Discovery Green Conservancy is proud to announce the site-specific commission of Houston-based artist collective Input Output to create Bioluminaire for the 2023-24 winter season.

Public art programming associated with the installation is sponsored by PNC Bank.

Bioluminaire is inspired by the majestic live oak allée along the Brown Promenade at Discovery Green. The interactive installation consists of eight, tree-like sculptures that respond with light and sound to the audience’s touch. Visitors who engage with the sculptures will hear layers of sounds comprised of music and field recordings taken over the year at Discovery Green. Visitors will also be surrounded by colorful shadows and lights illuminating the tree canopy above.

Since 2008, Discovery Green has presented 25 innovative, family friendly and immersive art installations created by artists from around the globe. Millions of visitors have been awed and inspired by these pieces. Bioluminaire will premiere November 9, 2023 during Cirque du Luminaire a fundraiser for Discovery Green’s nationally-renowned public art programming presented by PNC Bank. Tickets are $300 and can be purchased at discoverygreen.com/cirqueduluminaire beginning Oct 4.

“As the chair of Discovery Green’s public art programming committee, I have seen the impact these large-scale interactive art installations have had on the community,” said Judy Nyquist. “Discovery Green’s robust programming inspires children and families while supporting tourism and the economic recovery of downtown. It is absolutely vital to support the arts, and this treasured green space presents the perfect opportunity.”

Bioluminaire opens to the public on November 10, 2023 at 6 p.m. during the grand opening of Green Mountain Energy Ice. It will be viewable every day from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. through January 31, 2024.

Input Output is the Houston-based creative lab duo; Billy Baccam and Alex Ramos each bring innovative approaches to the application of art and technology along with unique human experiences that shape their artistic process. The name Bioluminaire refers to Biology – the study of life -- and Lumens – the measure of light.

The installation explores the concepts of time and nature through interactive sculptures inspired by Discovery Green’s live oaks that have survived a century of transformative change. Planted when Houston was a small village, these trees have endured decades of residential, industrial, and urban conditions to now form the heart of this urban park. Bioluminaire illuminates the natural world that is sometimes hidden from us and shares the history as witnessed by these trees, presenting auditory snapshots of what has happened in the past. Public art programming, presented by PNC Bank, provides opportunities for visitors to interact with the art installation in new ways.

“When we hold these workshops for the community, when we have these dance performances, when we have these DJs out, that’s going to continue to show the care and compassion that Discovery Green has for the community as a whole,” said Input Output artist Alex Ramos. “I think it’s going to have a huge impact.”

Bioluminaire is generously funded by the Houston Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs, and Mid-America Arts Alliance and donors to the Discovery Green Conservancy. Professional support provided by Weingarten Art Group. Public art programming is sponsored by PNC Bank.

Cirque du Luminaire presented by PNC Bank

A magical event premiering Bioluminaire by Input Output

Supporting Discovery Green’s mission and nationally renowned public art program

Discovery Green Conservancy premieres the winter art installation: Bioluminaire during this one-of-a-kind, not to be missed event. For attendees at Cirque du Luminaire it is a call to magic, wonder and the importance of sustaining public art venues like Discovery Green.

Be the first to experience the art installation while enjoying culinary delights and sipping cocktails from The Grove. Expect magical moments as Cirque Olympus performs daring aerialist acts and fan dance inspired by the piece with a special lighting show by the artists. Hear the artists, Billy Baccam and Alex Ramos, tell the stories behind their creation.

Cirque du Luminaire is a fundraiser for Discovery Green’s mission and nationally renowned public art program, and will be held on Thursday, November 9th from 6pm-9pm. Tickets are $300 and can be purchased at discoverygreen.com/cirqueduluminaire.

Suggested attire is business or park chic. Flats are suggested. Cocktails, mocktails and food will be served.