Giant Art Installation of the Moon to Mesmerize Crowds in Downtown Durham Oct. 31 to Nov. 3
Once-In-A-Lifetime Four-Day Bull Moon Rising Experience Celebrates Space Exploration and Cultural Similarities and Differences Around the World with Free Family-Friendly Events
Volunteer for Bull Moon Rising
For the first time in North Carolina, a giant breathtaking spherical replica of the moon – with a diameter of nearly 23 feet – will hang above Bull City as part of a free community experience Oct. 31 through Nov. 3. Presented by the City of Durham’s Cultural & Public Art Program, the Museum of Life and Science, Keep Durham Beautiful and Austin Lawrence Partners, the world-renowned touring installation, the Museum of the Moon, will be open to the public for four days during “Bull Moon Rising.”
The mesmerizing, internally lit sculpture will be suspended over CCB Plaza in downtown and supported by free events and fundraising components giving back to the community. The campaign aligns with celebrations for Durham’s 150th anniversary and the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, and will explore themes of history, innovation and entrepreneurship with the tens of thousands expected to attend.
The touring installation by U.K. artist Luke Jerram – which has been presented in more than 30 countries and experienced by over 4 million people worldwide to date – will make its only planned North Carolina stop when it comes to Durham during Halloween weekend. The larger-than-life artwork features 120 dots per inch of detailed NASA imagery of the lunar surface, with each centimeter of the spherical structure representing five kilometers of the moon’s surface.
Events around CCB Plaza during the four-day event include:
· Thursday, Oct. 31:
6 p.m. – Illumination of the Moon, hosted by local drag stars Vivica C. Coxx, Stormie Daie and Naomi Dix
6 p.m. – Reading of the highly acclaimed children’s book, “Goodnight Moon,” by Mayor Steve Schewel
6 p.m. – Paperhand Puppets Halloween-themed performance featuring family-friendly puppetry
6:30 p.m. – Durham Medical Orchestra’s Brass group performance
· Friday, Nov. 1:
8 p.m. – Bull Moon Ball black tie ticketed fundraising gala at Unscripted Hotel, benefitting Durham’s Museum of Life and Science and Keep Durham Beautiful
9:19 p.m. – Blackspace Music Cypher rhythmic performance showcasing local emerging artists
· Saturday, Nov. 2:
5:30 p.m. – Community dinner featuring local food and beverage vendors, with family-style tables and food trucks stretching down Orange Street
8 p.m. – Batalá Drum samba reggae performance with traditional drums
· Sunday, Nov. 3:
9 a.m. – Moon Movement class with Community Power Yoga
“We’re beyond thrilled to put on this spectacular event that is accessible to everyone, bringing our community together to celebrate all things Bull City,” said Stacey Poston, manager of the City of Durham’s General Services Department Arts, Culture and Sustainable Communities Division. “Bull Moon Rising combines so much of what makes Durham unique. We’re incredibly proud to present this emotionally stirring fusion of art, science and true wonder in the center of our city, and we can’t wait to share this once-in-a-lifetime experience with locals and visitors alike.”
The Museum of the Moon will be available to view 24 hours a day from Thursday, Oct. 31 through Sunday, Nov. 3. Advanced tickets for the Bull Moon Ball fundraiser will be available for purchase soon and all other events are free to the public. For information, including events, details on sponsorship and volunteer opportunities, parking, road closures, inclement weather, and more, visit www.bullmoonrising.com and follow the event on Facebook.