A major new artwork celebrating the power of community is set to illuminate Liverpool’s waterfront as part of this year’s River of Light programme.
Celebrated artist Murugiah has been commissioned to create a brand-new installation titled Together, inspired by the theme of River of Light 2026.
The new commission has been made possible thanks to funding from Arts Council England through its National Lottery Project Grants programme, with communities from across Liverpool playing a central role in shaping the final artwork.
Murugiah has been working closely with a number of local groups, including the Ukrainian Community Centre, Walton Youth and Community Centre, Bronte Youth and Community Centre, Our House in Walton, Greenhouse Project and the Sedgemoor Centre.
Participants have shared their stories, ideas and experiences of community and togetherness, which will help inspire the finished installation.
Working alongside Liverpool artist Sam Wiehl, Murugiah will transform the community contributions into a large-scale projection which will illuminate the iconic Wapping Dock Wall on Liverpool’s waterfront.
The artwork will also feature a brand-new audio composition created by local artist GloMoth, from Stealing Sheep.
The announcement completes the line-up for River of Light 2026, which will return to Liverpool from Friday, 23 October to Sunday, 1 November.
A total of 13 large-scale light installations will be displayed across Liverpool city centre during the festival.
This year’s event will also expand into new areas of the city as Culture Liverpool partners with Liverpool ABID to bring artworks beyond the waterfront.
New locations for 2026 will include Williamson Square and St Paul’s Square, helping to spread the River of Light experience across more of Liverpool city centre.
River of Light has become one of Liverpool’s biggest annual cultural events, attracting residents and visitors to explore a free outdoor trail of illuminated artworks and installations.
Cllr Harry Doyle, Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture said:
“The theme of this year’s festival, ‘Together’, is all about uniting people in shared, joyful experiences through art.
“Murugiah’s commission embodies that perfectly, placing our communities at the heart and creating an artwork that will weave together the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and stories that make Liverpool such a special city.
“River of Light is free, accessible, and enjoyable for people of all ages, and I can’t wait to see residents and visitors alike come ‘together’ to enjoy it this autumn.”
Jen Cleary, Director, Combined Arts and North West, Arts Council England said:
“Light Festivals are a brilliant way to bring communities together to experience exciting new art works and to enjoy our public spaces. This year’s River of Light festival promises to bring a real sense of community to Liverpool and I’m very pleased that we have supported artists Murugiah and Sam, working with GloMoth, to create this new installation through our National Lottery Project Grants programme.
“The fact that Together has been formed in collaboration with local people makes it even more compelling and we hope everyone involved enjoys seeing their contributions brought to life.”
Murugiah said:
“Together is such a powerful idea, particularly in a city like Liverpool. I want this artwork to feel like it belongs to everyone who takes part – something made from many voices, experiences and imaginations coming together as one.”
The full River of Light 2026 programme and visitor information can be found on the VisitLiverpool website.
READ MORE: Nine more artworks announced for River of Light 2026
