Successful Conclusion of Shanghai’s International Light Art Open Call in Jing’an: A Showcase of Innovative Illumination

Shanghai Illuminates the Globe with Innovative Light Art Installations

Shanghai,China – The Final Jury of the “Shining Shanghai” (Jing’an) 2025 International Light Art Open Call concluded on September 17th at Guang Er Warehouse,in Shanghai’s Jing’an District. The competition, a cornerstone of the city’s burgeoning arts scene, has recognized remarkable talent in the field of light art, setting the stage for a dazzling display of creativity.

Celebrating Artistic Innovation: The 2025 Winners

After careful deliberation, the jury selected Gold, Silver, and Bronze Award winners from a highly competitive pool of 20 finalists. These winning creations, along with the other shortlisted works, will be projected onto the façade of Shenyuli in Suhewan from September 29th to October 8th, offering a breathtaking public exhibition.

this year’s theme, “Luminescent Roots: Stories of Home”, prompted artists to explore the connection between local identity and the expressive power of light. A total of 154 submissions were received from 145 artists and teams representing 32 countries and regions across six continents. Notably, more than half of the participants had previously been recognized at leading international light festivals, including events in Tokyo, Romania, and Berlin.

Jury Deliberations and Criteria

The 2025 Jury Panel, led by Chairman Teng Junjie, included a diverse group of artists, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders. Key members included Jin Jiangbo, Gill Minervini, and Tang Hao, with additional expertise provided by Joshua Bernard, Mikaël Frascadore, Wang Zhijie, Xiao Hui Wang, and Tango. Evaluation was based on four core criteria: the strength of the concept, the integration with the chosen architecture, the overall visual aesthetics, and the professional execution of the artwork.

Chairman Teng Junjie emphasized the event’s importance, stating that it strengthens the integration of Art, Technology, and the City, and expands shanghai’s global connections. tang Hao, CEO of SMG Motion Magic, highlighted the evolution of Shining Shanghai from a small-scale initiative to a globally recognized event, embracing technologies like Ultra HD, VR, and AR to push artistic boundaries.

Gill Minervini, former Festival Director of Vivid Sydney, expressed her enthusiasm for the “Stories of Home” theme, noting its worldwide resonance and anticipating the diverse interpretations presented by the artists. The jury officially announced the winners during a press conference held following the evaluation process.

The Award Recipients

The competition awarded one Gold Prize, one Silver Prize, and three Bronze Prizes.The recipients are:

Prize	Artist/Team	Work Title
Gold	los Romeras	red Soul
Silver	MP Studio	Peperuda: A Ritual For Rain
Bronze	CTC LAB	Cardinal Chroma
bronze	John Tettenborn & Kourtney Lara Ross	TAP
Bronze	Sam	Light-Cell Respiration

shining Shanghai has rapidly become a prominent international mapping competition, joining the ranks of established events like iMapp Romania and Tokyo’s 1 Minute Projection Mapping. The 2025 exhibition will also be featured as part of the Shanghai International Light Festival’s Jing’an sub-venue, providing exceptional exposure for participating artists and brands.

Did You Know? The global light art market is projected to reach $15.7 billion by 2028, driven by increasing demand for immersive experiences and urban revitalization projects. Source: Grand View Research

Pro Tip: When experiencing light art installations, consider how the artwork interacts with its environment and the emotions it evokes. Light art is frequently enough designed to be experienced,not just observed.

The Growing Trend of Light Art Festivals

light art festivals have become increasingly popular around the world, attracting millions of visitors and generating notable economic impact for host cities. These events not only showcase artistic talent but also contribute to urban regeneration and tourism. Cities such as Amsterdam, Lyon, and Sydney are renowned for their annual light festivals, demonstrating the potential of light art to transform public spaces and enhance the cultural landscape. The consistent growth in submissions to the ‘Shining Shanghai’ competition indicates a growing global interest in this artistic medium.

What are your thoughts on the growing role of light art in urban spaces? Do you think these types of events can definitely help foster a stronger sense of community and cultural identity?

Share your comments below and join the conversation!

How does the Jing’an International Light Art Open Call contribute to Shanghai’s growing reputation as a global hub for contemporary art?

Jing’an’s Transformation Through Light Art Installations

The recently concluded International Light Art Open call in Shanghai’s Jing’an district has proven a resounding success, transforming the urban landscape into a captivating outdoor gallery. This initiative, a key component of jing’an’s ongoing efforts to blend art with urban life, attracted submissions from artists globally, resulting in a diverse and breathtaking collection of light art installations.The event, which ran throughout September 2025, showcased cutting-edge technology and creative vision, drawing both local residents and international tourists.

Highlights of the 2025 Jing’an Light Art Showcase

This year’s open call focused on themes of sustainability, community, and the future of urban spaces.The selected installations reflected these concepts in innovative ways. Key highlights included:

* “Ephemeral Bloom” by Anya Petrova (Russia): A kinetic sculpture utilizing LED technology to mimic the opening and closing of a flower, symbolizing resilience and growth.This installation was especially popular for its interactive element, responding to pedestrian movement.

* “Data Streams” by Kenji Tanaka (Japan): A projection mapping piece onto the façade of a historic building, visualizing real-time data related to air quality and energy consumption in Jing’an. This work sparked conversations about urban sustainability and technological integration.

* “Chromatic Pathways” by Isabella Rossi (Italy): An immersive light tunnel constructed from recycled materials, creating a vibrant and playful experience for visitors. This installation emphasized the importance of eco-friendly art and resourcefulness.

* “Echoes of the City” by Li Wei (China): A series of holographic projections depicting scenes from Jing’an’s past, blending history with modern technology. This piece resonated deeply with local residents, fostering a sense of community and shared heritage.

The Impact of Light Art on Urban Regeneration

The International Light Art Open Call isn’t merely an artistic event; it’s a catalyst for urban regeneration in Jing’an. by attracting visitors and fostering a vibrant cultural atmosphere, the installations contribute to:

1. Increased Foot traffic: Local businesses reported a significant increase in customers during the event, boosting the local economy.
2. Enhanced Public Spaces: The installations transformed previously underutilized areas into attractive destinations, encouraging social interaction and community engagement.
3. Elevated City Image: The event positioned Jing’an as a forward-thinking and culturally rich district, attracting investment and talent.
4. Promotion of Tourism: The unique and visually stunning displays drew tourists from across China and internationally, boosting the city’s tourism sector.

Technological Innovations in Light Art

The showcased installations demonstrated the rapid advancements in light art technology. Several key trends emerged:

* Projection Mapping: Increasingly sophisticated projection mapping techniques were used to transform architectural surfaces into dynamic canvases.

* LED Technology: Energy-efficient LED lighting played a central role in many installations, enabling vibrant colors and intricate designs.

* Interactive Installations: Artists incorporated sensors and programming to create installations that responded to audience participation, enhancing the immersive experience.

* Holographic Projections: The use of holographic technology added a futuristic dimension to the displays, creating captivating visual illusions.

* Kinetic Light Sculptures: Combining movement and light, these sculptures offered a dynamic and engaging art form.

Benefits of Investing in Public Art Initiatives

Investing in initiatives like the Jing’an International Light Art Open Call yields significant benefits:

* Cultural Enrichment: Public art enhances the cultural landscape of a city, providing opportunities for artistic expression and thankfulness.

* Economic Growth: Art events attract tourists and stimulate local businesses, contributing to economic growth.

* Social Cohesion: Public art fosters a sense of community and shared identity, bringing people together.

* Improved Quality of Life: Art enhances the aesthetic appeal of urban spaces, improving the overall quality of life for residents.

* innovation and Creativity: Supporting artistic endeavors encourages innovation and creativity, driving progress in various fields.

Future Outlook for Shanghai’s Light Art Scene

Shanghai is rapidly becoming a global hub for contemporary art,and the success of the Jing’an International Light Art Open Call signals a bright future for the city’s light art scene. Plans are already underway for an expanded event in 2026, with a focus on incorporating augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies. The district also intends to establish a permanent light art park,providing a year-round destination for art enthusiasts. Further development of digital art and immersive experiences