History of the City of Light event
Event history
City of Light 2022
City of Light 2021
City of Light 2019
City of Light 2018
City of Light 2017
City of Light 2016
City of Light 2015
From experimental lighting to Jyväskylä's biggest cultural event - how the City of Light event was born
The City of Light, an urban cultural event focusing on light, was first organised in 2003 under the name The Light is in Jyväskylä (Valo on Jyväskylässä). At the time, it was Finland's first event focusing on architectural lighting, and was widely known for its professional seminar and experimental lighting.
From 2016 onwards, the event began to focus more and more on temporary light art and side events. However, the professional aspect did not disappear at any point, as highlighting of new lighting projects and the lighting seminar remained an integral part of the event.
In 2021, the event was extended from three to ten evenings to accommodate the World Rally Championship. In 2022, the event continues to run for a longer period.
Events in previous years
City of Light 2022
In 2022, the event was held for the second time over ten nights from 29 September to 8 October. Over the event, more than 150 000 visitors came to admire the light art, and during the first three nights, a total of 25 000 Linkki bus rides were made free of charge. The most popular installations were the Dancing Waters light spectacle in Ylistö, the Park of Light in Church Park and the Flower Forest in Kangas. The Water Bear sculpture in the Lounaispuisto park also received a lot of love from the public. The event also included the first live streaming event on Friday and Saturday evenings on 30 September and 1 October.
Experience the event atmosphere through the video below:
City of Light 2021
In 2021, the City of Light event took place over an extended period from 23 September to 2 October, and guests of the World Rally Championship held at the same time were also able to enjoy light art. In its 15th year, the event featured around 100 light artworks and a light-themed side programmes and attracted a record-breaking 150 000 visitors. Light artists from five different countries took part in the event.
Watch the video below to reminisce the highlights of the event.
City of Light 2019
At the 14th City of Light event, there were 87 temporary lightworks or side events. The event set a new attendance record with over 130 000 visitors over three nights. Jyväskylä Region Public Transport offered free rides on the nights of the event - with more than 40 000 journeys recorded.
More than 60 partners and artists, 10 of them from abroad, were involved in the light art and side programmes. One of the most memorable works was Amanda Parer's MAN sculpture, which stood in Lutakko Square. In the Church Park, visitors were mesmerized by the Enchanted Park – a UV installation by the Flowers of Life art collective.
You can experience the atmosphere of the event by watching the video below:
City of Light 2018
In 2018, the event included more than 60 temporary light works and side events. In addition to Finnish artists, 12 foreign artists from five different countries were involved in the light installations. Around 50 partners, or almost 600 people, were involved in the planning and implementation of the side events.
The highlights included the spectacular Red Elephant recycle artwork by artist BIBI on the Compass square and the Secret Garden by seven artists in the Church Park. The event attracted a staggering 109 000 visitors over three nights, and Jyväskylä Region Public Transport offered 36 000 free journeys during the event nights.
According to a visitor survey (approx. 300) conducted by the Jyväskylä University of Applied Sciences, in response to the statement "It is important that my everyday environment is beautifully lit in the dark", the replies were:
- Strongly agree and agree 92.2%,
- Disagree 2.3%,
- Don't know 5.5%.
Check out the event content in the video below:
City of Light 2017
The 2017 event included more than 50 temporary light shows and side events. The largest UV light art installation so far in Finland was seen in the Church Park, with artists including Annie Mitchell (USA), Kasia Malejka and Joachim Slugocki (Poland), Alexander Reichstein (Russia) and the Flowers of Life light art collective (Finland).
The event attracted 100 000 visitors over three evenings, and the Jyväskylä Region Public Transport system offered 32 000 free journeys during the nights of the event. The event saw the launch of the new permanent, dynamic lighting on the Ylistö Bridge, which immediately took its place as one of Jyväskylä's landmarks.
Check out the event in the video below:
City of Light 2016
The 2016 event programme included more than 40 temporary light exhibitions and light-themed side events, in which people could learn from and experience light. Around 45 partners, or around 500 people, were involved in the planning and implementation of the side events. In total, more than 7 000 hours of time was spent on light-related projects.
The event attracted around 75 000 visitors over three evenings, and Jyväskylä Region Public Transport provided free rides to 29 000 visitors.
In the Church Park, visitors were amazed by Amanda Parer's (Tasmania) giant bunnies, who had travelled from the world's metropoles to Europe for the first time.
City of Light 2015
In 2015, the Year of Light was celebrated by UNESCO, and every year since then the 16th of May has been known as the International Day of Light. The City of Light event was one of the official events of UNESCO's International Year of Light. The event was therefore also more extensive and international than in previous years.
The programme included more than 40 works or side events, including a seminar celebrating the Year of Light. The church park was packed with people for the award-winning Ave Fenix puppet and fire circus show. The event attracted almost 50 000 visitors.
