A special thanks to our supporter, partner, friends and fans from the last 19 years! Only with the help of the amazing engagement and enthusiasm from many personalities, artists, creatives, institutions and companies the successful FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS in Berlin could be realised with such an international awareness. Here are some of the statements (translated from German by E.K.):
Statements
KAI WEGNER
GOVERNING MAYOR OF BERLIN
AND PATRON OF THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS, 2023
“The Festival of Lights is one of the seasonal highlights in autumnal Berlin. Not only is it a wonderful event for Berliners, it is a thrill for an increasing number of guests from Germany and abroad. It stands for creativity, art and inspiration, openness to the world and diversity, in other words, for everything that defines Berlin as a city and makes it so attractive internationally. So in this spirit, let me welcome you to the 2023 Festival of Lights!” To the complete message
BIRGIT ZANDER
DIRECTOR AND EVENT ORGANISER OF THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
“With the FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS we enchant our capital city and make Berlin a stage of with extraordinary dimensions. Artistic stagings of buildings and squares, elaborate facade projections and spectacular video mappings recount stories and present subjects dear to our hearts. Diverse tours and events top of the Festival.
I wish you magical moments and thank everybody from the heart who supports us on our shining mission!”
CHRISTIANA FIGUERES
THE UN’S FORMER CLIMATE CHANGE CHIEF AND FOUNDING PARTNER OF GLOBAL OPTIMISM
“Facing the reality and impacts of the climate crisis is a shared responsibility of citizens, governments and businesses. Together with Amazon Global Optimism founded The Climate Pledge in 2019—a commitment to reach the goals of the Paris Agreement 10 years early and be net-zero carbon by 2040. The initiative seeks to help companies develop ambitious roadmaps to play their part in tackling this challenge. Signatories commit to three principal areas of action: regular reporting, carbon elimination strategies, and credible offsets. To date, more than 100 companies have already joined the community. By partnering with the Festival of Lights, The Climate Pledge seeks to inspire people to work decisively on innovative solutions to address climate change. The challenge is huge. But by working together, we can build a new vision of the future starting now, truly Creating Tomorrow. We wish everyone a unique Festival of Lights!”
ROBIN QUINVILLE
CHARGÉE D’AFFAIRES OF THE AMBASSY OF THE UNITED STATES TO THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY
“Berlin stands as a beacon, a guiding light and a shining purpose, for all those who value freedom. The Festival of Lights – projected on the landscape of a city re-built – captures this spirit; and the U.S. Embassy is proud to be a part of what has become a bright new tradition. This year the Festival is a celebration of the 30th anniversary of Reunification. Reunification was not only a seminal event for Germany, it closed a chapter of history that began with the rise of national socialism and World War II. It inspired and gave hope to people across Europe and around the world. We will shine a light on those shared interests, common values, and sense of mutual commitment.”
LAURENCE BAY
AMBASSADOR OF THE REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE TO THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY
“The Festival of Lights is one of the most special features of Berlin each year. The Singapore Embassy is honoured to be part of this great event, and to play a small role in promoting light art through our international art contest.
I hope the artists’ works will bring joy to all Festival visitors.”
STEPHANE DION
AMBASSADOR OF CANADA IN THE REPUBLIC OF GERMANY
“I am delighted that the Embassy of Canada is taking part in the Festival of Lights for the first time this year and that we are bringing Berlin to light. The FOL has established itself as an integral part of Berlin’s cultural calendar, bringing together people from all over the world. “Connecting cultures” is the motto and we are happy to show what unites Germany and Canada. Together with our colleagues from other participating embassies, ministries and cultural institutions, we want to reflect the colorful diversity of this city in photographs. The design of many colorful mosaic stones, which can be seen on our façade symbolizes Canada’s diversity. Multiculturalism is not only an official national policy but a cornerstone of our society. As our motif draws attention to Canada’s candidacy for a seat on UN Security Council 2021/22 you can use the hashtags #CanadaCSNU and #CanadaUNSC to learn more. There is also the opportunity to visit the Embassy’s Multimedia Information Center – the Marshall McLuhan Salon – every Friday from 12:00 to 17:00. […] “
YUVAL ROTEM
DIRECTOR AND GENERAL OF THE ISRAELI MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
“With the commencement of the Festival of Lights Berlin 2018, featuring video mapping celebrating 70 years to Israel, it is my pleasure to send greetings from Jerusalem.
Israel’s participation in the Berlin Light Festival is symbolic of our strong relationship and wonderful cooperation. The special relationship between Israel and Germany has in its power to shed great light. We gladly work together in the spread of that light, sharing values and ideals.
We invite you to enjoy the special program of this year’s festival and to celebrate the powerful partnership between our two countries, both in Jerusalem and in Berlin.”
JEREMY ISSACHAROFF
AMBASSADOR OF ISRAEL IN THE REPUBLIC OF GERMANY
[…] The Embassy of Israel and the Festival of Lights have created many special events in the past and, now we want to celebrate the 70 years anniversary of the State of Israel together. This will bring light to a new location and will display the culture and art of Israel in a German setting.
For the first time in 3D-mapping a story will come to life that celebrates the history of Israel. Broadening this experience will be many engaging activities during the Festival. Please join us for a very special birthday present and we hope you will enjoy the light art we created together!
GUIDO MARIA KRETSCHMER
FASHION DESIGNER AND TV PRESENTER
“I am very happy and honored to be part of the Festival of Lights for the first time.
It is incredibly exciting for me to transform the venerable “Stadthaus” into a completely new building with my patterns.
The “Stadthaus” and I are celebrating a double premiere. I wish everyone glowing evenings in Berlin!”
(translated by the FoL team)
BURKHARD KIEKER
VISIT BERLIN-MANAGER
“Since 2005, the Festival of Lights has fascinated guests from near and far with its impressive light art. With innovative themes and concepts as well as the latest technology, it has always been adapted to current events over the years and has thus constantly reinvented itself. No wonder it is one of the most popular events in Berlin’s cultural calendar, it literally stands for Berlin’s radiance as a creative and cosmopolitan cultural metropolis. I am already looking forward to this year’s edition under the motto Colours of Life.”
WOLFGANG JOOP
DESIGNER
“The contrasts and undone, unfinished fascinate me about Berlin.
This makes it even more beautiful to project prints of WUNDERKIND on one of the most prominent and historically important buildings on Unter den Linden in the city centre.”
FRANZISKA VAN ALMSICK
WORLD CHAMPION IN SWIMMING
„Congratulations to the tenth FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS. All the best from your Franzi!”
STEPHEN ARIGBABU
BASKETBALL NATIONAL PLAYER
“For three years now, we have witnessed this spectacular event and are always overwhelmed”
(translated by the FoL team)
ROBERT HARTING
OLYMPIC CHAMPION IN DISCUS THROW
„It is a very special mood and I absolutely love the FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS!”
NATASCHA KELLER
FIELD HOCKEY OLYMPIC CHAMPION
“I am happy that my favorite city Berlin presents itself so great and that the whole world looks at it.”
(translated by the FoL team)
RENÉ KOCH
STAR-VISAGIST
“For me, the FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS is one of the most beautiful and creative events in Berlin!”
(translated by the FoL team)
ROLF SCHEIDER
CASTING DIRECTOR
“I feel like Rolf in wonderland, transported into other spheres and a magical ambience. In this world of light i feel at ease and travel through it in my flying saucer until i don’t land again until next light year.”
(translated by the FoL team)