KLANGLICHT
Main category
B2C
Sub-category
8. Cultural/Music Event
Watch the event video
Event Description and Key Objectives
KLANGLICHT – a mockup word of “klang” (=sound) and “licht” (light) - is organised on behalf of the theaters and stages of Graz with the intent to bring the magic of two central elements of the theatre out into the public space. With the means of light and sound, people are inspired and touched, emotions are awakened and create moments of wonder. For three days, art reveals a kaleidoscope of moods and fantasies, attracting more than 100.000 visitors every year.
Since 2015, KLANGLICHT, the Festival of Sound and Vision, has transformed the Styr-ian capital into a world of art, music, colour and light. What began back then with a light and sound installation in front of Graz Opera House has developed into Austria's largest light and sound festival. In its eighth edition, KLANGLICHT 2023 took its visitors on an artistic search for traces in art, in history and in environment and was certified as a “Green Event” for the first time.
Key challenges
KLANGLICHT was created with the intent to demonstrate that not only sports events but also cultural festivals have the potential to attract large crowds of peo-ple. At the same time, the challenge lies within managing and moving these crowds, that visit around 15 artistic installations every year, within the city centre.
Basic information about the event
Name of the organiser
Bühnen Graz
Location
Graz, Austria
Event duration
25/07/2023 - 27/07/2023
Client
Bühnen Graz
VOTING LINK
Event results
Creativity
KLANGLICHT promotes local, regional as well as internatinoal artists on a program-matic and artistic level, also integrating students from regional educational institu-tions. Each year, a new curatorial focus is set to ensure diversity and relevance in the program. These changing themes enable innovative and creative expressions, making KLANGLICHT a unique experience.
The careful selection of projects reflects the curatorial focus and emphasizes the orig-inality of the artists. This creates a dynamic environment where various artistic disci-plines and perspectives are connected.
Through close collaboration with educational institutions and the inclusion of young talents, a sustainable connection between art, education, and community is estab-lished. KLANGLICHT is thus a vibrant space for artistic innovation and creative devel-opment, distinguished by its uniqueness and continuous renewal.
Innovation
KLANGLICHT collaborates with an electricity supplier to supply renewable, local, nu-clear-free, and CO2-neutral energy from wind and hydro power. Street and ambient lighting is turned off during the event, and LEDs are used extensively, avoiding gener-ators. Co-productions with other festivals and shared transportation within Europe re-duce costs and environmental impact.
KLANGLICHT facilitates visitor travel via public transport. The "Free Ride" initiative offers free travel for festival pass holders in the whole area of Styria. Event locations are inaccessible by private vehicles, so public transportation is the recommended op-tion, with no free parking provided.
A website map helps visitors navigate between locations. The new Audioguide, devel-oped with students of the University of Applied Sciences, offers QR-code-scannable audio descriptions, promoting inclusion and reducing printed materials. Reusable signage in public spaces further supports sustainability.
Printed materials are minimized, with the folding map being PEFC-certified and Eco-Label awarded. This innovative approach underscores KLANGLICHT's commitment to sustainability, inclusivity, and efficient resource use.
Execution
KLANGLICHT is organised by a small department of the Graz theatres and stages, which will be significantly enlarged in the immediate period of the event by the in-volvement of technical staff, set-up help, security personnel and promotion staff.
Measurable results
A diversion profitability study carried out in 2019 came to the conclusion that visi-tors to KLANGLICHT spend around EUR 5.5 million on transport, accommoda-tion, catering and shopping during their visit to the festival. This compares with an event budget of around EUR 600,000.
Communication
The KLANGLICHT project is communicated through a structured editorial plan on social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. This plan en-sures consistent and engaging content to reach a wide audience.
In addition to social media, advertisements were placed in local and national newspapers to target the regional and national community. These print ads com-plemented the digital strategy, reaching audiences who prefer traditional media.
The event is also promoted in public spaces using ‚city lights‘ and other outdoor advertising. This multi-channel approach was part of a broader communication and marketing strategy, ensuring maximum visibility and engagement for KLANGLICHT.
Sustainable practices
KLANGLICHT is committed to sustainability, integrating it into all aspects of the festi-val's planning. Key considerations include the environmental impact of art, resource efficiency, and sustainable practices. Continuous evaluation and optimization aim to improve the festival's ecological, social, and economic sustainability. In 2023, KLANGLICHT achieved certification with the Austrian Eco-label for Green Events.
Waste Management
A comprehensive waste plan adhered to Graz city guidelines, with visible waste sta-tions and clear recycling information. Technical equipment was rented, and reusable materials were stored for future use.
Regional Engagement
The “KUNSTFENSTER” project, in collaboration with "Echt Graz," transformed down-town shop windows into temporary art galleries.
Inclusion and Accessibility
Most installations were free and located in public spaces, with barrier-free access. Partnering with local organizations, KLANGLICHT promoted inclusion and accessibility.
Free Admission and Culture Pass
More than half of the installations were freely accessible. The "Hunger for Art and Culture" initiative provided free tickets for those in financial need via a Culture Pass.
KLANGLICHT's sustainable measures minimize environmental, social, and economic impacts, ensuring a responsible and inclusive festival.
