Keynote:
Lighting the Sound: Creative Power, Global Stage - Streaming from Australia
Kari Kola is one of the world’s most renowned light artists, celebrated for his ability to transform landscapes, cities and iconic landmarks into immersive experiences of light and atmosphere. His work masterfully blends technology, emotion, and nature — creating moments that spark awe and connection.
At SOHJO 2026, Kola will deliver an exclusive keynote online from Australia, where he has just premiered Lighting the Sound — the world’s largest light installation, stretching across the dramatic coastal landscape of Western Australia. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process, scale, and vision behind a globally significant art project.
With a background in lighting UNESCO World Heritage sites (including Stonehenge and the Cliffs of Moher), Kari has collaborated with the BBC, CERN and numerous European Capitals of Culture. In his hometown Joensuu, he owns and develops Botania, a botanical garden and light art venue - turning nature and innovation into a continuous artistic dialogue.
Now, from the southern hemisphere’s biggest cultural stage back to Eastern Finland, Kola reflects on the power of light, creativity and connection — and what it means to create luminous futures.