LIGHT IT UP!

Format Installation

City Zagreb, Croatia

Upper Town, public space – This three-day festival offers new perspectives on neglected public spaces. It emphasizes the issue of urban development in a particular part of town. Using temporary art installations and interdisciplinary projects, with light as the primary medium, urban issues are highlighted in an effort to showcase the potential of the locations selected in collaboration with the residents. This involves, for example, designing temporary light swings for a park without any urban equipment, or opening up a run down gallery space that has been closed for years and only serves as a museum storage space. Light in Places aims to reactivate public spaces by intervening artistically, presenting architectural, design and city planning solutions, by performing, participating and acting to encourage the interaction between the residents, the space and the artists.

The Mjestimice svjetlo/Light in Places Festival in Zagreb, Croatia, was dedicated to public spaces in the Upper Town. Historically, culturally and administratively, the center of Zagreb measures 79,82 ha of surface with a little over 2600 residents. A large number of administrative buildings, cultural and educational institutions and historic landmarks, which attract a great number of visitors on a daily basis, has shrunk the living space for Upper Town residents and converted it into a space with limited content for everyday life. Mjestimice svjetlo/Light in Places temporarily revitalizes chosen locations and accommodates artworks within a defined urban structure of the neighbourhood using temporary light-based interventions on public locations in the Upper Town. The objective of the project was to involve residents and users in the transformation of space. Their input was the starting point for choosing festival locations and urban problems that needed to be ‘lit up’. The light installations raised public awareness of certain disadvantages in Zagreb’s Upper Town, and moreover proposed solutions to improve the urban landscape.

Location DIRECT APPROACH

Chose a neighbourhood that will be the "venue" for the light art interventions. Meet the locals and talk to them about current urban problems, in order to define the exact locations for the installations.

Misc OPEN CALL

One method to choose light art installations is to make a public open call directed at artists, architects, designers and other creatives. This way you can get a wide range of ideas and define the best works for certain locations.

Misc SELECT THE BEST

The selection process of the art works can either happen within the organisation team or you can "export" it to a team of experts in order to make it more objective.

Production PRODUCTION MADNESS

Since the works should be site specific, be prepared for a long production process of the installations. Get additional help in order to make thins for you and the artists easier, and keep calm!

Official / Legal GET THE SEAL OF APPROVAL

Since you are working in public space, you will need a permit of the municipality for the temporary interventions. Don't leave it for the last minute, because depending on your local circumstances it can take time to get all the papers.

Things you need PLUG'N'PLAY

It is recommended to get in contact with residents living right next to the locations and tell them about the project/s. A lot of the locations don't have a direct connection to power outlets. Residents can help you with that. It is also a good opportunity to involve them in the project.