SHAPE-THE-LIGHT project is co-funded by the Creative Europe Programme – CREA-CULT-2023-COOP – Grant Agreement 101131736
Business, innovation and creativity are interrelated. SHAPE-THE-LIGHT is based on the dual complementary concept of the intrinsic relationships between art and business, focusing on art, design and the lighting industry.
SHAPE-THE-LIGHT project aims at implementing initiatives and an open and inclusive collaborative space for the creation of new creative processes, business models and market developments, and to embrace the digital and ecological transition in the architectural lighting design sector.
The main objective is to create a bridge between the different agents in order to generate co-creation and co-design processes, launching opportunities to test advanced technologies and new innovative solutions to the challenges posed for these industries. These support measures and collaborative spaces will trigger the creation of new creative processes and business models, driving the development of the lighting sector towards the proposals put forward in the European Green Deal and the priorities of the New European Bauhaus.
SHAPE-THE-LIGHT priorities
- Sustainability. In line with the European Green Pact and the New European Bauhaus, co-create, adopt and disseminate more environmentally friendly practices, as well as raise awareness of sustainable development through cultural activities;
- Digitalisation. To support the European cultural and creative sectors in their digital transition and business recovery after the COVID-19 crisis.
- Inclusion. From valuing diversity and equality for all, to ensuring accessibility and consideration for all needs.
SHAPE-THE-LIGHT project will actively contribute to the objectives of the European Green Pact and the transition towards a sustainable and digital society by providing tangible opportunities and experiences, both at local and European level, for creation, co-design, experimentation, knowledge sharing and networking. Among the activities planned to achieve the objectives presented in the proposal, during the 30 months of the project, we will find performance labs, coffees, masterclasses, workshops and forums, among others.
Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or EACEA Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
SHAPE-THE-LIGHT CONSORTIUM:
1. Rete di Imprese Luce in Veneto, IT (Project Coordinator)
2. CICAT Lighting Cluster , ES
3. Cluster Lumière , FR
4. Catholic University of Leuven , BE
SHAPE-THE-LIGHT INTERNATIONAL MASTERCLASSES
The SHAPE-THE-LIGHT Capacity Building Academy is designed to address the training needs, knowledge gaps, and challenges faced by key stakeholders (lighting SMEs, artists, students, lighting designers, architects, designers). These challenges stem from the digitalisation of processes, the disruption caused by advanced technologies, and the growing need to raise awareness about the importance of more sustainable, circular, and inclusive design approaches in lighting products, solutions, and artistic creations.
The SHAPE-THE-LIGHT Capacity Building Academy is structured around two key learning and knowledge-sharing formats:
- International Masterclasses – these are online, classroom training workshops, open to the project’s target stakeholders across the EU and beyond, held in English by qualified experts.
- Local Deep-Dive Workshops – these sessions aim to explore in greater detail the topics identified as most relevant during the masterclasses, delivered in local languages in the four project countries (Italy, Spain, France, Belgium).
Four International online classroom-based Masterclasses are scheduled:
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Masterclass 1 – Sustainability of Artistic Lighting Products, coordinated by KUL
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Masterclass 2 – Sustainability of Artistic Lighting Performances, coordinated by CICAT
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Masterclass 3 – Digitalization of Artistic Lighting Products, coordinated by LIV
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Masterclass 4 – Digitalization of Artistic Lighting Performances, coordinated by Cluster Lumière
INTERNATIONAL ONLINE MASTERCLASS 1
Sustainability of artistic lighting products
KU Leuven and Cluster Groen Licht Vlaanderen are pleased to invite you to the first international masterclass organized within the SHAPE-THE-LIGHT project.
This session focuses on integrating sustainability principles into the design of (artistic) lighting products. Participants will explore how to apply Ecodesign regulations to support circular business models in alignment with the European Green Deal and the New European Bauhaus initiatives.
Date: Tuesday 16/09/2025 1.30 – 5.30 PM (CET)
Programme:
Masterclass ‘Sustainability of artistic lighting products’ by Teresa Selvaggio (LightingEurope)
- Current and future Ecodesign and Labelling rules for lighting – a focus on circularity
- Sustainability-related legislative files impacting the lighting industry
Interactive showcasing by Greet Verhoeven (Etap Lighting International)
Q+A
INTERNATIONAL ONLINE MASTERCLASS 2
Sustainability of Artistic Lighting Performances
Masterclass 2: Art, Light and Planet: Performative Lighting for Environmental Awareness
(coordinated by Clúster d’il luminación de Catalunya – 23 October 2025)
Information available soon
INTERNATIONAL ONLINE MASTERCLASS 3
Digitalization of Artistic Lighting Performances
Masterclass 3: Digitalization of Artistic Lighting Performances (coordinated by Cluster Lumière -December 2025 during Lyon Light Festival)
Information available soon
INTERNATIONAL ONLINE MASTERCLASS 4
Digitalization of Artistic Lighting Products
Masterclass 4: Digitalization of Artistic Lighting Products (coordinated by Luce in Veneto – 12 February 2026)
Information available soon
SHAPE-THE-LIGHT NEWS
SHAPE-THE-LIGHT NETWORKING SESSIONS
Throughout the initial months, our partners have organized networking and informative sessions to introduce the SHAPE-THE-LIGHT project and its objectives to various stakeholders, such as lighting companies, artists, designers, students and graduates of the Art, Design and Architecture specialisation courses of Academia and technical institutes and cultural associations, and to emphasize the upcoming activities and workshops aimed at fostering the development of new creative processes, business models, and market advancements within the architectural lighting design sector.
- SHAPE-THE-LIGHT Kick-Off session in Frankfurt (05.03.2024)
Presentation of SHAPE-THE-LIGHT project, its objectives and activities during the Light+Building Fair in Frankfurt, Germany on 05.03.2024.
- Presentation of SHAPE-THE-LIGHT project during the Lichtfestival Gent (02/02/2024)
Presentation of SHAPE-THE-LIGHT project on networking event at the ‘Lichtfestival Gent by day’, organized by the city of Ghent on 02/02/2024 during the Gent Lichtfestival. The audience consisted of artists exhibiting at the Light festival, other cities (members of ILO International Light Festivals Organisation), SME members of Groen Licht Vlaanderen, and other stakeholders.
- Networking event at Light AfterWork SOPEMEA (14.03.2024)
Cluster Lumière organized a networking event in Lyon that started with a presentation of new members and new projects, including the SHAPE-THE-LIGHT project.
SHAPE-THE-LIGHT DEEP DIVE WORKSHOPS IN ITALY!
Great success for the event SHAPE-THE-LIGHT “La beautification degli spazi architettonici interni ed esterni” organized by Rete di Imprese Luce in Veneto, with the sponsorship of the Veneto Region and in collaboration with Università Iuav di Venezia, the Order of Architects PPC Venice, and the Foundation of Architects PPC Venice. Over 70 people attended the event, held at Palazzo Cà Tron in Venice on 11.07.2024. Architects, lighting designers, professors, students, artists, and lighting companies had the opportunity to delve into topics on the use of light and the composition of spaces, as well as explore trends in the design sector.
The SHAPETHELIGHT Deep Dive Workshop began with introductory greetings from Prof. Benno Albrecht, Rector of the Università Iuav di Venezia; Arch. Roberto Beraldo, President of the Order of Architects of Venice; Eng. Alberto Sozza, President of Rete di Imprese Luce in Veneto.
Following, Prof. Alberto Bassi (Università Iuav di Venezia) examined the history of design, highlighting how the constant miniaturization of lighting fixtures, made possible by increasingly compact light sources, enhances the beautification of both exterior and interior spaces, particularly in the enhancement of artistic and cultural heritage.
Next, Arch. Carolina De Camillis (lighting designer/AIDI ASSOCIAZIONE ITALIANA DI ILLUMINAZIONE) emphasized how sustainability, EcoDesign, and human-centric lighting, combined with a skillful artistic use of light, make the role of Lighting Designers increasingly important in the enhancement of architectural spaces and in new Smart City concepts. Her presentation was further enriched by examples of cultural heritage enhancement, with a particular focus on Roman sites in Rome.
The event concluded with a Fireside Chat on the theme “Women in Lighting”, featuring:
- Arch. Carolina De Camillis, lighting designer/AIDI ASSOCIAZIONE ITALIANA DI ILLUMINAZIONE
- Silvia Betteto, ELESI LUCE S.R.L.
- Laura Bellia, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II and President of AIDI ASSOCIAZIONE ITALIANA DI ILLUMINAZIONE
- Arch. Francesca Cremasco, lighting designer/AIDI ASSOCIAZIONE ITALIANA DI ILLUMINAZIONE
- Arch. Silvia Codato, Bongiana Architetture
- Dr. Antonella Venza, Cluster Manager of Rete di Imprese Luce in Veneto
The roundtable stimulated lively discussion and audience participation on the role of women in the professional field of lighting design.
