We are now launching an open call for cities (and private developers supported by a municipality) to become Follower and Replicator cities. This is a unique opportunity to get your city involved in the Art of Darkness project! Deadline: 15 December 2025 (midnight CET)
become a follower or replicator city:
Join the movement and spread the impact
Art of Darkness is developing and testing five artistic pilot trials at cultural heritage sites across five European countries. These pilots explore how darkness-sensitive design can create meaningful, beautiful, inclusive and sustainable experiences in public space after dark.
We are inviting follower and replicator cities to join the project and help us adapt and expand these approaches across Europe. By joining the initiative, you will contribute to broader change and become a pioneer in incorporating a thoughtful balance of light and darkness into cultural heritage and urban design.
WHY APPLY
We’re looking for cities that want to:
- Create sustainable, well-balanced nightscapes
- Enhance the value of cultural heritage through darkness-sensitive lighting design and light art
- Learn from artistic pilots and co-design processes
- Exchange knowledge with experts and peers across Europe
who should apply?
- Municipalities located in Europe
- Private developers may apply if supported by a municipality
As a follower or replicator city, you’ll gain access to project results, design strategies, and expert knowledge — while contributing to a growing European movement shaping the future of night-time urban and cultural environments.
benefits for follower cities
As one of the 10 follower cities, you will engage in a 2-year journey exploring the potential of well-designed darkness. You’ll gain insights into co-design methods, artistic approaches, and design strategies to shape meaningful night-time experiences in heritage settings.
You will:
- Attend the General Assembly in person (mid-June 2026, Bologna, Italy)
- Join two online meetings per year with the follower and replicator city group
- Participate in educational and capacity-building sessions on topics such as lighting for cultural heritage, urban lighting design, co-design methodology for community-oriented dark-time experiences.
- Access the project’s digital platform, where all project materials and documentation are shared
- Help raise awareness locally about the value of well-balanced darkness
benefits for replicator cities
As one of our 3 replicator cities, you will not only follow the project and help share its outcomes, but you will also develop your own pilot site using the Art of Darkness approach.
In addition to the follower benefits, you will:
- Test and apply the Art of Darkness Piloting Model in your own local context
- Receive tailored support from the project’s research team
- Present your outcomes at the project’s final conference
Images: © Natalia Shevtsova