LichtRouten 2010 – “Wunderkammern”

After a break of four years Lüdenscheid presents in 2010 the fifth “LichtRouten”. From September 24th to October 3nd 2010 international fine artists and designers realize their views to the topic “Wunderkammern” (wonder-rooms) in the public space and develop new townscapes.

The choice of topic could not be more suitable for Luedenscheid: the idea resumes to the “Wunderkammern” of the 18th century. They collected and exhibited different curiosities and treasures and are thus the precursors of today’s museums. In the figurative sense they were free spaces which showed the unknown and the unexpected – in the same way the LichtRouten 2010 will work with lightning works of fine arts and design at places which are still important for the urban development and townscapes. The installation rooms are symbolic for the importance of our industrial culture whose building gave our town an industrial face since the end of the 18th century. They draw a connection to an epoch which was important for the history of Luedenscheid. Here the industrial development started earlier than anywhere else and made this region to the birthplace of the industrialization.

Since 2002 the LichtRouten are a highlight in the event calendar of the “City of Lights” – now for the fifth time. The Luedenscheider brand “City of Lights” celebrates its tenth birthday in 2010. The decision to carry out the LichtRouten was very important to make a clear declaration of belief to the successfully established marketing strategy “City of Lights”. This year as well the financial conditions for the LichtRouten were restricted. The event gained an outstanding reputation as international forum of artificial light in fine arts and contemporary lighting design among experts and the audience. To meet this high requirement was a formidable challenge this year as well, especially because of the sparse funds.

With the realization of the LichtRouten 2010 we succeeded in living up to these expectations. I wish to thank everyone who contributed to realise the LichtRouten under this limited financial conditions with creativity and passion: first of all the reliable curators, the organisers and especially the sponsors of industry and commerce. Also in 2010 it is very important that every citizen of Luedenscheid shows his or hers attachment to the LichtRouten and makes clear that the currently most successful pillar of the brand “City of Lights” is deliberated and accepeted as permanent part of our cultural life.

I am looking forward to the coming ten days. I hope that the LichtRouten 2010 will resume to the successes of the last years and they will stay in our minds as an high-end event.

You are invited to Luedenscheid – welcome to the City of Lights!

Dieter Dzewas
Mayor of Luedenscheid