ABOUT LUNAR FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
When the moon rises up in the night sky, the lights of LUNAR will be turned on and will give a new appearance to some of the most beautiful buildings and monuments in the city. Central squares and parks will become home of high tech light installations.
The fourth edition of LUNAR Festival of Lights will be held this spring in Sofia, Bulgaria. It will transform the city into a huge open-air art gallery. One of the largest art festivals will gather local and international artists, who will tell stories, provoke the imagination and surprise the audience through their fascinating light art.
LUNAR Festival of Lights is a private and independent initiative. LUNAR is a cultural entrepreneurship initiative and is funded only by sponsors. The festival is organised by MP-STUDIO in partnership with Festival of Lights International Production GmbH and with the institutional support of European Parliament in Bulgaria, the Representation of the European Commission in Bulgaria, Sofia Municipality, under the patronage of the Mayor Vassil Terziev, Ministry of Tourism and with the financial support of the National Culture Fund’s Creation Programme. The festival aims to present exciting new technologies, as well as high-quality and outstanding light art to its public.
The access to all artworks part of the festival is free of charge.
ABOUT THE COMPETITION
“Legacy” competition is organised by MP-STUDIO, as part of the fourth edition of LUNAR Festival of Lights. In the days between 08-11 May 2025, the seven finalist artworks will illuminate one of the most popular buildings in Sofia – the National Gallery / Kvadrat 500. Artists from all around the world will have the opportunity to celebrate the cultural diversity and the richness of imagination with 60-90 sec. projection mapping show.
THEME
Legacy
The theme invites artists to explore cultural codes and stories passed down through time, and to intertwine them with bold futuristic ideas to create an impressive visual experience. And why not create their own messages to encapsulate beyond their chronotope?
The works can also explore the transformation of inherited motifs in today’s culture, showing that the true power of any heritage is its ability to evolve and inspire new creative directions.
The theme directs to a rediscovery of our own role as guardians of the great collective heritage, into which everyone weaves their own interpretations and emotions. In this way, shared values, symbols and narratives become the basis for new creative searches.
PROJECTION MAPPING VENUE
SPECIAL AWARDS
A total of seven finalists will be selected by a 5-member jury. Their artworks will be projected on the facade of National Gallery / Kvadrat 500 every evening between May 8th-11th 2025, from 21:00 p.m to midnight.
The short-listed candidates will be announced as finalists on the website www.lunarlights.eu and on the social media pages of the festival.
The winning artworks will be awarded as follows:
DEADLINES*
| 18 March 2025 | Competition announcement |
| 30 March 2025, 23:59 CET | Filled Application Form, Portfolio & signed Agreement to [email protected] |
| 20 April 2025, 23:59 CET | Teaser / Preview of your work & Creative Concept | First Screening |
| 30 April 2025, 23:59 CET | Final entry work | Final delivery |
| 02 May 2025 | Announcement of the 7 finalists |
| 08 – 11 May 2025 | Finalists artworks to be projected as part of LUNAR Festival of Lights |
| 11 May 2025 | Winners announcement |
*The event schedule might change depending on the venue, event circumstances, etc.
APPLICATION FORM & PORTFOLIO
You can participate in the Competition by sending ONE email, which contains all documents needed for the submission: filled Application form, signed Agreement and portfolio, at [email protected]. Submission deadline for the applications: 30 March 2025, 23:59 CET
ELIGIBILITY AND ENTRY FEE
Entry is free of charge.
TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATION
The organisers do not cover travel and accommodation expenses, in case the finalists would like to visit the projection mapping airings. It is the artists (finalists) own responsibility to take charge of their accommodation and travel planning.
LUNAR Festival of Lights will take place for the fourth time in Sofia, between May 8 and 11, 2025. As usual, the art event will transform the city center with [...]
