The venue, once one of the largest cinemas in 1930's England, is a grade II listed building that has played host to stars such as Vera Lyn, Jarvis Cocker and London Grammar. The KOI awards will take place during PLASA London.
Pio Nahum, sales and marketing director at Clay Paky, one of the organisers of the event says, "We are really excited to move the awards to this popular new venue. We wanted to give a new feel to the awards, something edgy and unique rather than stark and corporate. Lighting design is all about creative vision and personality and that is what we wanted to reflect in our choice of new venue."
The KOI awards is celebrating its seventh year in 2014, and recently gained national media attention, with the Guardian newspaper hailing it as the lighting industry's very own major awards event.
The awards, organised by the ALD, Ambersphere, Clay Paky, and the STLD, and sponsored by Hawthorn, MA Lighting, Osram, Robert Juliat, and XL Video, promote a unified and forward looking entertainment technology industry by recognising the creative achievements of those who work within the lighting and video sectors.
"As KOI grows it becomes more and more evident how important the awards are for the industry, celebrating the incredible talents of people working in these sectors or lighting and video, and bringing their work to the forefront of people's minds," says Glyn O'Donoghue, managing director of Ambersphere. "We have been overwhelmed by the support from individuals and corporations within the industry, but are still inviting people to get involved at various levels - get in touch for more info. We look forward to seeing you at the ceremony in October."
Bruno Poet, winner of last year's Stage award in the Concert Touring and Event's category for his lighting design for Icelandic band Sigur Ross agrees, "The awards provide an opportunity for lighting designers, video designers, manufactures and hire houses to communicate and see what is being achieved with their products as well as celebrating the amazing work happening within the industry."
Public nominations for the Television and Concert Touring and Events categories are still open. For information on how to submit a show please visit http://www.knight-of-illumination.com/categories.
"Events like KOI help make you feel part of a warm and supportive community," continues Poet. "If you are thinking of putting forward a design submission then I say go for it!"
(Jim Evans)
