Small Business Saturday nationwide roadshow rolls into town on Wednesday, 5th November.
READ MORE
St Andrews Day ticket offer for Castle of Light
Edinburgh Castle ignites excitement for Castle of Light: Fire and Ice with special St Andrew’s Day ticket offer.
READ MORE
Shuttle Bus Route Launched at Lost Shore Surf Resort
Lost Shore Surf Resort is teaming up with Scottish sustainable travel pioneer Ember to launch a new all-electric shuttle bus service from Edinburgh City Centre to the resort.
READ MORE
Michelin success for top new restaurant of the year in Edinburgh
Barry Fish, one of Edinburgh’s most celebrated new restaurants of 2025, has earned its place in the prestigious Michelin Guide for Great Britain and Ireland, just 8 months after its launch.
READ MORE
Deer Park Golf and Country Club Tees Up Championship Quality Golf All Year Round
Deer Park is offering golfers the chance to enjoy superb playing conditions 365 days a year, ensuring the course remains in peak form, whatever the weather.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links