Illuminate was a large-scale projection trail through the city of Derry, commissioned by Tourism NI and Derry and Strabane District Council. Six stories covering different periods of the city development, told through projection mapping, bespoke content, original music scores, and live performance. The trail achieved 90% occupancy on weekend nights and 80% on weeknights, delivered in January and February, the least busy time of year for tourism in the city.
The project included the first-ever projection mapping of the Guildhall, and the first time the Bloody Sunday history was documented, edited, and projected at a site within the walls. Each story was developed in collaboration with community groups including the Bogside Museum, the Free Derry Museum, and the Apprentice Boys Memorial Hall. Local musicians, actors, and historians contributed to each piece. Specific installations included a projection screen fitted to the arch of the Derry walls animating a closed gate to reference the Siege of Derry, a full wicker settlement model with fire performers and actors for the Viking settlement story, and the history of Protestantism in Northern Ireland projected at St Columb Cathedral. Technical specification: 4 x 35,000 lumen projectors, 3 x 20,000 lumen projectors, 2 x 12,000 lumen projectors across six sites.
VSS handled all site infrastructure, subcontractor management, and delivery across the full trail.
