Light art puts Copenhagen in the spotlight during the Eurovision Song Contest 2014
During EurovisionSong Contest 2014, the Danish capital Copenhagen will be hosting more than 180 special events. One of the highlights is a major light art project. At B&W Hallerne – the official Eurovision concert venue, artist Jesper Kongshaug will create a magical architectural tale. At the same time, the lighting of architectural landmarks at Copenhagen Harbour will create a connection between the Eurovision Island (Refshaleøen) and the rest of Copenhagen. In addition, Denmark will be hosting Eurovision events at 9 selected destinations around the world in which Danish embassies and VisitDenmark will spread the good cheer from Copenhagen to a large international audience. During the Eurovision Song Contest 2014, the light art project ”skyLINE” by Jesper Kongshaug will provide Copenhagen’s many guests with an opportunity to experience selected buildings at Copenhagen Harbour in new ways. At the same time, the attending audience at Eurovision Island will be able to explore the architectural skyline of Copenhagen and Europe through light art on the large walls of the official Eurovision venue. The Danish Minister for Culture, Marianne Jelved, says: ”The Eurovision Song Contest is a huge media event with 170 million viewers all over the world and thousands of visiting guests who will have an opportunity to experience excellent Danish hospitality. Jesper Kongshaug’s light installation will give both Danish and international guests an opportunity to experience a sophisticated art project that connects Europe to the rest of Copenhagen’s beautiful and fascinating skyline. Thus, the architecture of Copenhagen – and Europe – will help in a dual sense to create value and a framework for the Eurovision Song Contest.” Moreover, at 9 selected destinations around the world, Denmark’s embassies will be conducting special events in connection with the Eurovision Song Contest in Copenhagen. They will take place in close cooperation with VisitDenmark and are primarily about communicating some of the fun atmosphere in Copenhagen to other countries. Activities are planned in Hamburg, Berlin, London, Stockholm, Oslo, Moscow, Sydney, Washington and Vienna.
Facts about “skyLINE” The work consists of two elements. One is a subtle, narrative laser show that displays Copenhagen’s architectural skyline in a long, running line, binding it together with major European architectural landmarks. In addition, various significant buildings in Copenhagen Harbour along the stretch between the old harbour (Nyhavn) and Eurovision Island will be illuminated. The illuminations will create a framework for the boat tour to Eurovision Island and, thus, create a new urban space that the city’s guests can experience during the event. Artist Jesper Kongshaug is also known for his work during Nordic Cool 2013 at the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., a work that can be enjoyed right now in the intro to the television series House of Cards – Season 2. Press photos available from May 5th. Please contact [email protected] Financing Through a cooperative agreement for Denmark’s cultural exchange abroad, the Danish Ministry of Culture and the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs have supported the light art project with approx. DKK 350,000 and, at the same time, have contributed DKK 150,000 for the celebration of Eurovision abroad.
Read more about Copenhagen’s many events during Eurovision Song Contest http://www.visitcopenhagen.com/joinus Additional information The press office for the Danish Ministry of Culture, phone +45 2276 5116 Søren Krogh, Chief Senior Advisor, The Danish Agency for Culture, [email protected], phone +45 4081 4908