Media Release

Aurora, Ill. – From October 10 through 26, the City of Aurora will be transformed into a luminous playground as Monochronicle, an urban art and design studio that transforms public spaces through innovative technology, will curate LUMENAURA, powered by IBEW Locals 461 & 701, an immersive art, light, and sound experience. The light festival will span the City’s entire downtown area and will be free and open to the public. In its inaugural year, LUMENAURA drew tens of thousands of visitors of all ages to experience cutting-edge immersive art in public spaces.

Monochronicle has played a critical role in curating a roster of national and international artists to showcase their artwork, including artists from the United Kingdom, Germany, Hungary, Canada, and across the United States. LUMENUARA reflects the theme of convergence, where art, technology, and community meet to create shared experiences. Interactive highlights include responsive light sculptures, laser graffiti, enchanted fountains, train car installations, rooftop laser shows, and installations that react to human presence and environmental stimuli.

“LUMENAURA represents the future of public art, where cutting-edge technology enhances, experiences, and transforms audiences into part of the artwork itself,” Iryan Kanishcheva, Founder of Monochronicle, said. “We believe the art outcome depends on the process. This year, we are grateful to the City of Aurora for embracing bold ideas, enabling us to present a diverse lineup, showcase innovation, and expand the festival’s impact.”

During LUMENAURA’s opening weekend, taking place from October 10 through 12, the City of Aurora will host LUMENAURA Festival Weekend, which will also include an exciting array of live music and cultural programming. Performances include Native American storytelling, drum circles, and concerts from 80s cover band Sixteen Candles, soulful hits from Motown Nation, and a Selena tribute group. Roving performers such as circus acts, fire breathers, and wandering musicians will also animate the streets. During LUMENAURA’s second weekend, from October 17 through 18, the City will host additional public programming, including an all ages Silent Disco Part and the opening of Illoominated II by Todd Moyer Designs, an innovative projection-mapping installation of lasers and projectors.

“The City of Aurora is proud to present LUMENAURA as an accessible and inclusive event for all of our residents and visitors,” Katrina Boatright, Aurora Senior and Disability Services Manager, said. “This immersive experience reflects a heightened focus on creating a space that is more welcoming and considerate of individuals of all abilities, including those with mobility challenges and sensory sensitivities. By prioritizing accessibility in both design and delivery, LUMENAURA invites everyone to explore, engage, and enjoy the wonder of light together.”

Accessibility and inclusivity remain central to the festival, with all installations welcoming audiences of varying abilities and ages. 90 percent of the artwork on display is ADA accessible and the festival will also feature a soothing space for sensory-sensitive visitors, an ASL interpreter, and select installations with audio description. Golf car transportation for guests with mobility needs will also be offered, while designated pathways between each art installation will assist all visitors, including those with wheelchair needs.

Overview of Artists and Works

•  Emergence by ThisIsLoop (United Kingdom) - A mirrored immersive installation exploring chaos, order, and emergent systems.

•  Bonfire by LedBlade (Hungary) - A pixel-controlled light sculpture with fog and smell, creating a communal and heartwarming atmosphere.

•  Threshold by Daniel Murray and FuzzPop Workshop (United States) - A water-inspired, interactive, large-scale inflatable sculpture blending interior and exterior spaces.

•  Quantum Jungle by Robin Baumgarten (Germany) - A playful, touch-sensitive visualization of quantum physics using LEDs and metal springs

•  Illoominated II and Laser Graffiti by Todd Moyer (United States) - Interactive light experiences merging history, technology, and community participation

•  The Door by BigArt (United States) - An interactive portal exploring opportunity, change, and human connection.

•  Enchanted Oasis by Jeff Cason (United States) - A multi-sensory transformation of a fountain plaza into a living, animated garden.

•  Up-Next by Oliver Lewis (United States) - A recycled plastic sculpture of a classic television set, letting the audience manipulate kaleidoscopic light.

•  Echoes of Connection by Daniel Eller (United States) - Nostalgic payphones, leave a message, you never know who’s listening.

•  Vivid Volume by Scott Boeing (United States) - A dynamic 3D light grid that mirrors participants’ movements in real time.

•  Interactive Video Wall by Zenith Creative (United States) - A multimedia installation blending lighting, sound, and motion capture to spark playful interaction.

•  Invisible Currents, Projection Mapping by Alina Nazmeeva (United States) - Turning Aurora’s architecture into an illuminated storytelling canvas and living gardens.

•  Planet Swap by Monochronicle Team (Collaborative) - A laser-mapped light show that outlines the historical architecture of the Paramount Theatre.

•  Lux Arcana by Crystal Wagner and Logan Luckey (United States) - A human controlled light sculpture installed on a Metra train car in service from Chicago to Aurora.

Overview of Public Programs

LUMENAURA Festival Weekend will feature three nights of live concerts, opening on Friday, October 10 at 5 P.M. at The Mayan, located ay 77 S. Stolp Avenue, with a Native ceremony led by the Firekeeper, who will ignite the Bonfire LED sculpture. The celebration continues on Saturday, October 11 with a drum circle, storytelling, and traditional songs, honoring Indigenous history, while converging with futuristic art. Gates for LUMENAURA Festival Weekend musical performances will open one hour prior to bands starting each day. All persons and bags will be subject to search before entering the Festival.

The second weekend of LUMENAURA introduces special activations, including an all-ages Silent Disco Party and Illoominated II by Todd Moyer Designs, an innovative projection-mapped installation of lasers and projectors that appear to weave a radiant digital tapestry. This piece not only went viral online, but gained significant traction for its creative experimental design approach of combining art and technology. The Festival also offers opportunities for youth engagement, including a workshop where young participants can explore the fundamentals of 3D design and animation with award-winning artist Alina Nazmeeva.

For more information on the activities and full band lineup, please visit www.experiencelumenaura.com.

About Monochronicle

Monochronicle is a pioneering public art marketplace and consultancy, combining a high-profile artist network with AI-powered tools for artist selection and project management. Built by artists and producers with over a decade of global experience, Monochronicle opens access to large-scale art to individuals, businesses, and institutions alike while providing more jobs to artists worldwide. The platform fosters transparency, inclusivity, and efficiency in commissioning processes. For more information, visit www.monochronicle.com.

About The City of Aurora, Illinois

Located just 35 miles west of Chicago, Aurora is the second largest city in Illinois with a population of nearly 200,000. Aurora is known as the “City of Lights” because it was one of the first in the nation to illuminate its streets with electric lights. Situated along the Fox River and the Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway (Interstate 88), the city extends 46 square miles encompassing Kane, DuPage, Kendall, and Will Counties. For more information, visit www.aurora.il.us.

CONTACT: Jon Zaghloul, [email protected], (630) 291-0021