Residents across Stoke-on-Trent are being invited to take part in a unique light installation celebrating the people and spirit of the city, as part of a new winter series of free events.
The Matter of the Heart will feature during Light Up Middleport, taking place in Middleport Park on 21 and 22 January, from 4pm to 8pm.
Created by award-winning studio idontloveyouranymore, the artwork is made up of 30 glowing boxes. Each box is connected to a person’s live heartbeat and is accompanied by a short description of their personal connection to Stoke-on-Trent. Together, they form a living portrait of the city’s beating heart.
People selected to take part will be invited to attend a 15-minute session on either 17 or 19 January, between 10am and 4pm, at Middleport Matters’ Harper Street base. During the session, participants will borrow a heart monitor, download an app to transmit their heartbeat, and share a few words about what Stoke-on-Trent means to them.
During the public event, each illuminated box will pulse in real time, matching the heartbeat of its participant and bringing the installation to life as visitors walk among the glowing lights.
The installation is part of Light Up Middleport, organised by creative organisation Appetite. The event launches a new series called Light Up Winter, which will also include Light Up Hanley on 3 and 4 February from 5pm to 8pm, and Newcastle-under-Lights on 4 March from 6pm to 9pm.
Assistant producer Emma Hobbs, of Appetite, said:
“Each illuminated box flashes in time with a person’s real-life heartbeat. Audience members are invited to walk among the flashing ‘hearts’, each one representing a member of the local community.
“We’d like to invite people, especially Middleport residents, to lend their heartbeats and share their connection to Stoke-on-Trent. The process is very simple, you don’t need a mobile device, and we would love you to come along and find your own heart.”
Anyone wishing to take part can apply atthematteroftheheart.com/takepart/apply. Thirty participants will be selected in the New Year.
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