Avison Young is proudly sponsoring Lumiere to provide paid work experience for five young local trainees.

The trainees, from local colleges, secondary schools and disadvantaged groups across the area will be offered career development support, as well as assisting in the setting up and promotion of the Lumiere event.

Working in partnership with Durham County Council and produced by arts charity Artichoke, Lumiere is the UK’s leading light festival, which seeks to transform the way we view familiar buildings and public spaces through light installations. In 2019, the festival attracted an audience of 165,000 and produced a boost of £11.5m to the local economy.

Barry Crichton, Principal at Avison Young said:
“After the rollercoaster year we’ve had, Lumiere will help lift people’s spirits and what better way to do that than by supporting young people to gain new skills and experience.

As the main corporate sponsor of the trainee scheme, our sponsorship will provide hands on training for five young locals as well as CV writing and interview skills to help promote pathways into longer-term employment. It’s a great opportunity to support the communities we work in and hopefully encourage more young people into careers they may not have previously considered.”

Gordon Hewling, Regional Managing Director Newcastle, Avison Young, said:
“It is really important to Avison Young to give back to our communities and this sponsorship is part of a wider investment in local initiatives across the North East, which we are proud to support from the Newcastle office. Lumiere is a key event in the regional calendar and something that is enjoyed by our staff and clients alike."

Helen Marriage, Director of Artichoke said:
“This amazing free event has developed its worldwide reputation only because local and regional businesses, organisations and individuals recognise its value and contribute to making it happen. The festival is made with and for its community.”

This year, the festival’s county-wide community engagement programme will focus on reaching those most affected by the pandemic, including the vulnerable and isolated, and will engage local people and the wider business community in an event which continues to be one of the highlights of the North East’s cultural calendar.

Lumiere will illuminate the city for four nights, from 18-21 November, with a programme that extends beyond the city and into the wider county for the first time. Find out more about Lumiere here.