2025
The largest event so far in the programme of the European Capital of Culture Trenčín 2026, the Light Art Festival Trenčín, filled the historic city centre, with long queues forming for contemporary art. As many as 6,000 people experienced the artwork Reflexe in the synagogue, while the Miloš Alexander Bazovský Gallery broke its visitor record.
The first edition of the Light Art Festival (11–12 April) presented seven light art installations, revealing seven locations in Trenčín in a new light. The city’s landmark, Trenčín Castle embraced by laser beams under the direction of Roman Bacula, became the most photographed spot of the festival. In addition to visitors on site, people from the wider region followed the laser beams illuminating the castle.
The City Tower was transformed into a living canvas for videomapping by Nano vjs, while the façade of the Prior department store became a giant concrete display for the iconic game Atomic Bomberman, realized by the Trenčín-based civic association TRAKT. The game connected generations of parents who played it as children with their own kids experiencing it for the first time. Children also enjoyed light painting at the Miloš Alexander Bazovský Gallery, which surpassed its previous daily attendance record. Nearly 2,500 people visited the light installation flux INTERACTIV by Romanian studio Noiseloop during the festival Saturday. Meanwhile, Terraform by Lukáš Dřevjaný at KKC Hviezda offered a meditative experience through a digital visualization of plant growth and ecosystem formation.
Site-specific artworks
“The selection of light installations for the festival was carefully considered. Either we chose a specific artwork and searched for a suitable location, or we had a location we wanted to highlight and found the right installation for it,” explains Kristína Mlynárová from the Light Art Festival Trenčín team.
One particularly successful placement was the artwork by Boris Vitázek in the courtyard of the Trenčín Museum, which is currently awaiting reconstruction. Inspired by the animated series Just You Wait, Hare!, the installation drew attention to past and present military conflicts around the world, including the war in neighboring Ukraine. The abandoned courtyard, combined with striking animation and sound, created a disturbing and powerful atmosphere.
The most visited indoor installation was Reflexe by Czech artists Petr Vacek and Adam Cigler, created in collaboration with PrusaLab for Prague’s Signal Festival. More than 6,000 people experienced it, many returning multiple times. Ninety-one mirrors, each powered by two motors, evoked the movement of a water surface. The lighting, mirror motion, and music were specially designed for the Trenčín synagogue, creating a unique audiovisual experience.
Thousands of people in the streets of Trenčín
Based on crowd movement in the city and indoor attendance figures, the Light Art Festival (LAF) team estimates that between 7,500 and 10,000 people visited the first edition. “We are very happy that light art resonated with so many people, and we are grateful for the many encouraging reactions. The first edition taught us a lot, we take this experience with humility and look forward to what we will prepare for next year,” says Kristína Mlynárová.
“The city completely changed its character; for a moment, we found ourselves outside of time and space. Strong themes, beautiful encounters, and a form of art that connected the city across generations,” said Trenčín resident Kristína Seidlová about the festival.
How a festival is ‘cooked’
Preparations for LAF lasted five months, although the ideal timeframe is one year. After selecting artworks and locations, an intensive process of defining technical requirements follows. “We compile the technical setup based on the artistic concept, communicate with suppliers and venues, and repeatedly confirm details with the artists,” Mlynárová explains. Light art festivals have their own specifics: “We have to be prepared for issues that only arise during installation and cannot be tested months in advance. Everything had to be set up so we could resolve things,” she adds. She also highlights cooperation with the City of Trenčín: “The city itself is our festival venue, and we have been working closely with the City Office since the beginning of preparations.”
Experiences remain, preparations for the next edition begin
Light Art Festival Trenčín presented works by artists from Slovakia, Czechia, and even Romania. The artists were surprised by the high attendance and public interest, leaving Trenčín with very positive impressions. “Everyone needs a LAF in their surroundings. Beyond the creative use of technology, light art festivals remind us of our own essence. In Trenčín, I experienced a well-organized festival with many thoughtfully selected and placed light artworks, as well as a kind and helpful crew,” shared Lucian E. Matei from the Romanian studio Noiseloop.
Although the festival was dismantled within a few hours, the experiences remain. The LAF team has already begun preparations for next year, when Trenčín will hold the title of European Capital of Culture and the Light Art Festival will once again be one of the key events in its programme.