Nightwriter Nyx is an innovative creation by artist Gijs Van Bon
It writes text on the ground using a blend of photoluminescent powder and special sand. When exposed to ultraviolet light, the letters illuminate and glow on the ground as a person with a light-bearing yoke, known as the light bearer, passes by. The machine leads the text and the audience through the night.
On Friday 8 and Saturday 9 March you can see the unique Nightwriter Nyx in action on the streets of Croydon, featuring poetry created by local young people in the borough.
This is a free event. No need to book – just turn up
Nightwriter will follow a moving trail, starting at 5:30pm from:
- Friday 8 March: New Addington Parade, near Pathfinders Hub
- Saturday 9 March: outside Croydon Clocktower
The project is delivered in collaboration with Croydon’s Poet Laureate, Shaniqua Benjamin as part of her Out of Silence programme of work to amplify local voices that are often unheard and unseen. Along with a team of local poets, Shaniqua has been running workshops in schools and with young people with additional needs and/or in the asylum system.
Nyx will showcase poetry from pupils at Meridian High in New Addington on the evening of 8 March; and poetry from pupils at Oasis Academy Coulsdon and St Giles on the evening of 9 March in Central Croydon, around the Clocktower.