Elsyian Arcs
26 February – 15 March 2024
Opening times: 10am – 8pm daily
Address: The Leadenhall Building (west side), 122 Leadenhall St, London EC3V 4AB, UK
Admission: free to visit
Artist: Atelier Sisu
Giant 20 ft-high immersive, rainbow-coloured Elysian Arcs premiere in the City of London
Giant 20ft-high, rainbow-coloured arcs will premiere at The Leadenhall Building in the City of London, bringing joy to some of the darker months of the year. Elysian Arcs is a free outdoor immersive light and sound installation created by award-winning design studio, Atelier Sisu. The Arcs have been commissioned by the Eastern City Business Improvement District (EC BID) and produced by FESTIVAL.ORG to help support the mental, physical and environmental wellbeing of workers in the City and across London, as part of the BID’s year-long RECHARGE 2024 campaign.
Making their debut on Monday, 26th February, Elysian Arcs will be situated at the foot of the iconic Leadenhall Building, affectionately known as The Cheesegrater. The installation will be open for all to experience from 10am-8pm daily until Friday 15th March.
The collection of ethereal arcs will be a striking contrast to the surrounding City architecture and will become even more impressive at dusk with internal lights bringing them to life. The ‘art-chitectural’ sculptures are made from a colour-reflecting dichroic film that reacts to changes in light, causing a rainbow of reflections and a unique picture from every angle. Elysian Arcs will also emit an ambient soundtrack, inviting people to move around and underneath the arcs, immersing themselves in this bubble-like environment.
Sydney-based design studio, Atelier Sisu, is led by the award-winning artists Renzo B. Larriviere and Zara Pasfield who work within the intersection of art and architecture creating large-scale site-specific works that enchant by reinventing spaces.
It’s competition time – win a £300 voucher to Bob Bob Ricard City*!
Post your best photo with Elysian Arcs to win a voucher for Bob Bob Ricard City worth £300! To enter our competition simply post your photo onto your feed on Instagram using #RechargeLDN and tag @ecbidlondon and make sure you are following us.
Bob Bob Ricard City is a modern design icon located a short walk from Bank and Liverpool Street tube stations, serving classic British & French menu in the City’s
most glamorous all-booth dining room.
*Terms & Condition’s Apply – please read them in the FAQ’s below.
FAQ's
Your visit
Audience Travel / Getting there
- Audiences are encouraged to walk, cycle or use public transport to get to the installation. An accessible photo route can be found here: [insert link]
- There is no parking available for this event
- Blue Badge drop off points / parking can be found at the City of London website: https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/services/parking/disabled-badge-holders
- There may be bag checks in operation upon entry to Elysian Arcs.
Accessibility
- The installation takes place on flat, level ground with flat, level access.
- Accessible photo routes from Bank and Liverpool Street are available here: [insert link]
- There is an Audio Description introduction to the installation, available to stream or download here: https://soundcloud.com/gdif/elysian_arcs
- An Easy Read Guide to the event is available here: [insert link]
Eye Matter will be delivering a live audio description guided tour of the installation for Blind and Visually Impaired Audiences.
This will take place Thursday 7 March starting at 1 pm (13:00) for approx. 40 minutes.
Headsets will be provided.
Assistance dogs are welcome.
For more information or to book a place, please email Kat at access@festival.org – please note there are a limited number of audio headsets available.
Toilets
An interactive map of public toilets can be found at the City of London’s website: https://www.mapping.cityoflondon.gov.uk/geocortex/mapping/?viewer=compass&runworkflowbyid=Switch_layer_themes&LayerTheme=Show%20the%20Toilets%20layers
Closest accessible public toilets are located at:
25 St Mary Axe, London, EC3A 8AA – 2 minute walk from venue which includes accessible facilities and baby changing
Monday – Wednesday 08:00-23:00
Thursday 08:00-00:00
Friday 08:00-01:00
Sat & Sun closed
Fenchurch Place, London EC3M 4AJ – 6 minute walk from venue which includes accessible facilities and baby changing
Weekdays 05:00-01:00 Weekends 05:00-01:00
Other toilets are available a short walk to the venue and close to transport options, with varying opening times.
Environmental
What is the installation made of?
Dichroic fabric which refracts visible light
Power
- The power used is mains existing in the venue. No generators will be used for the installation.
- For health & safety reasons, the installation will remain inflated for the duration of the run, unless there is a weather event.
- This is a temporary installation.
Lighting & Sound pollution
- Sound elements are on a timer and shall be switched off when the installation is non-operational (ie overnight)
- These artistic elements will be positioned as practically as possible so as not to cause disturbance.
Travel
Though the piece is Australian, three modules of the artwork are currently being stored in the UK and will be transported by road to the site. Two new Arcs have been fabricated and are travelling by sea freight to keep emissions low. Once the installation has finished, the installation returns to its UK base, rather than flying back to Australia, in order to tour more sustainably in Europe.
Other FAQ’s
Q: Can I experience this in both daytime and nighttime?
A: Yes. Elysian Arcs will be open from 10am until 8pm and will be illuminated at night. The installation will be closed from 8pm-10am the following day.
Q: Do I need to pay to experience the Elysian Arcs?
A: No! This installation is free to attend.
Q: Can I take pictures at The Leadenhall Building?
A: Yes, taking personal photos for non-commercial use is permitted in the public areas of The Leadenhall Building. We encourage you to capture and share your visit! Share your snaps with us on social media using our handle @cheesegraterldn
We love seeing The Leadenhall Building through your lens.
Q: Are there any restrictions on photography?
A: Yes, for security reasons:
Professional photography equipment: Using tripods, lighting equipment, or other professional setups requires a permit obtained in advance.
Commercial use: Photography for commercial purposes, such as advertisements, promotions, or film productions, requires a permit.
Q: How do I get a permit for photography?
A: Please contact generalenquiries@theleadenhallbuilding.com for inquiries and applications for photography permits.
Additional information:
While taking photos is allowed, please be respectful of other visitors and avoid obstructing walkways or entrances.
Flash photography may be restricted in certain areas. Please follow any posted signage. The demise of The Leadenhall Building is private land and covered by 24/7 security provision and CCTV.
Q: Is there sound?
A: Yes. There is an ambient soundtrack that plays on a loop for the duration of opening hours.
Q: Is the installation family friendly?
A: Yes. The installation is suitable for all ages.
Q: Is this installation accessible?
A: Yes. Please see our ‘Accessibility’ section for more information about the site and Access resources we have available.
Q: Is this installation outdoors?
A: Yes, although the event space is partially sheltered. Please dress appropriately for an outdoor event.
Q: Will the installation be open if there is a weather event?
A: We constantly monitor the weather and, should the need arise, the installation may be deflated until weather conditions improve. The installation will remain open in moderate wind and is not affected by rain.
Read the full press notice
Giant 20ft-high, rainbow-coloured arcs will premiere at The Leadenhall Building in the City of London, bringing joy to some of the darker months of the year. Elysian Arcs is a free outdoor immersive light and sound installation created by award-winning design studio, Atelier Sisu. The Arcs have been commissioned by the Eastern City Business Improvement District (EC BID) and produced by FESTIVAL.ORG to help support the mental, physical and environmental wellbeing of workers in the City and across London, as part of the BID’s year-long RECHARGE 2024 campaign.
Making their debut on Monday, 26th February, Elysian Arcs will be situated at the foot of the iconic Leadenhall Building, affectionately known as The Cheesegrater. The installation will be open for all to experience from 10am-8pm daily until Friday 15th March.
The collection of ethereal arcs will be a striking contrast to the surrounding City architecture and will become even more impressive at dusk with internal lights bringing them to life. The ‘art-chitectural’ sculptures are made from a colour-reflecting dichroic film that reacts to changes in light, causing a rainbow of reflections and a unique picture from every angle. Elysian Arcs will also emit an ambient soundtrack, inviting people to move around and underneath the arcs, immersing themselves in this bubble-like environment.
Sydney-based design studio, Atelier Sisu, is led by the award-winning artists Renzo B. Larriviere and Zara Pasfield who work within the intersection of art and architecture creating large-scale site-specific works that enchant by reinventing spaces.
Last year at The Leadenhall Building, the duo premiered Evanescent as part of EC BID’s inaugural RECHARGE 2023 campaign.
Elysian Arcs encourages those of us who find the first few months of the year slightly more difficult to stop, reflect and recharge. This follows a recent survey conducted by Deltapoll and commissioned by EC BID which has revealed a concerning trend about the mental health of young professionals in London, particularly in the months of January and February. As a response to these concerns, EC BID has launched the year-long RECHARGE 2024 campaign to help tackle these issues and make the months a little brighter.
Kate Hart, CEO of the EC BID, said: “Supporting the mental, physical and environmental wellbeing of workers and young people within our Eastern district is a huge priority for us as a Business Improvement District. The Deltapoll survey revealed that 48 per cent of respondents aged 18 to 24 and 49 per cent aged 25 to 34 expressed increased worry during the first two months of the year. These statistics are worrying to read and they are something we just could not ignore.
“We as a BID recognise the importance of culture within the City and with this insight we will shed some light, quite literally, on the amazing spaces and people within it. Elysian Arcs is a beautiful immersive experience for all ages to enjoy and is an undeniably good reason to visit the area, whether you are a visitor or a worker wanting some time out from a busy day.”
Renzo B. Larriviere and Zara Pasfield of Atelier Sisu, said: “Being able to create an immersive installation for the people of London for a second year in a row is a fantastic opportunity. We are incredibly pleased that this piece of art can go some way in improving people’s mental, physical and environmental wellbeing in the darker months of the year. Elysian is our visualisation of joy. The very word Elysian relates to the characteristics of heaven or paradise, something we hope people will feel from the installation itself.”
Bradley Hemmings MBE, Artistic Director of FESTIVAL.ORG, said: “Elysian Arcs is an entrancing artwork, which we hope will surprise and delight visitors, whilst showcasing the eastern part of the City as not only a financial and historical district, but also as a creative and social hub.
“Presenting free and accessible art in public spaces is at the heart of everything we do at FESTIVAL.ORG and so we are thrilled to be collaborating for the second year running with Atelier Sisu and EC BID to transform the environs of the Leadenhall Building with this playful and uplifting new installation.”
Adam Goldin, Head of C C Land UK, said: “We’re pleased to be able to offer the Leadenhall Building’s public space for yet another exemplar project which enhances the local area while supporting the wellbeing of workers in the city. Through initiatives such as the Elysian Arcs, the City of London has evolved into a live, work, play destination which offers something for everyone.”
After visiting the illuminating arcs, workers and visitors can explore what the Eastern part of the City has to offer, dining at one of the many restaurants nearby such as Bob Bob Ricard City and Gaucho, enjoying shopping at Leadenhall Market or taking in breathtaking views at the gorgeous Sky Garden, London’s highest public garden.
-ENDS-
For more information and imagery, please contact:
:Ellie Truscott, Senior Account Executive, London Communications Agency, emt@londoncommunications.co.uk
NOTES TO EDITORS
LISTING INFORMATION:
Title: Elysian Arcs, from Atelier Sisu
Date: 26 February – 15 March 2024
Timings: 10:00 – 20:00 daily
Location: The Leadenhall Building (west side), 122 Leadenhall St, London EC3V 4AB, UK
Cost: FREE, no booking necessary and open to all
Accessibility: Suitable for all, no age or ability restrictions. An audio description is available for blind and visually impaired audiences. There will also be a live audio description tour of the Elysian Arcs on-site on Thursday 7th March at 1pm and will last for approximately 40 minutes. Headsets will be provided and assistance dogs are welcome. For more information or to book a place, please email Kat at access@festival.org
About the Eastern City Business Improvement District (EC BID)
EC BID is a Business Improvement District working to promote and enhance a unique part of the City of London known as the Eastern City. Representing a leading and innovative business community, the EC BID works collaboratively to deliver a range of programmes and transformative interventions that will develop this globally recognised economic district into an agile, dynamic and vibrant destination.
For more information on the work of the BID, please visit ecbid.co.uk.
About RECHARGE 2024
RECHARGE 2024 is a year- long campaign by EC BID to help support the mental, physical and environmental wellbeing of workers in the City. Throughout January and February, the BID will be hosting workshops, events, and other activities to help people ‘recharge’ as 2024 gets going. Visit the BID website for full details and to book onto one of these workshops.
About FESTIVAL.ORG
FESTIVAL.ORG is one of the UK’s most ambitious and prolific outdoor arts producing organisations. It sets out to radically raise the ambition, quality and diversity of outdoor performance produced in the UK.
Beyond its flagship, Greenwich+Docklands International Festival, the organisation also manages the Global Streets network, which tours international outdoor arts productions to 12 places across the country. FESTIVAL.ORG is also a founding partner of the Without Walls and Stomping Ground consortia and delivers a range of other strategic, producing, access, touring and consultancy initiatives.
About Atelier Sisu
Atelier Sisu is an award-winning Sydney-based art practice, led by Peruvian sculptor and industrial designer Renzo B. Larriviere and spatial architect and artist Zara Pasfield. The pair work with a multi-disciplinary team to create experiential environments, installations and unique sculptural pieces. Their direction of work sits between the fields of art and architecture (art-chitecture), with particular focus in the realm of public art. Each public artwork aims to provide a unique spatial experience for its visitors, while also contributing to the visual identity of a place and promoting community interaction.
About The Leadenhall Building
At 224m The Leadenhall Building is one of the City of London’s tallest skyscrapers and a well-loved London landmark. The building, which is commonly known as The Cheesegrater on account of its distinctive sloping profile, is home to a diverse mix of world-class businesses. The building offers a dedicated events space, Landing 42, more than 200 metres above street level, and in 2019 welcomed Bob Bob Ricard City, the luxurious sister restaurant of Soho’s Bob Bob Ricard.
Follow The Leadenhall Building on Twitter at @CheesegraterLdn and on Instagram at @cheesegraterldn.
Gallery of Elysian Arcs
