A new light installation featuring 50 human-shaped lanterns has opened at the National Botanic Gardens in Dublin as part of an ongoing two-week mental health festival. 

Described as a "glow of hope", the light installation, called "Silvia Lumina", was created by artist Thomas Meskall and will light up every day for the next two weeks as part of the First Fortnight Festival. 

Meskell worked with more than 50 people in community workshops around the country to create the piece, which consists of wire and paper figures. 

Every evening, the 50 human-shaped lanterns are lit with a green light to make them look like they are dancing to a musical background composed by Kila's Brian Hogan and Colm Ó Snodaigh. 

Meskell told RTÉ News that the creation of the piece was a wonderful experience, with many of the workshops featuring people who had no background in art. 

He added that the workshops led to "relaxed, wonderful conversations". 

Meskell said all of the positions of the human-shaped lanterns were chosen by the people who helped create them. 

"People seemed to choose these joyous positions of dancing with arms out," Meskell told RTÉ. 

He said no participants wanted to include negative stances, such as folded arms. 

Maria Fleming, Chief Executive of the First Fortnight Festival, told RTÉ that art can help people overcome mental health issues. 

The festival, organized by mental health charity First Fortnight, celebrates the arts as a catalyst for sparking unscripted conversations about mental health, with events taking place across Ireland during the first two weeks of the year. 

Fleming told RTÉ that the festival aims to provide a "little cultural oasis at the start of every year for people who might be struggling". 

The charity also aims to make the first weeks of every year synonymous with mental health awareness while challenging societal prejudices about mental health. 

The festival is sponsored by the Arts Council, while Meskill's installation has also received support from the Office of Public Works and the Botanic Gardens. 

"Silvia Lumina" will travel to Longford next month after it wraps up at the Botanic Gardens. 

Related: Health, Inspiring