February 11, 2025
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News Case Study: The Impact of the Lucia Installation at Winter Wonders, Presented by Brussels Major Events in Belgium
Lucia dans la cour de l'hôtel de ville de Bruxelles lors de Plaisirs d'hiver, 2024-25 © Gonzalo Soldi (mirari) et Anne Lagacé
The Lucia art installation, part of the In bocca al lupo series, is a creation by Studio Mirari and multimedia artist Anne Lagacé. Designed as an immersive and participatory experience, Lucia transforms urban space into a place of connection, creativity, and social interaction. This study highlights the tangible results and positive outcomes of its deployment at Brussels’ annual Winter Wonders event, organized by Brussels Major Events (BME), by analyzing its accessibility, public engagement, and cultural and economic impact.
Results and Public Engagement at Winter Wonders
Lucia was exhibited from November 24, 2024, to January 5, 2025, generating exceptional participation:
5,314
interactions per day on average, demonstrating strong public enthusiasm.
31%
interactions recorded between 2 PM and 5 PM, indicating a peak in attendance during the afternoon.
201,834
crank activations, illustrating active visitor engagement.
1,167
QR code scans to explore additional content, proving increased interest in the artwork.
Gallery
Lucia dans la cour de l’hôtel de ville de Bruxelles lors de Plaisirs d’hiver, 2024-25 © Gonzalo Soldi (mirari) et Anne Lagacé
Lucia dans la cour de l’hôtel de ville de Bruxelles lors de Plaisirs d’hiver, 2024-25 © Gonzalo Soldi (mirari) et Anne Lagacé
Lucia dans la cour de l’hôtel de ville de Bruxelles lors de Plaisirs d’hiver, 2024-25 © Gonzalo Soldi (mirari) et Anne Lagacé
Beyond the physical space
The initiative also fostered cultural communication through the distribution of 2,250 copies of the Lucia Journal, an educational tool highlighting the artists’ work and facilitating dialogue with the public.
Furthermore, Lucia received significant media coverage with 72 press mentions, boosting its visibility and strengthening its cultural reach.
Cultural, Social, and Economic Impacts of Lucia
The presentation of Lucia generated tangible and measurable outcomes:
- Revitalization of Public Space: The installation transformed a mere transit area into a cultural and social attraction point.
- Strengthening Social Ties: By encouraging spontaneous interactions and collective participation.
- Increased Accessibility to Art: Offering an immersive, open-air experience that was accessible to everyone.
- Intergenerational and Intercultural Dialogue: Using a universal artistic language that could be understood by all.
- Stimulation of the Local Economy: The influx of visitors benefitted surrounding businesses and the tourism industry.
Lucia stands as a notable example of the impact immersive art can have in a public space. Through its innovative design, it successfully turned an everyday location into a vibrant cultural and social hub, actively engaging the public and promoting rich and diverse interactions. This project demonstrates that art, when open and participatory, can not only enrich the urban environment but also create a bridge between generations and cultures, while sparking interest in contemporary creation.
