Calouste Gulbenkian Civic Arts Award (2023)

Client: Calouste Gulbenkian
Commissioned by: Calouste Gulbenkian Civic Arts Award 
Production Company: Preference Studio
Production Partner: N/A
Featured Talent: Various Charities across the UK
Filming Location: Various Locations, UK
Equipment: Sony FX6 with Sigma and Sony GM Primes
Format: 16:9 for digital distribution 

Kumo London supported the national production of the Civic Arts Award 2023, commissioned by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation and produced by Preference Studio. Filming spanned the UK from London to Inverness capturing in-depth interviews with shortlisted arts organisations and civic charities making real social impact.

Our services provided a camera and lighting operatior across multiple locations, ensuring consistency of tone, colour, and composition throughout the campaign. Working under tight timelines, we supported a dynamic production schedule that required sensitivity, adaptability, and a documentary eye for authenticity. 

STRATEGIC INSIGHT

The Civic Arts Award films were designed to celebrate creativity as a force for social good documenting how the arts empower communities, heal trauma and build civic connection.

Kumo London’s contribution focused on cinematic integrity and visual empathy: soft lighting, natural composition, and careful lens choices that reinforced each subject’s humanity. Filming across museums, workshops, and community spaces, we worked to ensure every interview felt personal, grounded, and emotionally accessible.

This was storytelling built on trust reflecting the diversity and generosity of arts organisations across the UK.

WHY THIS MATTERS

The Civic Arts Award isn’t just about recognition it’s about renewal. These films showcased how art transforms not only local communities but also international perspectives on culture and care.

For Kumo London, this project reaffirmed our belief in the power of emotionally intelligent filmmaking: using technical craft to amplify the stories of people changing the world from the ground up.

SERVICES PROVIDED

- Camera and lighting operation across multiple UK locations

- On-site coordination with local charities and venues

- Visual continuity and colour management across interviews

- Technical collaboration with Preference Studio’s production team

- Broadcast-quality filming under rapid turnaround conditions

- Adaptive documentary setup for charity-driven storytelling

RELATED WORK

See more of our camera and lighting services work below:

- BBC Sounds - Jools Holland Interviews: Emotionally intelligent lighting and interview camera work for BBC Studios.

- ACCA - By All Accounts (Season 1): Award-nominated branded interview series using cinematic restraint and documentary precision.

- SEO London - Directors Cut Series: Charity-led film campaign profiling mentorship and opportunity in the UK.

Need camera and lighting services for your campaign?

Let’s shape it together. Get in touch with Kumo London.