In 2017 ‘Viva Arte Viva, the 57th International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia’, curated by Christine Macel, hosted Eliasson’s ‘Green light — An artistic workshop’. Initiated by Eliasson in collaboration with Thyssen-Bornemisza Art Contemporary (TBA21) in Vienna, Austria, in 2016, the project is a response to the current geopolitical situation in which millions of people have been uprooted by war and violence as well as to broader issues surrounding global migration. It shines a metaphoric green light to asylum seekers, refugees, and economic migrants by inviting them to participate in a multi-faceted program of creativity and shared learning. This includes a workshop for the construction of ‘Green light’ lamps, as well as language courses, seminars, artist’s interventions, and film screenings.
To test the process and materials before going to Venice, the ‘Green light’ team held a version of the lamp-building workshop for studio members.