Several artists, including Turner Prize winner Jeremy Deller, have been commissioned to create works for a Lights Out ceremony commemorating 100 years since the outbreak of World War One. According to BBC, on August 4, UK citizens are being encouraged to switch off their lights and burn a candle from 10–11 p.m. The inspiration for the campaign is the famous quote from foreign secretary Sir Edward Grey, who said on the eve of the war declaration: “The lamps are going out all over Europe, we shall not see them lit again in our lifetime.” The project is intended to inspire a moment of nationwide reflection.
Deller’s piece will be in the form of a downloadable app featuring a short video available a few days before the date, and then another film available exclusively during the lights-out hour. Other projects include Nalini Malani’s large-scale video installation, which will be projected onto the facade of the Scottish National Gallery in Edinburgh; and Bedwyr Williams’ light and sound installation presented at the site of the World War One North Wales Memorial Arch in Bangor.
Several landmarks like the Houses of Parliament and Blackpool Tower have pledged to dim their lights for the ceremony, and many theaters will invite audiences to participate in Lights Out at the end of the evening’s performances.