KLAIPĖDA LIGHT FESTIVAL PROGRAM

FEBRUARY 24-26/ 6.00–11.00 p.m.

FACT. KLAIPĖDA – THE CITY OF THREE CITIES

PROJECT „KLAIPĖDA. TRIJŲ MIESTŲ MIESTAS“

Installation „Klaipėda. Trijų miestų miestas“ is meant to shed light on the fact that at the beginning of the 19th century, Klaipėda consisted of three cities: the Old Town (1257), the City of Friedrich (1692) and the City of Wilhelm (1809). After the establishment of Klaipėda Castle, Klaipėda city had to be built within two years, according to the agreement of the Master of the Livonian Order and the Bishop of Curonia. Klaipėda gained the city rights in 1257. It is the first city in the territory of Lithuania. The city burned down many times due to the constant attacks, therefore it was rebuilt. In the 16th century, near the city, on the other side of the Old Dangė, craftsmen, mostly tanners, began to develop. In 1639 they were granted the rights of citizens, confirmed by feudal lord Friedrich III on August 29 1692, who established the city of Friedrich (Friedrichsstadt). It is part of today’s Old Town south of Didžiosios Vandens street. In 1722, the city of Friedrich merged with the Old Town. In 1809, King Friedrich Wilhelm of Prussia gave an area of ​​land north of the current S. Daukanto Street to the city. In gratitude for the gift, the city council named this expanding land Wilhelm’s city. Thus Klaipėda turned into the city of three cities.

You will find light installations marking the boundaries of the three cities:

Friedrich city – Tiltų st. 19

Wilhelm city – Herkaus Manto st. 38

Old Town city – Dienovidžio square (Tomo st. 10)

PROJECT PARTNER UAB „ITCC“

PROJECT „KLAIPĖDOS VITRAŽAI. ATRASTA PRARASTA“

Courtyard of the Clock Museum (Liepų st. 12)

Delicate and majestic, existing, endangered and already extinct, adorning churches and public buildings – and almost always INVISIBLE. Klaipėda Light Festival, along with Immanuel Kant Library of Klaipėda City Municipality, opens up the colours and secrets of stained glass in the city. Although the authors of many existing stained glasses in Klaipėda are not Klaipėda residents, their stained glasses theme is richly Klaipėda–like – stained glasses reflect the historical development of the city and embody the spirit of Klaipėda. The collection of more than 100 stained glasses precisely conveys the theme of this year’s festival – THE COLORS OF TIME. Festive concerts of Klaipėda carillon presented as a gift to the Light Festival by Klaipėda City Municipality Concert Hall will complement the delicate stained glass project presented in the cosy courtyard of the LNDM Clock Museum.

Project organizers – Klaipėda City Municipality Immanuel Kant Public Library, Public Enterprise „Klaipėdos šventės“, video architect Pijus Vėberis

THE PROJECT IS SPONSORED BY – UAB „STEMMA GROUP“

KLAIPĖDA CARILLON CONCERTS

Courtyard of the Clock Museum (Liepų st. 12)

A gift for the guests of Klaipėda Light Festival and for Klaipėda that is starting to count its 770th anniversary is even six concerts of Klaipėda carillon. Klaipėda City Municipality Concert Hall presents the concerts.

February 24th 6 pm, 7 pm

February 25th 6 pm, 7 pm

February 26th 6 pm, 7 pm

The project is presented by Klaipėda Concert Hall

FACT. THE FIRST CHURCHES IN LITHUANIA TERRITORY WERE BUILT IN KLAIPĖDA

3D PROJECTION „MANO VARDAS – KLAIPĖDA“

Turgaus st. 22

The first, because She is – 770, mature and youthful, full of light and dark days, meaningful years. Klaipėda is not only the third-largest city in Lithuania, it is the oldest city in Lithuania, the first port, Klaipėda inscribed as royal in the pages of history. You will find one of the principal festival projections „Mano vardas – Klaipėda“ in a historically significant place, next to the churches square, where St. John’s Church emerged in 1258. The story told in the voice of Vytautas Rumšas will take us to the unsettled years of Klaipėda’s history from 1253 and the first brick castle in the territory of Lithuania, the establishment of the city, the crafts, shipping and shipbuilding that existed there moments. The vividly presented images of the past will shed light on the painful details of history – city fires, wars, whose consequences are very near – the longing foundation of  St. John’s church. Tireless, unbreakable, bright and shining. Happy birthday, Klaipėda.

The author of the project – Linartas Urniežius, the historical material – Kęstutis Demereckas

FACT. KLAIPĖDA IS A ROYAL CITY

LIGHT INSTALLATION „KARALIŠKO DANGAUS ĮPĖDINIAI“

Square near Klaipėda City Hall (Danės st. 17)

A light installation created namely for Klaipėda’s birthday, presents Klaipėda as a royal city, the former capital of Prussia in 1807–1808, the residence of Queen Louise. Installation length is 70 meters, width – 14 meters. 60 km of special threads were used to implement the project. The play of lights, lasers and an exceptional music track will inspire a royal historical experience.

The author of the project – Janis Petersons

FACT. KLAIPĖDA IS THE ONLY LITHUANIAN SEAPORT OPERATING IN 1252–2022

LIGHT INSTALLATION „LAUKIMAS“

Danė river embankment between Jono Hill and the sailing ship „Meridianas“

Klaipėda is the only Lithuanian seaport operating in 1252–2022. Klaipėda Light Festival playful installation „Laukimas“ conveys an everlasting deal between Klaipėda and the sea. The project consists of four giant fishing rods, one of which occasionally flashes not only symbolizing the potential catch or response to the sea but also a constantly burning hope in the heart of fisherman and all of us – to catch the biggest fish of life.

The author of the project – Andrius Stasiulis

FACT. KLAIPĖDA IS THE OLDEST CITY IN LITHUANIA

LIGHT AND LASER SHOW „ĮKVĖPTI KLAIPĖDOS PILĮ“

Klaipėda castle site

It all started here – it grew and expanded, disappeared and re-emerged, the city was born here, which for 770 years is unique in its spirit, in its people, in its history. Bright lasers and lights at the Light Festival will illuminate the place of great importance for Klaipėda city – Klaipėda Castle site. The ten-minute laser show will take place every half hour: 6.00, 6.30, 7.00, 7.30, 8.00, 8.30, 9.00, 9.30, 10.00, 10.30, 11.00 p.m.

Project organizers – MB „Lazerių projektai“

LIGHT TUNNEL – EXHIBITION „BUVUSI KLAIPĖDA YRA“

The rampart of Jono Hill (closer to Turgaus st. 22)

On a defensive rampart remindful of the times of Klaipėda (Memel) city-fortress called Jono hill, a stylized light tunnel will emerge during the Light Festival. In its contours is an exhibition of historical moments in Klaipėda, prepared in collaboration with historian and publisher Kęstutis Demereckas. About the trade and cultural partnership between Klaipėda and London, the contribution of sea merchants to the prosperity of Klaipėda.

Project organizers – Kęstutis Demereckas,  Public Enterprise „Klaipėdos šventės“

FACT. KLAIPĖDA IS H. SCHLIEMANN, J.L. VYNERIS, R. WAGNER CITY

3D PROJECTION „770 KAMINKRĖČIO ŽINGSNIŲ“

Kurpių st. 8

Greeting Klaipėda with its birthday, the legendary chimney sweep returns to the VII Light Festival. The projection named „770 kaminkrėčio žingsnių“ linked the symbols, elements, surreal worlds of Klaipėda and included essential personalities. The chimney sweep, which shares happiness, travels 770 steps from point A to point B, visits the Klaipėda lighthouse and unexpectedly dives underwater into the marine world. The colourful and playful chimney sweep character invites you to an adventurous journey on three evenings of the festival. The projection will be shown repeatedly every 20 minutes.

The author of the project – UAB „Video Architects“

LIGHT INSTALLATION „LAIKO SPALVOS 770“

Teatro Square

The light tunnel that became the first herald of the 770th anniversary of Klaipėda shines even brighter at the Light Festival and Tarava Anikė, which is at the epicentre of all the most fascinating events in the city, is even shiner, surrounded by lasers and modern lights. The Theater Square, illuminated in the colours of the city’s birthday, as a place for the most significant historical events in Klaipėda, will become the most beautiful birthday card.

The author of the project – Janis Petersons

PROJECT „SUSVAJOK KLAIPĖDĄ“

Turgaus st.

Turgaus street, which turns into the main artery of numerous city events, invites you as a family space at the Light Festival. There will be even 20 bright, colourful, luminous swings in the central section of Turgaus Street, which will playfully supplement the festival events.

Project organizer – UAB „Gera nuotaika“

INSTALLATION „SPARNAI“

Art yard (Daržų st. 10 / Bažnyčių st. 4)

Playful installation „Sparnai“ is for selfie lovers. Have you ever dreamed of having wings? Klaipėda Light Festival provides such an opportunity.

PROJECT „ŠVIESOS SENAMIESČIUI“

Karlskronos square

Unexpected light findings in the spaces of Klaipėda Old Town – attractive and effective in photography. Even the new moon promises to land on the meadow here.

The author of the project – Janis Petersons

THE PROJECT IS SPONSORED BY – UAB „KRATC“

PROJECT „SENAJAM TURGUI 300 METŲ“

Senasis Turgus square

Klaipėda Light Festival and „Old Market“ of Klaipėda, celebrating its 300th anniversary this year, are a synergy of two celebrations that will merge and illuminate the Old Town in various colours. On February 25, from 6 pm to 10 pm, 100-year-old motorcycles and cars of the collector Albinas Monctavičius will fill the new square of the Old Market. On February 26, from 6 pm to 10 pm, „Memel Motor Fest“ will present an exhibition of bright, illuminated, extraordinary cars. Lovers of ancient technology, modern illuminations and popular techno music are invited to the Old Market (Turgaus square).

The author of the project – UAB „Senasis turgus“

INSTALLATION „NEŠANTYS ŠVIESĄ“

Naujoji Uosto st. 9

The past pandemic and challenging years have called for a different approach to many things. Attitude towards freedom and health, the opportunity to travel, visit loved ones have changed. „Nešantys šviesą“ symbolizes all the people at „Northway“ medical centres who, even in the most complicated moments, have decisively stepped forward and bravely accepted the challenges daily. A little further from the centre, the project will amaze with laser lights and bright reflections of disco balls.

The author of the project – UAB „Northway medicinos centrai“

LIGHT PROJECTION SHOW „GIMUSI ŠVIESTI“

Restaurant „Švyturys Bhouse“ (Kulių Vartų st. 7)

It is a dramatic, visual story of the city and the struggles of constant fires that devastated it. It is an ode to Klaipėda city, its survival instincts, which, even after the worst rages of fire, led the city to rise again with new street labyrinths, new neighbourhoods and buildings. Inviting with its light again. Announcing life again. 770 years of unceasing light. Klaipėda, shine on. The light performance will be displayed on February 25-26 from 6:30 p.m. Duration – 2 min. The projection displayed with five-minute breaks.

The author of the project – UAB „Švyturys Nealkoholinis“

LIGHT INSTALLATION „BRIEDŽIO IŠŠŪKIS“

Cafe „Kavos architektai“ (Herkaus Manto st. 9)

„Briedžio iššūkis“ – this time, the long-term project partners will attract the festival guests with such an idea. The authors assure that the moose from the „Moose grove“ administered by the Neringa Museum came to Klaipėda and was last spotted wandering on Herkaus Manto street. If you notice a moose, take a picture of it, and ten of you will get an invitation to Neringa museums.

The author of the project – „Kavos architektai“

SHINING ETHNO GEOMETRY

Biržos bridge

Klaipėda Medeinė School, educating and working with children having severe special needs, adorns the festival with an artistic project reflecting ethnographic motifs typical of the Klaipėda region. Together with creative teachers, the school symbolically brings light to Klaipėda society and seeks to become a full-fledged part of the community. Teachers and students constructed spatial figures will decorate the Biržos bridge.

The author of the project – Klaipėda Medeinė School

THE SAILING SHIP „MERIDIANAS“ RAISES ITS SAILS

Sailing ship „Meridianas“

The symbol of Klaipėda city and the most actively photographed object of many city guests and tourists – the sailing ship „Meridianas“ will shine in the city’s anniversary colours. Under favourable weather conditions, an unexpected sight – „Meridianas“ adorned with sails will greet the festival guests. It hasn’t happened in the winter!

Project organizers – Public Enterprise The symbol of Klaipėda maritime city – sailing ship „Meridianas“, AB „Gatvių apšvietimas“

MARITIME PROJECT „Geltona. Žalia. Raudona. MĖLYNA!“

Turgaus st. 22, Kurpių st. 8

Lithuanian Sea Museum will inspire the festival’s spirit with sea accents. To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Lithuanian fleet, the specially created program „Lietuva – jūrinė valstybė“ will supplement the spaces of the principal projections of the festival. The video project will display the program „Geltona. Žalia. Raudona. MĖLYNA!“  presenting the captains of interwar independent Lithuania. The project aims to remind that Lithuania was and is a maritime state. In collaboration with the creative agency EZCO and writer Justinas Žilinskas,  a series of ten portraits of Independent Lithuanian captains was created,  depicting the personalities of sailors, their activities, and the most significant works in the context of historical events. The project mentions the beginning of maritime Lithuania, emphasizing its entrenchment in the international maritime community and the establishment of the Lithuanian maritime fleet. The project will be shown alternately with on Turgaus st. 22, Kurpių st. 8 displayed 3D projections.

The author of the project – Lithuanian Sea Museum

INSTALLATION „JUDANTIS MIESTAS“

The roundabout of the Old Market

Klaipėda Eduardas Balsys Gymnasium of Arts created an inventive interpretation of the moving, ecological city. The bright cyclists pointing the way to the Light Festival festively present the idea of ​​Klaipėda as a moving city.

Project organizers – Klaipėda Eduardas Balsys Gymnasium of Arts

VIRTUAL REALITY „PAJUSK“

FEBRUARY 24-26 6.00-8.00 P.M.

Klaipėda Cultural Communication Center (Didžioji Vandens st. 2)

The project „Klaipėda – European Youth Capital 2021“ presents virtual reality simulation videos, innovative tools for empathy and solidarity development, that allow us to feel in place of a person with a hearing, visual and mobility disability and understand what it means to be bullied because you are different.

Two short simulation videos were created:

Video I conveys the daily situations of people with movement, hearing and visual disabilities.

Video II conveys the reactions experienced by an LGBT+ person and the behaviour model of people surrounding such a person.

Project organizers – Klaipėda City Municipality and the project „Klaipėda – European Youth Capital 2021“

• LIGHT INSTALLATIONS OF KLAIPĖDA CULTURAL COMMUNICATION CENTER (KCCC)
• Justas Bø, installation „Siena“ (KCCC Exhibition hall, Aukštoji st.1) Collision with an invisible, incomprehensible wall separating us from who we are now and what we would like to be. That wall is like a fog when we don’t know what’s really behind it yet, and like babies, through mom’s womb, we try to feel or break into the future world.
• Rodion Petroff, interactive installation „Skaitmeninis veidrodis“ KCCC Art yard, Bažnyčių st. 4, Klaipėda (entrance from Didžiojo Vandens st. or Daržų st.)

Mirror reflections accompany a person at every step – at home, in public spaces, in shop showcases, on telephones. Installation „Skaitmeninis veidrodis“ invites you to look at yourself through the digital prism and assess what metamorphosis your reflection will experience. During the festival, through digital interpretations, the workshop of Rodion Petroff, the artist currently residing in the Art yard of KCCC, will also become an object of light art.

 

VISIT BRIGHT KLAIPĖDA MUSEUMS AT NIGHT!

FEBRUARY 24-26

LNDM Clock Museum (Liepų st. 12)

The museum will be open to visitors on FEBRUARY 24-26 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Admission to the museum is free. Only the SECOND-floor exposition will operate. At the Museum of Clocks permanent exhibition „Laikrodžių formų kaita“, visitors are invited to get acquainted with Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, Late Classicism – Empire, Eclectic and modern styles of clocks. The museum has an innovative lighting system –each exhibition hall has a coloured background typical of the epoch.

Castle Museum (Priešpilio st. 2)

The museum will be open to visitors on February 25-26 from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. The museum charges the admission fee.

LNDM Klaipėda Art Museum (former Pranas Domšaitis Museum, Liepų st. 33)

The museum will be open to visitors on February 24-26 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Admission to the museum is free. During Light Festival’s evenings, the museum invites you to visit Tomas Daukša’s latest project „Laimės švieselės”. In this installation, the author reflects on sustainability and excess, harmony and noise in culture and everyday life, and the relationship between art and design. At first sight, the project looks non-binding, fun and playful, however, it raises essential and relevant questions about whether our efforts to protect nature and live sustainably are fruitful and realistic.

 

ONE-OFF PROJECTS

February 24 6 p.m.

770 LIGHTS FOR KLAIPĖDA. FESTIVAL OPENING

Teatro square

If the central square of the city could speak, what would be its story? Together with the Klaipėda Light Festival guests, brights lights, rhythms of dancing and drums, we are announcing – Klaipėda is 770 and we light up VII Klaipėda Light Festival lights.

 

February 26 4 p.m.

UŽGAVĖNĖS. MORĖ IS VISITING LIGHT FESTIVAL

In the yards of Art and the Museum of the History of Lithuania Minor (Daržų st. 10 / Bažnyčių st. 4)

Klaipėda Ethnocultural Center „returns to its yard“ and invites Klaipėda residents and guests to celebrate Užgavėnės in Klaipėda Old Town. The motto and central focus of this year’s Užgavėnės is the idea of ​​sustainability. Therefore, Morė will be notably social and determined to contribute to our planet’s preservation. This year durable, sustainable Užgavėnės, joins the Klaipėda Light Festival, therefore from February 25th, it, shapely lit, will be possible to see and admire in the yard of the Museum of the History of Lithuania Minor. This year we will see Morė not afraid to communicate with people, inviting citizens to dates – in the romantic light of the old town. Another extraordinary thing is that this year we will not burn Morė as usual, but we will take apart it like Lego bricks, separate it and give it as a present to the festival participants.

Project organizer – Klaipėda Ethnocultural Center

 

CONTEST 

PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST „KLAIPĖDA PILDO JŪRIŠKAS SVAJONES“

Klaipėda, celebrating its 770th birthday, and Public Enterprise „Klaipėdos šventės“, which are implementing the Klaipėda Light Festival and the biggest summer event – the Sea Festival, invite all festival guests to create video greetings for Klaipėda. Contest rules: an individual or a group of people filming a greeting to Klaipėda at the Light Festival. Later, the person supplements the greeting letter sent to the festival organizers with a maritime dream description. During the Sea Festival dedicated to the 770th anniversary of Klaipeda, on July 29-31st, the selected lucky ones will be rewarded with their maritime dream fulfilment. Send video greetings to zivile@jurossvente.lt

Project author and source of information – Public Enterprise „Klaipėdos šventės“