FIRST BREATH

A light installation

By: Luke Jerram
Presented by: Luminato Festival
Originally commissioned and produced by Factory International, Manchester

Wednesday, June 4 - Sunday, June 8
6:30 pm - 11:30 pm

Harbourfront Centre

FREE

FIRST BREATH

A light installation

By: Luke Jerram
Presented by: Luminato Festival
Originally commissioned and produced by Factory International, Manchester

Wednesday, June 4 - Sunday, June 8
Harbourfront Centre

FIRST BREATH

A light installation

By: Luke Jerram
Presented by: Luminato Festival
Originally commissioned and produced by Factory International, Manchester

Wednesday, June 4 - Sunday, June 8
Harbourfront Centre

FREE

MEDIA PARTNER:

The Show

Every day, new life enters the world. Every night during Luminato, Toronto unites to celebrate it. As darkness falls, First Breath sends powerful beams of light into the sky—a luminous tribute to the babies born in our city each day, connecting a hidden community of new parents experiencing one of life's most extraordinary moments. 

Created by internationally renowned artist Luke Jerram and inspired by the birth of his own daughter, this large-scale public artwork transforms the skyline into a breathtaking reminder of the new lives beginning around us. Designed with low-energy LED lights, First Breath pulses softly, echoing the rhythm of breath and revealing an invisible network of joy unfolding across the city. 

Whether you're viewing it from across Toronto or standing beneath its glow, this installation invites you to pause, look up, and remember that even in our busiest moments, new stories are beginning. A North American premiere, this must-see installation is both simple and profound—an art piece that turns private joy into shared celebration, creating a moment of collective wonder in the heart of the city.

MEDIA PARTNER:

The Experience

Every day, new life enters the world. First Breath celebrates that extraordinary moment when a child is born—when they take their first breath and everything changes. 

According to local statistics there are on average across Toronto 171 births taking place every day. Connecting the ground to the sky, the massive column of light, slowly pulses with the number of births there are each day. 

Created by internationally renowned UK artist Luke Jerram and inspired by the birth of his own daughter, this large-scale public artwork transforms the skyline into a quiet, breathtaking reminder of the lives beginning all around us. Designed using low-energy LED lights, First Breath invites you to pause, look up, and reflect. 

Whether viewed from across the city or beneath its glow, this North American premiere turns private joy into shared celebration—a moment of collective wonder in the heart of the city. 

Artist Talk

Wednesday June 4

Luke Jerram in Conversation

9:00 pm

Harbourfront Centre

235 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON M5J 2G8

30 minutes

Join renowned international artist Luke Jerram in conversation with Artistic Director Olivia Ansell, onsite at his remarkable installation, First Breath, and learn about the inspiration for this work, and the ways that Jerram's work sits at the intersection of science and art. This event is will be outdoors, so dress for the weather! No registration required.