Stunning artwork set to light up Cheshire East

A hugely-popular travelling light and sound installation is set to wow crowds in Cheshire East

Wave-Field, a world-famous interactive art installation in the form of illuminated music generating seesaws, is embarking on a tour of the north of England, from October to December.

Cheshire East will host it in Lyceum Square, in Crewe, from 21 November until 1 December. This is a free event that will be open from 3pm - 8pm on weekdays and 11am - 8pm on weekends.

The giant illuminated seesaws, originating from Canada, ‘encourage interpersonal relationships with strangers and consolidate existing relationships between friends and family’, according to creators Lateral Office and CS Design, and features futuristic soundscape by Mitchell Akiyama.

Wave-Field is intended as a playful installation that makes art accessible to all. Residents and visitors are encouraged to become active participants in the art. When motionless, the seesaws are dimly lit and emit a low sound, inviting passers-by to participate. When set in motion, the seesaws burst into sound and light, which becomes richer as more users partner up, encouraging interactions and ‘the development of relationships, new and old’.

Wave-Field will visit Crewe, thanks to support from Cheshire East Council, Arts Council England, Crewe Town Council and Quays Culture. The internationally renowned artwork will also be visiting Leeds, Blackpool and Salford Quays as part of the ‘Light up the North’ network. The installation will support the new Crewe cultural strategy, which identifies goals to compliment the regeneration of Crewe through culture and heritage, and aims to create an environment where inspiration, innovation and creativity lead the economic growth of the area.

Wave-Field supports the strategy’s aim of creating a confident and distinctive cultural offer in Crewe, as well as a strong creative and digital sector. Wave-Field’s tour to Crewe will coincide with Lumen, Crewe’s Night of Lights, organised by Crewe Town Council.

After its phenomenally successful launch last year, Lumen returns to Crewe on 29 November. Lumen includes striking contemporary light installations, building projection and live performances. Wave-Field will be a key attraction at Lumen.

Councillor Nick Mannion, Cheshire East Council cabinet member with responsibility for cultural economy, said: “This is excellent news for all Cheshire East residents and not just those in Crewe. Wave-Field, coinciding with Lumen, will be a very exciting time and draw visitors from all over to see Lyceum Square lit up in a magical and stunning way.

“The addition of these interactive, musical seesaws will allow both residents and visitors to interact with their children, friends, family or to engage with a stranger for a unique experience – bringing an art installation to life.”

Councillor Benn Minshall, Mayor of Crewe said: “We are currently seeing a number of projects being developed for Crewe – a new Cultural Strategy, a new Heritage Strategy and a Place Branding project – all of which are designed to create a fresh, multi-faceted perspective in terms of how people view the town.

“There is already a wide-ranging program of projects and events for local residents to get involved in, with the next one being Lumen, and to have the opportunity of hosting a project such as Wave-Field as a feature piece is fantastic news. Arts and culture are the ties which bind us all together. I would like to encourage everyone to come from as far and wide as possible to take part in what is sure to be a wonderful and interactive experience.”

Cheshire East residents will be given the opportunity to learn skills and expertise from the Canadian artists, and from Quays Culture’s team. More details will be issued soon.

Wave-Field is a strategic commission which supports Cheshire East’s SHIFT programme, which celebrates digital culture in Cheshire East. Visit www.shift-digital.co.uk for more details.

For more information on Cheshire East Council’s Cultural Strategy for Crewe visit   https://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/pdf/business/major-regeneration-projects/crewe-regen/51440-crewe-cultural-strategy-doc-final.pdf