About GLOW

Light as a Unifying Force

GLOW is a free-to-attend light festival that has been held annually in Eindhoven since 2006. For eight days in November, GLOW transforms the dark evenings with stunning light art created by both national and international artists. Along a carefully curated route, hundreds of thousands of visitors stroll past installations that literally cast buildings and locations in a new light. The festival serves as a meeting point for people of all ages and backgrounds, both local and international, creating shared moments across all layers of society.

GLOW in the Region

Since 2023, GLOW has expanded into surrounding municipalities such as Best, Oirschot, Geldrop-Mierlo, Helmond, and Waalre. Operating under the banner GLOW in the Region, these towns and cities organise their own unique versions of the festival. With light art in iconic locations, local partnerships and accessible routes, GLOW brings people together beyond the city. In doing so, the festival strengthens social cohesion in the Brainport region, building bridges between urban and rural communities. Municipalities work closely with the GLOW Foundation, with connection, experience and local pride as central values.

Light art for everyone

GLOW believes that light art should be for everyone, regardless of age, origin or background. This inclusive vision is what sets the festival apart. While many cities host light festivals, GLOW engages the community in a unique way. It is by the people, for the people, and of the people. Whether you are new to the city, a lifelong resident or a visitor, light art is accessible to all. Strengthening social cohesion through connection and creativity is a core objective of GLOW.

The city makes GLOW

GLOW is shaped by its setting. Just as Eindhoven creates GLOW, each participating village crafts its own version of the festival. GLOW thrives on the strength of collaboration—between residents, visitors, and local businesses. These connections foster encounters across cultures and communities, resulting in a rich variety of projects and initiatives that resonate on many levels. With core values of impact, connection, accessibility and innovation, the festival continues to surprise and inspire—giving light art new meaning as a bearer of stories, ideas and human connection.

BORN FROM LIGHT

How did a light art festival ever begin in a city? The phrase “This is exactly what Eindhoven needs!” played a crucial role. GLOW emerged from a collaboration between the Municipality of Eindhoven, Philips Lighting (now Signify), and Stichting CityDynamiek Eindhoven (now Eindhoven247). In 2006, the city council aimed to breathe new life into Eindhoven’s identity as the “City of Light” and to gain international prestige. They decided to join LUCI, a network of 63 cities focused on urban lighting. During a visit to the LUCI community, the idea for a light festival was sparked after an inspiring experience at the Festival of Lights in Lyon.

Frank van der Vloed (then CEO of Philips Lighting) recalls:
“Together with Stichting CityDynamiek Eindhoven – the municipal organisation coordinating all activities related to design, culture, sport, light and technology in Eindhoven – we began thinking about a unique initiative. Accompanied by Frank Stroeken (Holland Art Gallery) and Eric Boselie (director of Stichting CityDynamiek Eindhoven), we visited Lyon and its light festival. We returned full of enthusiasm: it was exactly what Eindhoven needed!”

This led to the founding of GLOW Eindhoven, with Signify and the Municipality of Eindhoven as its founding partners. Since then, GLOW has built a strong name and identity. What started as a modest light art festival has grown into an international event that attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.