What is 'Chase the Dark'?

• IALD Chase the Dark 2025 is a global celebration of creativity and light, inviting lighting designers, artists, and enthusiasts to come together for a playful, inspiring, and uplifting experience.
• This year's theme, "Drawing with Light," encourages participants to explore how light can be a creative medium through photography, projections, refraction, sculpture, or other imaginative expressions. Let's draw the world together! ?

When is it?

• This unique celebration starts on 20 March 2025 (the Vernal Equinox) and follows the rising sun as it "chases" the darkness westward from one side of the International Date Line to the other.
• The event stays going through 10 April 2025, so everyone can make plans and take part on a day and time that's ideal for you.

Where does it happen?

• Everywhere! Events can be held at locations of any size and environment: showrooms, studios, classrooms, offices, or even a park. You decide where and how your creativity sparks!
• IALD Regions and Chapters will host in-person social gatherings worldwide, but you don't need to be at an event to participate. Anyone, anywhere, can participate individually or in groups by sharing their light-inspired creations on social media with #IALDChaseTheDark and #DrawingWithLight.
• Check the IALD global event calendar to find an open event near you to join in the chase!

Who can join in?

• Individuals, small groups, big crowds...there's no minimum or maximum number of who is welcome to draw with light.
• Part of the wonder of Chase the Dark is seeing the wide spectrum of designers – from students to retired professionals – applying their creative skills to the same small project in hundreds of places worldwide.
• Connect with peers in your local firms, offices, and local universities to invite those who are passionate about light to join in.

How do you participate?

• From 20 March to 10 April, share your creations on social media (Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, etc.) using the hashtags #IALDChaseTheDark and #DrawingWithLight.
• You're invited to share your creative process as well and show us how you made your magic – inspire others with your great ideas!