![]() ![]() Odyssey has been created by international designer Jack Irving in collaboration with a team of computer scientists from Lancaster University. This year will see the maiden outing of brand-new installation Odyssey, the biggest 3D piece in the Blackpool Illuminations to date. It has since grown to become the largest free light exhibition in the world, according to Visit Blackpool. The first 'modern' displays took place in May 1912 to mark the first royal visit made by Princess Louise to Blackpool. Visitors came to marvel at Blackpool's Lights when just eight arc lamps bathed the Promenade. The Blackpool Illuminations began in 1879 when Blackpool became the first town to have electric street lighting. Members now live across the globe, and two UK residents complained to the council over the display ![]() The Chickasaw Nation tribe are internationally recognised as indigenous Native Americans and originate from the state of Oklahoma. The current tableau will be rested for this season to enable that work to be undertaken.' 'We are looking to produce a new design that will celebrate indigenous culture. They added a replacement display will be created for the 2023 season, saying they are 'proud' to produce a new set of illuminations that 'celebrate' indigenous culture.Ī spokesperson said: 'We are re-imagining the tableau for the 2023 Illuminations season with input from representatives of the Native American Network. Now the council has announced this part of the display will not feature this year - when illuminations will decorate the town from September until the beginning of January. However, a council spokesman said that the continued use of the lights in upcoming years would be addressed. Mr Perry has met with Blackpool Council bosses to discuss the lights, and has called for them to be replaced by an artwork by a Native American artist.īut the council has defended the inclusion of the panel, and said the lights were 'designed and created many years ago and intended to be a celebration of different cultures'. ![]() 'Native Americans have long been caricatured - often in the name of 'honouring' them - as an attempt to erase our culture, redefine our history and assimilate us with Euro-centric ideals. The letter continued: 'I was dismayed to see stereotypical Native peoples dancing before a totem pole on the Visit Blackpool site for the Blackpool Illuminations. His complaint letter also said he was 'deeply concerned about racism against Native peoples being celebrated through the Blackpool Illuminations.' 'Would you do this to other BME people? Why us?' 'As a Native American living in the UK, I find this deeply problematic. Visitors can view the illuminations on train and tram tours which are often decorated to match the theme of the seaĪnthony Perry, an NHS manager and author, said: 'Hi Visit Blackpool, could you please explain why you've chosen to make Native American caricatures as part of your Blackpool Illuminations? The member of the Chickasaw Nation, who now lives in the UK with his family, also tweeted in September 2021 about the issue. 'I would not expect such an exhibit to stand if it contained caricatures of Black, Asian or other peoples of colour nor should it stand if it contains caricatures of the first peoples of the United States and Canada.' 'Worse still, these illuminations are seen by hundreds of thousands of people each year, which means that they spread stereotypes to other communities in the UK and beyond. 'Instead, it paints Blackpool as a community that supports racism and discrimination. 'Showing – let alone promoting – such illuminations also does little to promote Blackpool as a welcoming community. The complaint letter read: 'Caricatures such as these reinforce racial stereotypes of Native Americans as being primitive people who have no place in modern society,' The Telegraph reports. ![]() Two separate tribe members approached Blackpool Council last year and criticised the 'Wild West' light display. The display has a strong nautical theme and stretches along the coast line for four months of the year - but the light installations represent all sorts of themes and cultures, from fairies to modern art ![]()
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