Since the designation of Lyon (France) in 2008 as a UNESCO Creative City of Media Arts, numerous projects have been launched to complement the digital revolution in the artistic and cultural fields and facilitate the development of Media Arts in the Metropolis.
Facing the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), the city of Lyon has leveraged its expertise in Media Arts and mobilized cultural institutions to provide numerous online resources in various domains, such as cinema, music, performing arts and archeology to name a few.
Drawing on its extensive experience in Media Arts, notably illustrated by the famous Fête des Lumières, an annual event that illuminates the city’s monuments and squares, Lyon recently designed a dynamic blue light installation to accompany the spontaneous thanks from inhabitants to the medical staff, who are at the frontline during the pandemic. Every evening, until the end of the confinement period, the city lights up the two iconic buildings of Lyon: L’ancien Palais de Justice (the former courthouse) and the Part-Dieu tower fondly known as ‘le Crayon’ (the pencil) to spread the message of hope and solidarity.
Building on the existing flagship project - the Digital Library of Lyon (NUMELYO), created by the Municipal Library of Lyon, the city offers free access to its rich and varied collections, retracing 16 centuries of the city’s history, through manuscripts, photographs and virtual exhibitions. In addition, during the confinement period, the Municipal Library has made its digital resources available free of charge and without subscription, including educational and leisure materials for kids and online press.
The performing arts sector is also being mobilized and has adapted its various offers in the face of the confinement measures. For example, the Opéra de Lyon website has transformed into an integral tool for cultural mediation by screening shows and performances free of charge. The Théâtre du Point du Jour has also created a series of newsletters entitled #Confin’&Créative in collaboration with the artistic teams of the canceled or postponed shows, using various materials such as interviews, concerts, video mapping and radio programmes.
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