A major new artwork celebrating the power of community is set to join this year's River of Light programme, thanks to support from Arts Council England.
Celebrated artist Murugiah has been commissioned to create a brand-new installation, titled ‘Together’, inspired by the theme of River of Light 2026. The commission has been made possible with funding from Arts Council England through its National Lottery Project Grants programme and will place local communities at the heart of the creative process.
As part of the project, Murugiah has worked closely with community groups from across Liverpool, including the Ukrainian Community Centre, Walton Youth and Community Centre, Bronte Youth and Community Centre, Our House in Walton, Greenhouse Project, and the Sedgemoor Centre. Participants have shared their stories, ideas, and experiences of community and togetherness, helping to shape the final artwork.
Working alongside local artist, Sam Wiehl, the pair will transform this community input into a large-scale projection that will illuminate the iconic Wapping Dock Wall on Liverpool's waterfront. The final artwork will have a brand-new audio composition created by local artist, GloMoth from Stealing Sheep.
The announcement completes the line-up for River of Light 2026, which runs from 23 October to 1 November and will feature 13 large-scale light installations across Liverpool city centre.
This year, the festival will be expanding into new locations across the city, as Culture Liverpool partners with Liverpool ABID to ensure artworks are not just on the waterfront but across the city centre in new sites including Williamson Square and St Pauls Square.
Residents and visitors can discover the full River of Light 2026 programme and plan their visit at www.visitliverpool.com.
Cllr Harry Doyle, Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture said:
"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.
“River of Light is free, accessible, and enjoyable for people of all ages, and I can’t wait to see residents and visitors alike come ‘together’ to enjoy it this autumn.”
Jen Cleary, Director, Combined Arts and North West, Arts Council England said:
“Light Festivals are a brilliant way to bring communities together to experience exciting new art works and to enjoy our public spaces. This year’s River of Light festival promises to bring a real sense of community to Liverpool and I’m very pleased that we have supported artists Murugiah and Sam, working with GloMoth, to create this new installation through our National Lottery Project Grants programme.
“The fact that Together has been formed in collaboration with local people makes it even more compelling and we hope everyone involved enjoys seeing their contributions brought to life.”
Murugiah said:
"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."