The Lux Helsinki light event, arranged for the sixth time between 4 and 8 January 2014, brought 150,000 visitors from Helsinki, the rest of Finland and around the world to the centre of the city and to the Cable Factory. The performances by Fire Circus Walkea on Kansalaistori were witnessed by an audience of more than 10,000. An exhibition of light art was held for the first time in Merikaapelihalli at the Cable Factory and attracted circa 6,000 visitors.
“Lux Helsinki fulfils the City of Helsinki’s strategic objective of arranging attractive events that are free and open to all residents and visiting tourists. This year we were able to expand the event through collaboration with business partners. We hope that in coming years we will attract even more businesses as organisers of peripheral events and as partners,” says Saila Machere, head of the department in charge of urban marketing at the City of Helsinki.
“Lux Helsinki is the biggest light-related event in the Nordic and Baltic regions. Having grown to this size, it is starting to make a splash internationally. One of the main objectives is to promote meetings and sharing of experiences between Finnish and international artists,” says the event’s Artistic Director, Markku Uimonen.
“The joy felt by the audience was palpable – not only onsite but also in social media. It was great to see families with children and senior citizens alike finding their way to the Cable Factory to enjoy the new exhibition. Lux is a genuine opportunity for new audiences to discover art and Helsinki’s events,” says Machere.
The next Lux Helsinki will take place in January 2015.
Audience during the performance of Fire Circus Walkea. Photo: Marina Ekroos.
