The Festival of Light and Shadow in the heart of Slovakia, in Banska Bystrica, was founded in 2015 on the occasion of the UN declaration of the International Year of Light and Light-based Technologies. The aim of this initiative was to make people around the world aware of the importance of light and optical technology in their everyday lives and for the future development of society. In particular, the festival presents new contemporary visual and multimedia art in public spaces. In the first three years, 61 artistic projects were presented, attracting almost 50,000 visitors to the streets of Banská Bystrica.
The annual Festival of Light and Shadow is known for its international cooperation. In addition to Slovak authors, young artists from abroad also present their free and demonstrative works in Banská Bystrica.
The Festival of Light and Shadow has the following aims:
- Exhibition in the public space of the city
- Creation of new works of contemporary visual art
- Educating children with interactive art technology
- Public presentation and comparison of works by young authors and students
- Alternative form of entertainment and cultural education
- Support for the creative industries
- Creative work within local communities
- Application of site-specific research
- New dimensions of architecture … and much more
The aim of the organizers is to continue and improve the tradition of a new format of contemporary art festival in public space in Banská Bystrica – an ongoing cultural event of European significance.