San Francisco’s beloved holiday projection festival, Let’s Glow SF, returns for its 4th edition with an even brighter sparkle. Running from December 6 to 15, 2024, this free, large-scale event transforms downtown into an immersive canvas of light and artistry.
Featuring 16 international artists and design studios, Let’s Glow SF is the largest holiday projection event in the United States, illuminating seven iconic locations with awe-inspiring visuals.
As we wanted to know more about the selection of artists we talked to Downtown SF and A3 Visual, the thriving partnership behind this project.
“We select artists for Let’s Glow SF through an RFP process in collaboration with our event producer A3 Visual. There are often quite a few applications, and we encourage folks of all ages and experience levels to share their festive, wintery ideas when the process begins in the fall. Now that we’re in our fourth year of the festival, it’s been wonderful to see some repeat artists take part in this holiday tradition along with new names to showcase their work in such a unique way. It’s always a pleasure to work with A3 Visual to bring these visions to life,” said Robbie Silver, President and CEO, Downtown SF Partnership
Also, notable to us at MerciSF with our “French lens” among this year’s contributors are quite a few French and Francophone artists, whose works bring unique perspectives to the festival.
It all starts with a French producer: Alexander Schöpff , Immersive Division Director at A3 Visual. Schöpff alongside Sean Mason, CCO and their team brought the savoir-faire of projection-mapping. Projection-mapping is a technology that allows to project visuals on large scale buildings.
“The Lyon Festival of Lights (Fête des Lumières), the oldest light celebration, was the first in the world to introduce projection mapping forty years ago, thereby giving France a genuine expertise in this field,” says Alexander Schöpff
In addition to its strong presence in the creative aspect, France is also a leader in technology. “We have collaborated with the French company Modulo Pi, renowned as one of the top innovators in media servers for projection mapping and multimedia experiences.”
Thrilled to feature returning artists (some like Spectre Lab since the first edition), Schöpff expressed the passion for this project, a one-year long project that starts in January to end in December, and emphasized their ambition to see it expand.
“Working with Downtown SF Partnership on Let’s Glow SF is one of our priorities and a very special project for us. We are delighted to see it extend to 2 other CBDs -East Cut & Yerbabuena- for the 1st time this year and we hope it will continue to grow”, added Schöpff.
Artist Highlight on Spectre Lab
An impressive list of French and Francophone artists will feature their art on the walls of San Francisco. Spectre Lab, present since the 1st edition of Let’s Glow SF, will present “Celebrating Lights”. We had a few words with Marc Vidal & Valérie from Spectre Lab.
Your Celebrating Lights installation explores the universal significance of light in year-end celebrations across cultures. How did you approach capturing this global theme, and which elements of the installation do you think will resonate most deeply with the San Francisco audience?
Our Celebrating Lights installation captures the universal significance of light in year-end celebrations by showcasing traditions from around the world, such as Chinese lantern releases, Indian daytime fireworks, and vibrant, traditional-patterned fabrics representing diverse cultures. These colorful visuals celebrate diversity and cultural expression, evoking festive traditions shared by all cultures. We believe this theme will deeply resonate with San Francisco’s inclusive audience, highlighting a shared appreciation for unity and celebration.
San Francisco: what specific inspiration did it provide?
San Francisco deeply inspired this show, particularly through its connection to light and year-end celebrations. The city itself feels like a metaphor for what we aim to convey: a place where cultures from around the world come together and celebrate as one.
About Spectre Lab and its position in the world of projection mapping?
Spectre Lab, with 10 years of expertise in projection mapping, combines technology and art to create immersive and captivating visual experiences. Having worked on diverse projects across the U.S., Qatar, and Europe, the company is known for transforming buildings and spaces into creative storytelling platforms. Rooted in a French tradition of visual innovation dating back to the Lumière Brothers, Spectre Lab seamlessly blends heritage and cutting-edge technology to surprise and delight, adapting to the unique needs of each project while staying true to the spirit of French artistry.
Future Projects: Commémoration of Notre Dame and a Los Angeles Poject
One of our most meaningful recent projects is a projection mapping designed to commemorate the reopening of Notre-Dame de Paris, symbolizing its resilience and rebirth. Projected onto Amiens Cathedral, which shares architectural similarities with Notre-Dame, the display celebrates the restoration process and the timeless beauty of these historic monuments. Blending our passion for heritage preservation with contemporary projection mapping, the show highlights the importance of protecting cultural landmarks while offering a unique visual and emotional experience. We’re also preparing a special surprise with A3 VISUAL for December 31 on Los Angeles City Hall’s facade—details to come!
French/ Francophone Artists at Let’s Glow SF 2024
Dirty Monitor – “Shards of the Eternal Winter”
Belgium-based Dirty Monitor invites audiences into a magical winter universe with their installation, “Shards of the Eternal Winter.” Known for their pioneering work in 3D video mapping and immersive digital experiences, the studio reimagines winter not as a season of cold, but as a catalyst for life. Translucent ice and lush vegetation coexist in a celebration of nature’s resilience, rendered in warm, radiant hues that transform a San Francisco tower into a beacon of hope and harmony.
Jérémie Bellot with Extended AV – “Spirals of Lights”
A fusion of architecture and digital artistry, Jérémie Bellot’s “Spirals of Lights” combines the joy of winter with the elegance of mathematical precision. Using geometric forms, fractals, and celestial imagery, this projection creates a contemplative atmosphere, aligning the beauty of the cosmos with the festive spirit. Bellot’s work reflects his multidisciplinary expertise in architectural projection mapping, honed through years of international collaboration and innovation.
Leslie Epsztein – “Sense(s) by the Bay”
Hailing from Bordeaux, Leslie Epsztein crafts an immersive homage to San Francisco in “Sense(s) by the Bay.” Drawing on her rich background in projection mapping and visual storytelling, Epsztein captures the city’s iconic fog, ocean rhythms, and diverse soundscapes, inviting viewers to explore the city through its five senses. This piece blends modern minimalism with nostalgic palettes, echoing the city’s innovative yet soulful essence.
Studio DAAO – “Nexus Dream”
Co-founded by French artists Anne-Sophie Acomat and Jérémie Bellot, Studio DAAO merges heritage architecture with contemporary technology. Their creation, “Nexus Dream,” is a luminous inflatable sculpture, embodying their commitment to bridging tradition and modernity. This abstract installation enhances the holiday atmosphere while highlighting the studio’s architectural finesse.
Yann Nguema with Anima Lux – “Lightscape”
French multimedia artist Yann Nguema transforms the San Francisco Stock Exchange façade into a visual poem with “Lightscape.” Integrating digital technology with a poetic narrative, the installation reimagines the building’s architectural elements in a series of enchanting scenes inspired by winter and nature. Accompanied by a custom musical score, Nguema’s work strikes a delicate balance between technological innovation and emotional resonance.
Float 4 – Lightweavers: Painting Love
Float4 is an immersive Montreal design studio that creates awe-inspiring, digitally augmented environments. Their multidisciplinary team brings ambitious concepts to life, leading award-winning projects that captivate audiences. One such project, Lightweavers: Painting Love, invites viewers into a magical world where shimmering light reveals stunning, organic textures, evoking the warmth and wonder of a winter holiday
Not to be missed at Let’s Glow SF this year
Beyond these mesmerizing projections, Let’s Glow SF offers unique experiences, such as the Glow on Front Neon Block Party on December 13. This free, all-ages event transforms Front Street into a vibrant hub of entertainment and community, showcasing why San Francisco is a global leader in creative innovation.
Whether you’re exploring Annie Alley in Yerba Buena, marveling at the art installation at The Crossing at East Cut, or soaking in the illuminated brilliance of historic landmarks, Let’s Glow SF 2024 promises a magical journey through light, art, and holiday spirit.
Mark your calendar for nightly shows from 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM.
Don’t miss the opening night starting at 7 PM on December 6, and prepare to be captivated by the brilliance of French and Francophone creativity and international artists amidst San Francisco’s dazzling holiday skyline.
Let there be Light!
