FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 23, 2021
Media Contact –
Taylor Rankin Director of Marketing and Communications, Downtown Raleigh Alliance
taylorrankin@downtownraleigh.org
919.821.6976
DRA’s Illuminate Art Walk Presented by Wake Tech Returns to Downtown Raleigh
Features internationally-acclaimed Chimes, presented by Opendoor
RALEIGH, NC –Downtown Raleigh Alliance is once again lighting up Downtown with Illuminate Art Walk, presented by Wake Tech. The project, in its second year, transforms plazas, storefronts and other public spaces with large-scale, interactive and light-based art pieces that are one-of-a-kind and family-friendly.
DRA commissioned more than a dozen pieces from local, regional and international artists in an effort to create a holiday light experience that is eclectic, creative and inspiring. The majority of pieces will be located in the Fayetteville Street district. The installations shine nightly from December 3, 2021 to January 7, 2022.
A highlight of this year's month-long event is Chimes presented by Opendoor, an internationally recognized art piece created and executed by Collectif Blackbox. The interactive installation was originally created for Fête des Lumières of Lyon (France) and presented as part of MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE in Montreal's Quartier des Spectacles in 2018, and has traveled globally.
Chimes will take over half of City Plaza in the heart of Downtown Raleigh. Visitors are invited to play the large chimes which will activate more than 30 illuminated tubes and eight loudspeakers, triggering a transformation of the space through sound and light.
“We are thrilled to bring back Illuminate to our community and are excited for the opportunity to feature a globally-recognized, show-stopping piece that is Chimes,” said Bill King, President and CEO of Downtown Raleigh Alliance. “We are particularly grateful for partners like Wake Tech and Opendoor who have made this year’s project possible. Whether you’re shopping, dining or just celebrating the season Downtown, we encourage you to make Illuminate a part of your Downtown Raleigh holiday experience.”
Illuminate opens to the public on First Friday, December 3, 2021. DRA will host a welcome celebration at Chimes at City Plaza from 6-8pm with special performers, giveaways and more.
Illuminate Art Walk is free, self-guided and walkable. An interactive map and more information can be found at www.DowntownRaleigh.org/Illuminate
Illuminate is presented by Wake Tech. Chimes is presented by Opendoor. Illuminate is generously supported by Raleigh Arts. Community partners include DECO Raleigh and Duke Energy. Installation partners include 511 Faye, The Haymaker and VAE Raleigh.
About Downtown Raleigh Alliance
DRA’s mission is: Advancing the vitality of Downtown Raleigh for everyone. The DRA facilitates this mission through five goals: 1) Building a culture of authentic engagement and inclusion with Downtown’s diverse community; 2) Fostering a thriving and diverse storefront economy; 3) Facilitating strategic partnerships to produce positive, balanced activations across Downtown; 4) Improving physical connectivity and accessibility within and around Downtown; 5) Positioning the DRA as reliable, responsive, representative, and mission-directed.