An exciting new experience of illumination, creativity and discovery awaits when daylight disappears in Tauranga's city centre this month.

Creative Bay of Plenty is excited to present the inaugural ‘After Dark Urban Light Festival' from May 13-May 22, which will reinvent the city's urban locations into vibrant creative spaces to bring the community together.

'Static structures will come alive as they become canvases for incredible imagery that will showcase the city in a new light, providing a unique audience experience and a sense of excitement and innovation,” says Creative Bay of Plenty's Annie Hill.

As a free and family-friendly experience, audiences will guide themselves among downtown buildings, alleyways, and the waterfront to experience our urban city scape in a dynamic and interactive way.

'The experience has been specifically designed to provide an experience of discovery, illumination and innovation for children, families and individuals of all ages,” says Annie.

These wonderful displays of art and light will be at the three key sites: The Strand Waterfront, Devonport Road and Grey Street – and will not want to be missed!

From 48 submissions, 11 artists have been selected to take part in the festival, with most of the commissions from local creatives.

Utilising 'high-tech projection mapping” and 'other digital technologies”, the artworks will transform ordinary places and spaces into illuminated visual masterpieces.

Annie says the festival will serve as a 'creative laboratory” for artists, performers, and technicians to collaborate, innovate and grow their skills in art and technology.

Held on the evenings of Friday, May 13 to Sunday, May 22, the festival will bring creative life and light into the heart of Tauranga City!