Light and shadow: The Synergy between Art and Security in Public Space

During LUNAR, we “immerse” ourselves in a world of art, but the many details related to the organization often remain in the shadows.
This year, security during the event will be taken care of by VIP Security – a leading company in the field of physical security with over 26 years of experience.

To tell us more about the intricacies behind ensuring the safety of events of various scales, we meet with Iliana Atanasova, Marketing Manager of VIP Security. With professional experience in corporate marketing and a strong sense of building trust through communication, she believes that security is not just a service, but a feeling that must be conveyed with finesse, precision and authority. Her mission is to position security as a culture of care, trust and intelligent solutions.

What is LUNAR to you?

For me, LUNAR is an event that reminds us that the city has another face – artistic and magical. The festival is a moment when people step out of the ordinary and enter a new reality created with light. As the official security partner, for VIP Security LUNAR is also a responsibility – to make the magic experience easy, without feeling threatened. Being part of LUNAR means combining imagination and security into one.

You have big experience in providing security for events of all sizes. How do you prepare for an event of this scale and with so many visitors moving freely through the urban space?

The key is in the details and coordination. We work with a rigorous pre-risk assessment, coordination with the organizers, as well as pre-walks and simulations. For an event like LUNAR, where the space is dynamic and open, it is critical to be flexible but also invisible – to anticipate flows of people, pressure zones and potential risks, without disrupting the feeling of freedom and satisfaction of the experience.

Do you think good security in public spaces should remain “in the shadows” – present but not intrusive?

Absolutely. The best security is the one that is not visible but known to be there. Our role is to provide peace of mind without disrupting the rhythm of the event. Especially at a festival like LUNAR, where light tells stories, we are there to make sure those stories are experienced safely and without unnecessary presence.

Are there sometimes challenges between artistic vision and safety needs – and how is the balance found?

Light art has its own dynamics – often provocative, sometimes large-scale and always emotional. We approach this vision with respect, while applying expert judgment so that security does not become a constraint, but a framework that enhances the experience. The balance is achieved through advance planning, on-site adaptability and careful monitoring in a way that keeps the artistic environment intact and visitors safe.

What is your message to the visitors of this year’s festival?

Let them let the light guide them, but also be aware of themselves and others. A magic like LUNAR happens when we are all part of it – with our presence, responsibility and respect for the space. We will be there, invisibly, but with care – to make the experience beautiful, free and safe for everyone.