The City of Light Festival
City of Light Festival 2025
Next Festival in 2025: Open Call for Light Artists is open Jan 8th - Feb 16th 2025
Check out the aftermovie 2024 below and other past events: Event History
Recap of the Festival 2024
The City of Light event in Jyväskylä was held for the 18th time! The event took place over three days on Thu-Sat 26.-28.9.2024. Domestic and international light artworks were spread across Mattilanniemi, Ruusupuisto, Lounaispuisto, Kirkkopuisto, Kompassi, and Tourujoki.
The City of Light hosted two artist residencies throughout September. Finnish artist Katja Muttilainen and the Italian artist duo Mozzarella Light, Giulia Ciappi and Marco Frassinelli, created site-specific light art installations.
The light-themed side events offered plenty to see and experience throughout the event. The side events are listed at the bottom of this page and can also be found in Jyväskylä’s Event Calendar.
With the City of Light app, you can plan your own bright event experience in advance! Download it from the Google Play or Apple Store.
Check the event route:
Our event partners: Jyväskylän kaupunki, LUCI Association, Jyväskylän yliopisto, Cefmof, JVA, ALVA, Jyväskylän seurakunta, Kauppakeskus Seppä, Ravintola Elo, Hotelli Alba, Tutkijoiden yö, Linkki, Kauppakeskus Forum, Panda, Keskimaa, KOAS, Unkarin kulttuurikeskus, Jyväs-Parkki, SähköVia, Väre
City of Light Seminar on Thursday 26.9.2024
Traditionally, a seminar for lighting professionals has been held in conjunction with the City of Light event. The seminar has been organized in Jyväskylä since 2008 and includes participants such as experts and practitioners from urban planning and municipal engineering, architecture, electrical and lighting design, and light art.
The seminar partners: Selux, Signify, Intersonic, Ketonen, Tehomet, Legrand, Erco, Nylund, Studiotec, Silux, KVS
Light installations
01. Connection II Particle X - Marko Häkkinen
The projection artwork envelops the buildings of Ylistö Campus in a stunning galactic display. Particles form the structure of the universe. Their eternal cycle connects all existence, from the microscopic world to phenomena on a galactic scale. Every atom in our bodies was once part of stars, and each atom within us will continue this eternal cycle. The artwork is repeated four times an hour, guiding the viewer through the cycle of matter before falling silent in the face of the great mystery. The artwork is presented by the University of Jyväskylä. Location: Ylistö Campus area.
02. DUNDU The Gentle Giant of Light
DUNDU performances on Fri-Sat 27-28.9. at 8 PM, 9 PM, and 10 PM. Duration: 30 minutes.
DUNDU has captivated audiences worldwide. The 5-meter-tall gentle being glides smoothly among the crowd, tickling both imaginations and dimples. The glowing figure's enchanting nature evokes a sense of wonder and togetherness in both children and adults. The only thing larger than this giant is its heart. DUNDU was created by Stuttgart-based Tobias Husemann. The performances are presented by the Central Finland Mobility Foundation (Cefmof), which powers the puppet’s lighting with hydrogen electricity. Location: Ruusupuisto Square.
03. Molekyyli by KOAS and Valon kaupunki
KOAS Seminaarinmäki is once again dressed in special lighting. This time, the theme is a colorful molecular pattern, playfully connecting KOAS student housing with nearby science campuses and internationally renowned chemical research. The lighting will be visible until October 13th. Location: KOAS Seminaarimäki, Hämeenkatu 8.
04. Kotipiha by JVA and Valon kaupunki
A special lighting installation, designed together with JVA residents, will bring joy 24.9.-13.10. in the courtyard of the 1940s houses. The patterns and colors were conceived in a participatory workshop, and the residents chose themes such as the courtyard's vegetation, birds, and the area's history as both a wetland and a race track. In collaboration with JVA. Location: The courtyard between Keskikatu 8 and Pitkäkatu 3.
05. Ring by Marko Häkkinen
Ring represents the continuous cycle of life. The circle is a symbol of commitment, connection, and renewal, shining a light of hope into the surrounding darkness. The existence of an old tree teaches people patience and resilience. The tree teaches us to root ourselves deeply in our own soil, while its branches reach towards the sky, striving for its dreams. The light installation reflects the energy that flows through all of us, connecting the viewers who gather around it. Location: Lounaispuisto.
06. Mosaiikki by Niko Tiainen
Mosaiikki projection artwork was created in a workshop led by internationally renowned media artist and art educator Niko Tiainen, where children learned the basics of artificial intelligence as well as how to utilize digital technology and AI in creativity. The piece was created in collaboration with the 6A, 6B, 5A, and 5B classes from Keski-Palokka School and is part of the KUDOS project from the Center of Expertise for Cultural Digitalization (a co-development model between the cities of Oulu, Jyväskylä, Kuopio, and Lahti, aimed at enhancing the digital capabilities of municipal cultural activities). Location: Lounaispuisto stage.
07. Stem by Mr.Beam
Let your voice flourish! The Stem artwork by the Dutch artist collective symbolizes how every voice deserves to be heard. The artwork draws inspiration from the idea that plants grow faster when you talk to them. The piece listens to the characteristics of your voice, so feed it with your sound; express your thoughts, whisper your secrets, sing a song, or laugh out loud, and watch as the artwork transforms into a unique plant that twists and grows on the building's wall. The artwork is sponsored by Alva. Location: Kirkkopuisto.
08. Synthesis by Mr.Beam
The artwork invites you into the peaceful atmosphere of the City Church to observe the life of plants winding their way along the walls of the altar. The piece combines a delicate soundscape with the captivating world of nature. You are welcome to linger in the church hall under the changing light installation, observe the movement of light, and explore its ambiance. The artwork is presented by the Jyväskylä Parish. It serves as a continuation of the Stem artwork on the church's exterior walls. Location: Inside the City Church.
09. Lightsphere by Opus Company
Lightsphere is an interactive light art installation created for the enjoyment of the whole family. This captivating exhibit features large, luminescent spheres that fill the space with a sense of wonder and excitement. Not merely decorative; the spheres are designed to respond to interaction, coming to life through touch, movement, and play. The dynamic and ever-changing environment encourages exploration and creativity, inviting spectators of all ages to immerse themselves in the experience. Whether gently nudging a sphere to see it glow or collaborating with others to create patterns of light, every interaction brings a unique element to the exhibit. Location: Kirkkopuisto
10. AC AIR by Ilkka Paloniemi
A neon sign artwork inspired by Americana and its traditional motel and roadside signs. The cheerful flickering of neon lights hides a darker, more realistic message that explores the tension between nostalgia and the harsh realities of the present times. The piece tells a grim story: the warmer the planet gets, the more cooling is needed, which paradoxically produces even more heat. This self-inflicted cycle emphasizes the severity of the climate crisis. The message is clear and urgent, as the consequences of this spiral are becoming increasingly evident in our world. Location: ValoPop, Kauppakatu 18.
11. Network by Gemma Wood
A British artist's light installation makes its international debut in Jyväskylä. Microscopic neurons swell to the size of elephants and take over Kompassi. You can move around and under the artwork! The neural network pulses with vibrant messages, creating sensory color combinations and atmospheres. let the brilliance of 'Network' light up your senses, celebrate where the beauty of the mind meets the magic of the night! The artwork is provided by Keskimaa. Location: Kompassi, Kauppakatu.
12. Tango in Wonderland by Dávid Szauder
A Hungarian artist’s work uses artificial intelligence to create a dynamic, ever-changing art wall that generates unexpected social situations, forces individuals out of their comfort zones, and challenges their preconceptions. The “Tango in Wonderland” performance illustrates the connection between artificial intelligence and socially sensitive topics. Artificial intelligence as an imaging method is slowly becoming available to everyone; we might even say it is already present in our everyday lives. The artwork is provided by the Liszt Institute - Hungarian Cultural Center. Location: Asemakatu, Sokkari Mall facade.
13. Valon kutsu by Design Alonen
The work by local sculptors Kari and Samuli Alonen consists of several light sculptures. The "Valon verkosto" (Network of Light) piece showcases Kari’s strongest skills: steel is shaped into spheres, and the illuminated atmosphere brings people together during the festival of light. As the evenings grow darker, you can also spot giant glowing firefly worms among the riverbank of Tourujoki Park. Location: Tourujoki Park
14. Translucens by Niko Tiainen
The striking water projection reflects mathematical and biological forms as holograms onto a cascading water curtain. The piece employs non-linear storytelling, blending the Kuleshov effect, where different images merge into one another and the actual story is created in the viewer’s mind. The soundscape is constructed in layers from various drone and granular synthesizer sounds. The artwork does not have a concrete melody but rather soundscapes that create contrasts with one another. The algorithm underlying the visual elements and the soundscapes are entirely written by the artist. Location: Tourujoki Park
15. Elämän kehä by Else Märkjärvi ja Outi Timonen
The artwork represents change, the cycle of life, and the endless loop of energy. Every end always has a new beginning; nothing is permanent except change! The piece is primarily made from recycled and natural materials. Else Märkjärvi is an artist from Jyväskylä who creates atmospheres using various materials and UV light. Location: Tourujoki Park