Fabellicht

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Children are born artists

Legends, folktales, fables and fairy tales: storytelling has connected people for centuries. The children taking part in Fabellicht experience that same connection. Their own stories become the foundation for someone else’s story, because where one story ends, another begins. It is a tribute to storytelling, to passing stories on, to the importance of the spoken and written word. Above all, it is a tribute to connection. We need one another to create stories. See Fabellicht as an invitation to tell your own stories—big or small, extraordinary or everyday. Let yourself be seen and heard, just like all these children. Will you join us?

As part of Hugo Vrijdag’s light artwork, 15,000 children from across the region take part in the educational programme, which is taught in schools from September 2026 onwards. At the same time, they create stories together, culminating in a breathtaking shadow play. Inside the dark church, with its soaring ceiling and impressive rows of pillars, the children’s stories guide you through worlds shaped by their imagination. And do you see those beautiful spiral lanterns? They were made by the children themselves, piece by piece. These illuminated columns bring their shared story to life, creating a magical atmosphere here in the heart of Eindhoven. Pause, wander and enjoy!

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Fabellicht is made possible by

How can you participate?

The Fabellicht educational programme consists of two creative activities that together tell one shared story. Children from all over the world are invited to take part. Whether from a school abroad or a kitchen table far away, storytelling is for everyone. Explore the four drawing activities below, designed for children of all ages. Upload your drawing to the online gallery before 12 October to make sure it has the chance to be featured during GLOW 2026. Artist Hugo Vrijdag will review all submitted drawings and select a number of them to become part of the physical light artwork in Eindhoven, Best, Oirschot, Helmond and Veldhoven. Your drawing could be one of those selected, no matter where in the world you created it.

Download the classroom lesson plans and PowerPoint presentations below, or watch the instructional videos.

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About the artist

Hugo Vrijdag & GLOW Kids

Hugo Vrijdag (1970) graduated from the Design Academy Eindhoven. As a visual artist and designer he combines his fascination for technology with storytelling. He writes stories that are turned into films in which the props he designs play the leading role. Over the years Hugo Vrijdag has created artworks in public spaces and light installations for previous editions of GLOW, including the projects Birds and Sunflowers for Van Gogh. Hugo encourages children to think playfully about social issues. For many years he has been designing the children’s projects for GLOW.

GLOW aims to make children aware of their role on earth in an accessible way. By reaching them at a young age, a development is set in motion that contributes both on a personal and on a broader social level. Through its children’s education program GLOW emphasizes not only the value of art but also the importance of protecting the environment. By involving children in art and at the same time highlighting sustainability, they are encouraged to actively reflect on their impact on the world and inspired to create positive change. In this way GLOW hopes to help shape a generation committed to a conscious future.