Imagine every flame in the world burning as a light of peace.
The IMAGINE PEACE project creates a vibrant network of collaboration between festivals and scientific institutions, fostering mutual inspiration and knowledge exchange across five European light festivals: Brixen, Copenhagen, Essen, Oslo, and Pula.
By uniting artistic expressions born from transnational cooperation with sustainable practices and a forward-looking perspective, the project celebrates Europe’s cultural diversity, highlights the enduring importance of peace, and encourages more environmentally conscious approaches to festival planning.
To ensure measurable sustainability, the five festival organizers work in close partnership with two scientific institutions: the University of Innsbruck (Austria) and the Institute for Public Management at Eurac Research (Italy).
Copenhagen Light Festival
Copenhagen Light Festival
Essen Light Festival
Essen Light Festival
Fjord Oslo
Fjord Oslo
Visualia Festival of Light, Pula
Visualia Festival of Light, Pula
Water Light Festival, Brixen
Water Light Festival, Brixen
Videos
"Imagine Peace" Begins – Start-up Meeting in Munich
Management, Artistic & ...Curation, Sustainability, Communication & PR, Dissemination, and Transport.
This meeting marked the official start of the project, which began in December 2024, laying the groundwork for a cross-border collaboration rooted in peace and European unity.
#imaginepeace #creativeeuropeShow More

Management, Artistic & ...Curation, Sustainability, Communication & PR, Dissemination, and Transport.
This meeting marked the official start of the project, which began in December 2024, laying the groundwork for a cross-border collaboration rooted in peace and European unity.
#imaginepeace #creativeeuropeShow More

Management, Artistic & Curation, Sustainability, Communication & PR, Dissemination, ...and Transport.
This ongoing cross-border collaboration promotes peace in Europe through inclusion, sustainability, EU partnerships, and friendship.
#imaginepeace #creativeeuropeShow More
Sustainability
Sustainability has become an essential aspect of contemporary event planning. Light art festivals, which often require substantial technical resources and attract international audiences, have a unique opportunity – and responsibility – to lead by example. As part of the Imagine Peace Project, a European Union co-funded cooperation, we have developed a Sustainability Audit to help festivals assess and improve their economic, ecological and social impacts.
The audit provides a structured method to evaluate the current sustainability level of each festival across all the so-called “three pillars of sustainability”, which include economic, ecological and social dimensions. The audit identifies areas of strength and opportunities for improvement and aims to establish a shared model for sustainable planning and implementation across festivals.
To measure sustainability on an empirical base, the audit is developed in collaboration with two scientific partners: the University of Innsbruck (Austria) and the Institute for Public Management of Eurac Research (Italy). Their expertise ensures that the methodology is both academically grounded and practically applicable to these artistic events.
The audit proposes different guidelines to assess economic, social and environmental sustainability at managerial, procedural and results level. Among else, the following aspects receive great importance in the audit:
1. Energy Efficiency & Renewable Sources
This section assesses the festival’s commitment to reducing energy consumption and adopting renewable energy sources. It considers whether energy-efficient lighting technologies such as LEDs are in use, whether smart power management systems are implemented, and if electricity is sourced from renewable providers. Festivals are encouraged to reduce energy waste during all phases of the event, including setup, operation, and dismantling. A high score in this category reflects strategic planning and a clear move towards cleaner, greener energy solutions.
2. Waste Reduction & Recycling
Effective waste management is essential for sustainable festival planning. This category evaluates how festivals reduce and handle waste, including the use of reusable or compostable materials, clear separation systems, and the reduction of single-use plastics. In terms of communication, festivals are encouraged to limit printed materials and favour digital solutions to further reduce unnecessary waste. These actions contribute to a more efficient and responsible use of resources.
3. Community Awareness Initiatives
Raising awareness and involving the public are essential elements of a holistic sustainability strategy. This part of the audit evaluates how festivals communicate their sustainable practices and engage the local community. It includes educational programs or exhibitions focused on environmental themes, collaborations with schools and community groups, and the presence of on-site and online information about the event’s sustainability goals. Outreach campaigns that inspire eco-conscious behaviour among visitors are also part of this assessment. These efforts aim to build a long-term culture of sustainability beyond the festival itself.
4. Eco-Friendly Transportation
Transportation to and from the festival can significantly impact its carbon footprint. This section measures how festivals promote environmentally friendly mobility options for visitors, artists, and staff. It takes into account the availability of public transportation and shuttle services, the promotion of walking and cycling routes, and the encouragement of carpooling or low-emission vehicles. Reducing travel-related emissions not only benefits the environment but also strengthens the festival’s connection to its host city and surroundings.
5. Social Sustainability & Accessibility
Sustainability also means inclusivity. This category focuses on how festivals ensure access for everyone, regardless of physical, sensory, or cognitive ability. It considers the accessibility of installations, public spaces, and sanitary facilities, as well as the inclusivity of both online and offline communication. This includes accessible websites, easy-to-understand signage, alternative formats for information (such as braille, captions, or sign language), and clear points of contact for assistance. A socially sustainable festival ensures that all visitors can experience the event fully, comfortably, and with dignity—making inclusion not just an add-on, but a fundamental value.
6. Local & Sustainable Materials
This category evaluates the sourcing of materials and services. Festivals are encouraged to work with local suppliers and craftspeople, to use regionally available resources, and to prioritize recycled, biodegradable, or sustainably certified materials. The reuse of installations and structures across multiple events or years is also considered a best practice. This approach supports local economies, shortens supply chains, and contributes to a circular economy mindset that aligns with long-term sustainability goals.
7. Economic Impact and Efficiency
The audit also considers the economic sustainability of the event and how its assets are managed to enhance positive impacts on both the event itself and the local community. This category examines not only the financial management and associated risks but also how assets such as workforce and knowledge are utilized. Additionally, attention is given to the impact on the local community, as events can attract tourists and visitors during off-season periods, thereby supporting local businesses and economic activities.
Social Wall
🔥What if light became a language for connection instead of division?
Imagine Peace is a European collaboration of inspiring light festivals, co-funded by the European Union, united by the idea that art in public space can spark reflection, dialogue, and hope. From cathedrals to coastlines, we illuminate places with meaning – inviting communities to see peace not as a concept, but as something we can shape, together.
#ImaginePeaceProject #EUcofunded #LightForPeace #ArtInPublicSpace #EuropeForCulture #LightArtEurope
IMAGINE PEACE is an European Union co-funded project that fosters collaboration and a sense of unity and connectivity among five diverse European light festivals, taking place in Brixen, Copenhagen, Essen, Oslo, and Pula. ✨
By bringing together artistic expressions created in a transnational collaboration, sustainable practices, and a focus on a better tomorrow, the project aims to showcase the richness of cultural diversity within Europe, reminding the role of peace on our continent, and inspiring more sustainable festival practices. 🌱
To achieve sustainability and measure it on an empirical base, the five festival organizers are supported by two collaborating scientific partners, the University of Innsbruck and the Institute for Public Management of Eurac Research.
📸Brixen Tourismus/Matthias Gasser
#imaginepeace #creativeeurope