Joensuu-based world-renowned light artist Kari Kola will create the world's largest light installation in southwestern Australia in spring 2026.

Kari Kola and the City of Joensuu have signed an influencer cooperation agreement, which will take Joensuu's photonics expertise to the world.

Joensuu is an internationally remarkable center for photonics, i.e. light science and technology. The University of Eastern Finland conducts cutting-edge research in the field. Joensuu is Finland's leading photonics educator and home to growing companies.

“Our photonics experts will travel to Australia to build cooperation with other light professionals and spread knowledge about Joensuu's photonics expertise. We haven't yet decided whether we will bring traditional Karelian pies or perhaps a sauna with us, but we will surely come up with something special,” says Markku Pyykkönen, Marketing Director of the City of Joensuu.

Light art on Aboriginal lands

The main focus of the collaboration will be the world's largest light installation, Lighting the Sound, which Kari Kola will create in the city of Albany in southwestern Australia in March 2026.

In the work, local Aboriginal culture and colonial history meet through light, color and shared experience.

“The work has been designed in dialogue with local communities, technical experts and an international team. The aim is to bring more than 50,000 visitors together for silence, reflection and respect. In this way, Joensuu is also involved in a collaboration that transcends borders,” describes light artist Kari Kola.

Photonics experts as target group

The City of Joensuu will organize networking events for photonics experts and potential partners at Kari Kola's international installation sites. Through the events, potential partners are invited to visit Joensuu and get to know Joensuu´s photonics expertise.

The aim of the cooperation is to make Joensuu a globally known pioneer in photonics in science, technology and art. The aim is that international communication will create new cooperation opportunities for photonics companies, educational institutions and researchers in Joensuu.

The cooperation is funded through the Innocity Joensuu project series, co-financed by the European Union and the City of Joensuu.