LIGHTSOUND - INNOVATIVE URBAN DEVELOPMENT
LIGHTSOUND is an 3-year EU-funded project focusing on urban public spaces within the Capital Region and Region Sealand, Denmark. It initiates local practice with actors such as artists, creative professionals, urban planners and municipalities. In August 2009 the LIGHTSOUND project presented the first wave of 11 temporary urban space projects – alongside of METROPOLIS. Several of the LIGHTSOUND projects have been so successful that they may even acquire a permanent status; one such is the Dutch light sculptor Tamar Frank's project. Her works have thrown a remarkable playful light on the tunnels in Albertslund.
LIGHTSOUND is developed by Copenhagen International Theatre (Project Manager) in collaboration with 10 Municipalities and 6 other partners.
The overall focus of LIGHTSOUND is the development of an urban space practice, where art is a major player. This makes the whole learning aspect, in the shape of seminars, workshops and evaluations - before, between and after the concrete urban space projects - very significant for all the project partners. LIGHTSOUND wants to create vibrant and exciting urban spaces, through an innovative course, which will be attractive to new companies and talents from the various lines of business, increase citizen commitment and the local identity of the municipalities, and attract tourists.
The project will assist the municipalities in their efforts to strengthen and develop the framework agreements concerning creative enterprises.
LIGHTSOUND is organized around four parallel strategies and focus areas:
• Knowledge and network strategy
• Urban planning strategy
• Event strategy
• Communication strategy
In August 2009 and February 2010, LIGHTSOUND launched 22 artistic urban space projects alltogether, in and around Copenhagen.