Located in the city of Alingsås, Sweden, Lights in Alingsås begins with a week-long immersive lighting design workshop in late September, during which six teams of students are taught and led by professional lighting design Workshop Heads to develop themed lighting installations throughout the city. These installations become the focus of a celebratory five-week festival open to the public.
Using their wealth of experience, Workshop Heads guide participants through the design process with sketches, photographs, hands-on mock-ups, and tests. This established educational method ensures that an enriched, in-depth knowledge of the lighting discipline is thoroughly taught.
As leaders and mentors of the student groups, Workshop Heads are chosen to represent diverse genders, ages, and nationalities, providing a vital experience for participants and the festival alike. Pairs of designers may also apply, but the costs and fees are divided.
Workshop heads must commit to two on-site meetings in full to be eligible to apply.
- Concept Meeting (Alingsås) – March 2026
- Concept Development (Remote) – March/June 2026
- Workshop Week (Alingsås) – September/October 2026
- Public Festival (Alingsås) – October/November 2026
Workshop Heads are selected each year from online applications. The application is open to both IALD members and non-members, but does require the applicant to have (or create) an IALD website account to begin the process.
As part of the application process, qualified professionals should be prepared to provide:
- Full name and email contact;
- Nationality and country of residence;
- Professional experience;
- Description of teaching and leadership abilities;
- An explanation of interest in becoming a Workshop Head.
2026 Workshop Heads applications are open from 15 December 2025 until midnight CET on 12 January 2026.
Additional information about the workshop and festival can be found on the official Lights in Alingsås website.
Read more about the role in the official Workshop Head Description document.