The Festival of Lights is evolving all the time so as to remain a festive, inclusive tradition with high artistic standards. High-level international projects rub shoulders with community initiatives bringing more and more local citizens on board.
In the runup to the festival, there are plenty of community get-togethers and groups of students gearing up for the festival. One participative initiative involved more than 400 residents of La Duchère, from all generations, led by Marie de Basio and Philippe Dubost. Writing, workshops, films - there was plenty to do for everyone. As time went on, regular involvement in the creative process brought new momentum connecting families, community organisations and sports clubs. And even though the installation on place Abbé Pierre has a special meaning to residents of La Duchère, the message it conveys resonates with one and all.
Another communal endeavour played out on place Sathonay, place de la Paix and place Gabriel-Rambaud. Students from Lyon’s prestigious art schools mentored by the Grands Ateliers are showcasing their experimental works. They have had the opportunity to see their creation come to life, from ideation to implementation, addressing a series of challenges along the way. Once again it is a shared approach: everyone can discover these inspired artworks which combine responsible design, minimum resources, upcycling of materials and LEDs. This communal philosophy with a strong environmental dimension also underpins the work of BIBI, an engaged international artist determined to inject a touch of magic into our world. This year, he is setting up camp in Les Etats-Unis, an area in Lyon’s 8th district. Thousands of children in community centres and schools participated by creating multicoloured birds from the plastic waste with which we are inundated. His imaginary zoo Gazouillis is a regular fixture in Lyon. This hands-on approach means that children and families are sure to remember the role they played in this symbolic event.
Lastly, the impressive projection on the façades of the Fondation Bullukian conveys a strong narrative that is assertive and authentic. The Lyon theatre company On Off invites us to be more inclusive, putting aside our preconceived ideas about deafness. “Our work, our determination, our relationships and our commitment extend beyond the world of disability towards recognition of deaf culture,”: Pénélope Schulmann, company coordinator. Lastly, come to La Manufacture des Tabacs to find out what a group of apprentices-students from Lyon University Management School (IAE) have designed with the help of their teachers and artistic mentors. They are already experts in light and use the magnificent façades of their university as a backdrop for a homage to Jean-Moulin, a leading light of the French Resistance.
Emilie Peltier, studying for a master’s in architecture, participating in the festival for the second time:
“What did I get out of this experiment? Above all, the opportunity to try out our ideas and talents in a long-term project. The input from professional artists was very valuable. Lastly, meeting the public during the festival is a unique occasion to see the artwork through other people’s eyes.”