Bubbletecture welcomes over 42,000 visitors
Bubbletecture at sunset by Max Burnett.
ArtHouse Jersey’s spectacular public art project Bubbletecture came to a close yesterday afternoon (Sunday 14 September), after welcoming over 42,000 visitors to the IFC2 site on St Helier’s Esplanade. Delivered in partnership with Jersey Development Company (JDC) and generously sponsored by Butterfield as part of the Butterfield Public Arts Series, Bubbletecture transformed the space into a magical landscape of light, colour, sound and community and showed the powerful effect that accessible public art can have on Jersey.
From its launch on Thursday 28 August, the installation of giant iridescent spheres by internationally renowned artists Atelier Sisu captured the imagination of thousands of Islanders and visitors. Rising up to eight metres tall, the dazzling artwork Evanescent shimmered and shifted throughout the day, scattering rainbow reflections in sunshine, glowing in the rain, and sparkling under special night-time lighting.
A community space alive with creativity
Far more than a visual spectacle, Bubbletecture became a vibrant gathering place for the Island. Across its run, audiences enjoyed a rich programme of free cultural and wellbeing activities including live music, yoga classes, DJ sets, arts and craft workshops, children’s bubble play and entertainment, and a newly commissioned dance piece performed by Jersey’s own Ballet d’Jerri with internationally acclaimed choreographer Jamaal Burkmar.
Families played, friends gathered, and people of all ages came together to share in moments of joy, reflection and connection. Local businesses and artists joined forces with ArtHouse Jersey to create a truly inclusive experience, where culture became part of daily life in the very heart of town.
Donations help ArtHouse Jersey bring art into everyday life
Drone by night, Bubbletecture by Marc Le Cornu, BAM Perspectives.
ArtHouse Jersey is a charity that serves the Island’s public through art. Every project like Bubbletecture is made possible through the generosity of supporters. ArtHouse Jersey is inviting those who attended and enjoyed the installation to consider making a donation, or to support future projects by purchasing a limited-edition Bubbletecture t-shirt or tote bag. Contributions and merchandise sales will help the charity continue to bring ambitious, accessible art into everyday life on the Island, creating opportunities for joy, creativity and connection for all. Merch can be purchased via ArtHouse Jersey’s website and donations can be made via the charity’s JustGiving page.
By numbers - Bubbletecture at a glance
Over 42,000 visitors
27 free programmed activities across three weekends
5 dance performances of a brand new work from Ballet d’Jerri x Jamaal Burkmar
5 inclusive yoga sessions hosted by The Island Yoga Project
1 family yoga-inspired, multi-sensory storytelling adventure session by Children Inspired by Yoga with Tatty Bumpkin
1 arts & crafts workshops run by The Stoodio
2 interactive bubble play sessions with The Jersey Showman
5 live music sets including Georgia Mae Bishop, Jersey Ukulele Club, and Colin Lever
2 sunset DJ sessions soundtracking golden hour among the bubbles
Countless moments of joy, play, connection and shared wonder
A demonstration of public art’s impact
For over two weeks, a vacant development site was transformed into a welcoming green and cultural space, proving how creative interventions can uplift urban environments, foster wellbeing and strengthen community bonds.
The project leaves behind more than memories. It demonstrates what is possible when artists, businesses and civic partners work together to reimagine public space for the benefit of all.
ArtHouse Jersey would like to thank everyone who helped make Bubbletecture such a success. This includes all the contributors and artists who were part of the extended programme of events: Ballet d’Jerri with choreographer Jamaal Burkmar and dancers, Megan, Joe, Rebecca and Mel at The Island Yoga Project, Georgia Mae Bishop and Ashley Beauchamp, Colin Lever, the Jersey Ukulele Club, DJs including Ben Newman, Pete de Momme, Carl Scott, LeBreton, Jagerverb, The Stoodio for arts and crafts workshops and The Jersey Showman for family bubble play, and Jodie at Children Inspired by Yoga. Thanks also go to Coopers, The Loft and Soft Spot Gelato for their hospitality, Jersey Water for providing free drinking water, Raven Security for keeping the site safe, the Parish of St Helier for supplying barriers, the Bailiff’s Panel for granting permission, and the many incredible volunteers who generously gave their time. Together, their contributions ensured that thousands of Islanders and visitors could enjoy this memorable public art experience.
Tom Dingle, Director of ArtHouse Jersey, said: “Bubbletecture has been nothing short of extraordinary. Thousands of Islanders came together to laugh, play, dance, create and share moments of wonder in a space that was once simply an empty site. It has shown us how, when art is made free and accessible, it has the power to transform not only our physical environment but also the way we connect as a community. I’m deeply grateful to Butterfield and JDC for their support, to the many performers, facilitators and partners who helped make this project possible - and of course the ArtHouse Jersey team and fleet of incredible volunteers who delivered this project to the public so seamlessly. Together, we’ve created memories that will last long after the bubbles have gone.”
Michelle Le Blond, Jersey Branch Manager at Butterfield said: “Supporting Bubbletecture has been a special opportunity for Butterfield. We believe in enriching the communities we serve, and this project has done exactly that, bringing joy, creativity and togetherness to people across Jersey. Watching children chase bubbles, families relax in the sunshine, and friends share experiences under the glowing spheres has been a vivid reminder of the role art can play in everyday life. We are proud to have helped make this free and inclusive experience possible for all.”
Lee Henry, CEO of Jersey Development Company (JDC) said: “Bubbletecture has exemplified the transformative power of culture. For over two weeks, IFC2 became far more than a development site, it was reimagined as a place of wonder, play and connection. This project reflects JDC’s long-term commitment to thoughtful placemaking, ensuring that St Helier develops not only as a centre of business but also as a vibrant cultural hub. We are delighted to have partnered with ArtHouse Jersey and Butterfield on a project that has left such a positive mark on our Island.”
