ARC

A JOYFUL, LARGE-SCALE PUBLIC ART INSTALLATION AND SYMBOL OF OPTIMISM

ARC

10m x 10m

Commissioned by Sefton Council for 'LIGHTPORT' 2026

Southport, UK

Core memories are created as this jaw-dropping spectral vision turns Lightport's ‘Inside The Rainbow’ theme into an unforgettable and joyous reality & spectacle as Lucid’s interpretation of this enigmatic, natural phenomena stops viewers in their tracks.

A place where memory, imagination and reality merge - the vast installation towers above the viewers below at 10 metres tall and wide. The bold, dreamlike vision rises from the ground at the heart centre of Town Hall Gardens, forming a complete, luminous rainbow that can be entered and experienced from within. The momentary, untouchable nature of the rainbow is replaced with a tangible depiction of this universal symbol of optimism. Using 7000 individual pixels of colour - Lucid’s recreation of the rainbow reimagines the spectrum of light with a physical form. Bands of radiant colour arc skyward, creating a powerful, evocative sense of scale while gently drawing viewers toward the centre. Mist gathers at ground level, as if the rainbow and those standing at the foot of the installation are floating amidst the clouds - in a dreamlike, surreal scene of light, sound, colour and collective wonder.

The full rainbow symbolises peace, optimism and renewal - this installation invites viewers to enter, reflect and reconnect with their surroundings and place. ‘ARC’ invites moments of pause and connection as visitors are encouraged not just to observe, but to pass through the portal itself, in a shared moment of peaceful reflection and contemplation.

'ARC’ is the headline piece in a series of 10 large-scale light installations by Lucid Creates designed to transform Lord Street across a 400m stretch of Southport Town Centre into a joyous, accessible, multi-sensory and multicoloured experience, in response to their ‘Inside The Rainbow’ theme. The purpose of which was to bring people together, instilling both pride in place and a sense of community & togetherness.

Concept, Design, Fabrication & Build Lucid Creates

Soundscape by Louis Hardy

Images by Jody Hartley

With special thanks to Sefton Council, Visit Southport, Culture Liverpool and Liverpool City Region