3 questions for František Fabián, the director of the project Institute of Light Design (ISD)

What is the mission of the institute? What are its objectives?

The ISD aims at establishing a well working platform of education, contacts, and theoretical knowledge for both already working artists as well as for undergraduates. We try to interconnect the cultural sphere with commercial suppliers. We also provide advisory services and support the exchange of experience within the realm of light design, sound design, and video design. As far as our ideological objectives go, to put it simply, we would like to achieve the state of affairs when educational programmes at universities are complex and they bring up future professionals willing to co-operate across the artistic spectre. And I’m not talking only about light designers but also about production managers, scenic designers or directors.

How are you satisfied with what you have achieved so far?

At the very beginning of our existence, Henk van der Geest (a light designer from the Netherlands) kept repeating to us that we had to persist, that running a project of this kind is a long-distance run. And he was right, for a long time we really felt that all our effort was in vain. However, after about a year and a half, first people started to get in touch with us: some wanted a piece of advice, others were interested in launching a co-operation project with us, others wanted us to give workshops. It was then that we started to feel a little cheered up. Of course, the achievement of our aims, especially the general ones concerning the creation of the active platform of the field, still lie ahead in distant future. But things have been moving ahead and that is the most important thing.

Do you think light design in the Czech Republic is moving forward?

As far as general awareness about light design is concerned, I think the situation has become much better. It is undeniable that light is now perceived as an aesthetic element, a means in all kinds of domains, varying from public space, to light objects, design of lamps or modern technology. I would rather be more reserved when it comes to light design and the theatre domain. Firstly, there is very little to evaluate really; secondly, I’m afraid we are not capable to judge the work that has been done in the field objectively, with enough self-criticism. We need to discuss the issue more in public, to compare what we do with what the others do. Of course, the situation is different here from how things work abroad and this applies to light design too: light designers in the Czech Republic work in different conditions which affects their creative processes, their work, the feedback they get, etc. I think most of Czech light-designers look at ISD suspiciously, they are not sure what we are aiming at and, I guess, they are waiting for palpable results to be brought by us to “their” field. On the other hand, all of them are always very open and willing to co-operate and support our activities when it comes to that. And that is something I personally see as a very positive thing, a so to say positive feedback for us in this phase of our existence.

added 03. 01. 2011