LUCI Summit 2025
The Illuminated River team were partners of and attendees at the inaugural LUCI Cities & Lighting Summit in London at the end of April. The 3-day event brought together close to close to 200 delegates from 23 countries and 40 cities, including city representatives, lighting designers, and urban planners. Delegates explored the evolving role of light in shaping inclusive, resilient, and beautiful cities.
Our Trustee Sarah Gaventa appeared as a speaker, as well as hosting a night-time boat tour for delegates that showcased how Illuminated River brought the long-term art installation to life and transformed the Thames at night.
A key takeaway from the Summit was the growing recognition of light as more than a functional necessity, but as a critical tool for storytelling, inclusivity, and environmental stewardship in urban design.
Across the 3 days, there was a strong emphasis on the emotional and social impact of light: how it can create a sense of safety and belonging, encourage people to linger in public spaces after dark, and shape a city’s identity. Projects from around the world demonstrated how thoughtful, permanent lighting schemes - like Illuminated River - can bring together heritage, innovation, and public art to foster pride and connection in local communities.
Another notable theme was collaboration: not only between artists, engineers, and architects, but between cities themselves. From Lyon to Seoul, delegates shared how cross-sector partnerships are driving holistic lighting strategies that balance aesthetics, sustainability, and civic engagement.
The Summit also highlighted the urgent need to address light pollution and energy use, reaffirming our commitment to low-impact, sensitive lighting that enhances biodiversity and night-time wellbeing. For Illuminated River, these conversations reinforced the value of our approach to developing the artwork with artist Leo Villareal, alongside Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands, Atelier Ten, our city bridge partners and many others.
The next LUCI Summit will take place in Oulu, Finland in February 2026.
