Eindhoven, 7 November 2024 – On Saturday, 9 November, Mayor Dijsselbloem will officially open GLOW 2024 in Eindhoven, the internationally renowned annual light festival. Light connects people, and this year the event will focus even more on experiencing stories together. New initiatives such as a team of “GLOW Lighters” (guides) who bring the stories behind the artworks to life, as well as the collaboration between GLOW and Studio040, ensure that visitors and residents from the region can experience the light festival even more intensely.

Mayor Dijsselbloem:

“Eindhoven stands for technology and design, and the Brainport region is known for the strength of collaboration. Collaboration between citizens, businesses, education, and government. You can see this reflected during GLOW, for example, in the creation of light artworks where light artists, residents, students, and businesses have worked together. GLOW is a unique event in which creativity and technology lead to imagination and wonder, with a reach far beyond national borders.”

Experience

This year, the stories behind the artworks will be brought to life in a special and inclusive way with a team of 15 “GLOW Lighters” (guides) each evening. The stories will be told in several languages, including Dutch Sign Language. Thanks to these guides, who stand out in their innovative, glowing outfits, every visitor will have the chance to immerse themselves in the stories behind the light artworks.

Shorter route

The GLOW 2024 route is shorter than in previous years. “With the more compact route, there are fewer gaps,” explains GLOW director Ronald Ramakers. “We expect a few special highlights this year. A yearly highlight is the children’s project Space Travelers by Hugo Vrijdag at the Rabobank building. Creativity and imagination from thousands of children from the region, as well as from other countries, have led to this artwork. Metropolis at Knoop XL—the area between the PSV stadium and the Dommel river—transforms the skyline of Eindhoven, giving the city a futuristic look. Of course, there is also room for emerging talent. “The various innovative student projects offer a fresh perspective on the possibilities of light art and technology.”

GLOW on Air

This year, GLOW, in collaboration with Studio040, introduces GLOW on Air, which will allow the light festival to be followed live from home for eight days. “With reports, interviews, and a unique behind-the-scenes look, we’ll be reporting live from the Market Square during GLOW,” says Studio040 director Mike Weerts. “We’ll be shining a spotlight not only on the light artworks but also on the stories, experiences, and memories of the many visitors, partners, and light artists. GLOW is more than just a visual spectacle; it’s an experience that brings people together, inspires, and moves them. During our broadcasts from the Market Square, we’ll make that tangible.”

World record attempt

In the lead-up to next year’s anniversary edition, GLOW is already working on a special world record attempt. The Van Pet naar Pret (From Bottle to Fun) initiative, in collaboration with Signify, will create 3D-printed lampshades from recycled materials. Visitors can contribute to this effort during GLOW on Air by cycling on a special bike. The lampshades will be used in 2025 for an attempt to create the world’s largest chandelier made from recycled materials.