Lights in Alingsås 2015: the theme is chosen

It has been decided that the theme of this year’s Lights in Alingsåsfestival will be, The evolution of light. Together, the UN and UNESCO have proclaimed 2015 as the International Year of Light and Light-Based Technologies.

By focusing on the development of light through the ages visitors are given an opportunity to travel through time, the light installations symbolizing critical moments in the development of light science – from the past to the future.

   – This year’s theme is very exciting, spanning as it does enormous periods of time and opening up new opportunities for light installations and related activities. Throughout the history of mankind light has revolutionized medicine, agriculture, energy and optical technology and we want to shine a light on these developments, says Anna Davidsson, business strategist with Alingsås municipality.

   – We can say that light is undoubtedly the source of all life, and that it will always play an important role in our futures. It also means that this year’s theme suits the Lights in Alingsås festival perfectly, says Kjell Hult, Development Manager with Alingsås municipality.

"Let there be a year of light"

The choice of this year’s theme is no coincidence, as 2015 has been proclaimed the“International Year of Light and Light-Based Technologies" (IYL 2015). After careful consideration, Lights in Alingsåsdecided to join in the international celebration of the importance of light.

   – Light is a unifying symbol that signifies wisdom and excites the imagination across the world, stated a UN spokesperson at the opening ceremony in Paris earlier this year.

Professor appointed

Professor and international speaker, Jan Ejhed from KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm has been appointed to provide the relevant scientific facts behind the story of the development of light. Jan Ejhe, with project manager Margaretha Stenmark from Alingsås energi, will lead and inspire the seven international lighting designers who will be creating their light installations.

– It’s great to return here in another role. I’ve always followed Lights in Alingsåsand over the year have sent many of my students from KTH here. I was myself head of the 2012 workshop. My team lit the shore at Gerdsken that year. Lights in Alingsås takes a holistic approach blending knowledge, technology, innovation and inspiration - and this year we’re following in history’s footsteps. It’s going to be really exciting to lead the seven lighting designers, says KTH professor, Jan Ejhed.

More about Jan Ejhed: www.kth.se/sth/haninge/ljus/medarbetare/jan-ejhed-1.53953

Good participation

This year’s theme,The evolution of light, gives many people the opportunity to get involved.

    – We’re looking forward to another year of light and are inviting schools, businesses and associations to get involved and develop Lights in Alingsås 2015. Let’s all contribute to this celebration of light and focus on its importance to our world. We at Lights in Alingsåswill take the opportunity to find out all sorts of interesting historical facts – it’s going to be great fun! If you want to join in just get in touch with us here at Ljuskansliet (The Festival Office), says Angelica Larsson, project manager, Lights in Alingsås.

More on IYL

IYL is a global initiative whose aim is to raise awareness of how light can promote sustainable development and provide solutions to global challenges in energy, education, agriculture and health. This year the whole world celebrates light and its importance in the world today, but also its history. The aim of IYL is just this – to focus on how important light has been – and still is – for our global community and all its members. IYL aims to promote understanding of the central role of light in the modern world, for example by celebrating light-related events through the ages. During the year UNESCO collaborates with researchers, business and international organisations to achieve this goal.

Read more: www.light2015.org

Popular facts about light

The process of photosynthesis is entirely dependent on light. Since the earliest times light and darkness have been used by different cultures, religions and communities – we know this from ancient paintings and ceremonies. Cave paintings, for example, found in the darkness of deep grottos were possible only because our forefathers could paint by the light from fires. And it is thanks to this that we know a little about how our ancestors lived then.

Today optical communications and digital light innovations influence our daily lives. They have been very important in contributing to modern communications technology but also to the areas of healthcare and industry. It is because of these developments that we are now facing major global challenges. Analyses show the future can be more healthy and sustainable if light can be generated, for example, by solar power and more energy-effective lighting.

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For more information contact:

Anna Davidsson, business strategist
anna.davidsson@alingsas.se
Tel: +46 (0) 322 61 69 01