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A striking new artwork celebrating the strength of community will be featured in this year’s River of Light festival, supported by funding from Arts Council England. The piece, created by renowned artist Murugiah, is titled ‘Together’ and draws inspiration from the overarching theme of River of Light 2026. This project has been made possible through the National Lottery Project Grants programme, ensuring that local communities play a central role in the creative development.
Murugiah has engaged extensively with various community groups throughout Liverpool, including the Ukrainian Community Centre, Walton Youth and Community Centre, Bronte Youth and Community Centre, Our House in Walton, the Greenhouse Project, and the Sedgemoor Centre. These groups contributed personal stories, ideas, and reflections on the notion of togetherness, all of which have influenced the design and concept of the final piece. Collaborating with local artist Sam Wiehl, the combined efforts will culminate in a large-scale projection displayed on the iconic Wapping Dock Wall along Liverpool’s waterfront.
Adding another layer to the installation, local musician GloMoth, known from the band Stealing Sheep, has composed an exclusive audio element that will accompany the visual display. The announcement of this commission rounds out the full lineup of 13 large-scale light installations that will illuminate various sites across Liverpool city centre from 23 October to 1 November 2026. This year’s festival will expand beyond the waterfront, reaching new areas such as Williamson Square and St Paul’s Square, thanks to a partnership between Culture Liverpool and Liverpool ABID.
Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, Cllr Harry Doyle, highlighted the festival’s theme by saying, “The theme of this year’s festival, ‘Together’, is all about uniting people in shared, joyful experiences through art. Murugiah’s commission embodies that perfectly, placing our communities at the heart and creating an artwork that will weave together the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and stories that make Liverpool such a special city.” Jen Cleary, Director of Combined Arts and North West at Arts Council England, also reflected on the project’s community focus: “Light Festivals are a brilliant way to bring communities together to experience exciting new art works and to enjoy our public spaces. The fact that *Together* has been formed in collaboration with local people makes it even more compelling.” Murugiah summed up the work’s intention by stating, “Together is such a powerful idea, particularly in a city like Liverpool. I want this artwork to feel like it belongs to everyone who takes part – something made from many voices, experiences and imaginations coming together as one.”
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