Democracy in the Right Light
Mission: Translate the theme into visual language
Democracy is not a given. It needs to be continually informed about and advocated for its support. Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has committed himself to this task, and the FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS 2017 was proud to redefine the theme of democracy for him.
Idea: Democracy as a competition of ideas
Since democracy stands for a diversity of opinions, it was only natural to conceptualize the theme as a competition. A special award was announced. International video mapping artists presented their imaginative interpretations of the theme “Democracy” and thus entered the competition.
Implementation: The Federal President personally opens
A jury, consisting of representatives from the Office of the Federal President and the Festival of Lights, as well as artists and professors from the video, film, and art scene, selected the finalists.
At the beginning of the FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS, Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife personally opened the competition. Six renowned international mapping artists from six countries competed against each other. Their diverse interpretations of the theme of democracy were projected onto the entire facade of Bellevue Palace, and the audience voted democratically in an online poll. Voter turnout was high, and there was a close decision for the German contribution.
Result: Democracy – a different conversation
The FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS communication platform made the creative competition about democracy known through traditional media and social media. The opening speech of the Federal President was broadcast live on the internet, emphasizing the significance of the event. At the same time, the Office of the Federal President used its own media to promote participation in the FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS.
Festival of Lights Award Homepage: www.fol-awards.de