Light Around the World Winter Trail

Project Overview

The 'Light Around the World' Art Trail was an ambitious collaborative project that brought together 94 community members of all ages and backgrounds to create a visually engaging glow in the dark public art installation within the grounds of Dundee Botanical Garden.

This large-scale community project was led by Dundee-based social enterprise ‘How It Felt’.

6 local artists worked in partnership with 6 local community groups, to create 12 wooden panel sculptures, and accompanying smaller decorations, during a series of free creative workshops across the city.

The project culminated in a free, week-long public event at the Dundee Botanics in December 2023.

The Creative Process

How did we achieve the glow in the dark effect?

• Used solar and battery powered lights to highlight the route of the trail, small UV torches were also provided, allowing visitors to make their own discoveries throughout.
• Utilising everyday items that glow under UV light, such as highlighter pens, white wool, neon pens and pipe cleaners
• Specialised materials incl. wood glue, UV reactive paint, spray paints, glow in the dark paint and water & paint marbling mediums.
• Many of the materials were sourced from local organisations such as ScrapAntics, allowing the project to remain environmentally conscious and sustainable through the use of second hand and up-cycled materials.

Community Impact

• 431 visitors came to the ‘Light Around the World’ Winter Art Trail, during the week of 3rd - 10th December 2023!
• We had a turn out rate of approximately 50-75% of bookings each night, which was incredibly positive for a free event, during very cold and wet weather!
• Increased pride in our neighbourhood and community spaces
• 6 community groups across Dundee were involved, with participants from a range of backgrounds. Partnerships included: BeFriends, Feeling Strong UK, Barnardos, Dundee International Women's Centre, Family Club and Transition Dundee.
• Feedback from families, parents and groups during the event, highlighted the importance of creativity, fostering community spirit and creating events that are accessible for a range of needs, particularly during cold winter months.

A Huge Thanks To...

Dundee City Council Festive Fund 2023 🌟
ScrapAntics CIC, Poundland Dundee and the Asda Foundation

Mark McGreehin Productions (videography)
Jack Anderson aka Dundee Woodturning (woodwork)
Mark Urban aka Haystack Monolith (workshop support)
Kevin Fredicini and Karen Brough from Dundee Botanical Garden (event and project support)