About The Stars Come Out At Night
The Stars Come Out at Night is a striking light installation that captures the beauty and wonder of the night sky, bringing a glimmer of starlight down to earth.
The large sculptural piece slowly rotates to reveal intricate star patterns across the surrounding landscape. As it turns, it creates a temporary universe of dancing stars that invites visitors to pause and experience the magic of a sky full of stars.
The artwork was inspired by a longstanding fascination with the stars and the cosmos, including the work of astrophysicist Carl Sagan and in particular, his famous quote, "We are all made of star stuff." Sagan believed that the carbon, nitrogen and oxygen atoms that make up our bodies were forged inside ancient stars billions of years ago. In this sense, we are all connected through the very same stardust, carrying a little piece of the universe within us.
Responding to River of Light's theme of Together, the installation celebrates our shared connection to one another and to the cosmos. While every visitor experiences the artwork in their own way, everyone stands beneath the same stars, reminding us that despite our different lives and experiences, we are all part of something much bigger than ourselves.
It is a gentle invitation to slow down, reflect and share a moment of wonder with those around us. The artwork was also inspired by the familiar star projectors found in many children's bedrooms. These projectors cast constellations across walls and ceilings, offering comfort, reassurance and a sense of calm.
This artwork is being presented in partnership with Royal Albert Dock Liverpool.
Easy Read Description
The Stars Come Out at Night is a large artwork that creates patterns of stars using light. As it slowly turns, the stars move across the ground and nearby buildings. The artwork invites visitors to stop, look up and enjoy the beauty of the night sky. It reminds us that we are all connected and part of the same universe.
Location
Anchor Courtyard, Royal Albert Dock
What Three Words: ///goods.drag.object
Sustainability Information
The artwork runs off mains power and uses LED lighting.
About Stellar Creates
Stellar Creates was founded in 2016 by Rachel Willis and Lyndsey Stephenson. Based in Teesside in the North East, they create touring light artworks, festivals and experiences that transform everyday spaces into places of wonder, play and connection.
After many years working together in the cultural sector, they established Stellar Creates with a shared ambition to create experiences that bring communities together through creativity. What began as a small venture has grown far beyond anything they imagined. Their first light event welcomed 3,500 visitors; today their work reaches tens of thousands of people every year through events and touring artworks.
At the heart of everything they do is a belief that art should be accessible, joyful and shared. They create memorable experiences that encourage people of all ages to explore, connect and experience familiar places in new ways. Alongside producing events including Nightfall Light Festival, Happy Rooms and Make & Mend Festival, they have developed a growing collection of touring light artworks and their installations, including The Stars Come Out at Night, have appeared at light festivals and events across the UK.
Learn more about Stellar Creates
Accessibility Information
A detailed description of The Stars Come Out at Night's soundscape for those who are hearing impaired.
The artwork is accompanied by a bespoke soundtrack composed by Oliver Vibrans. The music is gentle and atmospheric, inspired by the mystery and vastness of the universe. Layered sounds create a sense of space and movement that evokes drifting through the night sky. The soundtrack has a calming quality, encouraging visitors to pause, reflect and immerse themselves in the experience. The music creates an ambient backdrop that complements the slow rotation of the sculpture and the movement of the projected stars.
A detailed description of The Stars Come Out At Night for those who are visual impaired
