arc Apr/May 2020 – Issue 115

Stay home, stay safe…
And enjoy the latest issue of arc magazine…

As I write this from my spare bedroom/newly-converted home office, I’m struggling to comprehend just how much the world has changed in the two months since we went to print on our last issue. You don’t need me to tell you about Covid-19, or about the devastating impact that it has already had around the world; all I will say is that, on behalf of everyone at [d]arc media, I sincerely hope that you’re all safe, staying well, and keeping in positive spirits in these dark times.

While these are truly unprecedented times, it’s been quite remarkable to see the level of support and solidarity across the lighting industry over the last few weeks – from simple group chats (shout out to The Corner Crew!) to wider support groups and initiatives such as the Light Minded Movement, recently set up by IALD, ILP, SLL and Zumtobel Group, and Designers Mind (Check out this issue’s Briefing for an insightful interview with founding members Kaye Preston and Kael Gillam on page 36). The lighting design world has always felt more like a community to me than anything else, so to see it in action during these times of crisis is very heartening.

With all of this in mind, it feels a little redundant to be talking about the latest issue of arc, but while it’s certainly been a new challenge piecing it all together remotely, we’re really pleased with this issue, and we hope that it will provide you with some light entertainment and welcome distraction from everything going on in the wider world.

Readers of our digital issue will also notice a special second cover featuring a great shot from our own Sarah Cullen of Salford’s Media City, illuminated in blue as part of a UK-wide message of support to the wonderful work of the NHS. A big shout out to Tryka LED for their work in creating this particular tribute.

Finally, I’ve seen a number of motivational quotes shared across social media over the last couple of months to try and boost morale. The most poignant for me was a Murakami quote shared by Foteini Kyriakidou on the latest Women in Lighting newsletter: “And once the storm is over, you won’t remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive. You won’t even be sure whether the storm is really over. But one thing is certain. When you come out of the storm, you won’t be the same person who walked in.”

Stay safe everyone!

Matt Waring
Editor
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