The ”Master of Light” Lighting Design Award of Excellence was established by Sándor Böröcz, head of Lisys-Project Ltd. in 2015 to recognize outstanding professionalism, creative vision and innovative solutions. The main goal of the initiative is to provide an opportunity for creativity to come to light, to provide a platform for discussion, exchange of views and celebrate exceptional works together.
Since its foundation, the award has been constantly evolving, and 2023 is no different in this respect. The professional jury is expecting applications in 2 categories until 24:00 on 15 March 2024: entries presenting the value-adding connection between built space and light/ lighting are expected in the architectural lighting category, while light solutions with artistic value and creating experiences are expected in the light art category. Another change is that from 2023 applicants can enter without an entry fee. The competition is open to everyone working permanently in Hungary or to creative teams of up to 3 people, but a maximum of 3 entries can be uploaded per applicant. The announcer of the tender is seeking to receive works that will be realized between 1 January 2022 and 31 December 2023. In addition to the glory, a certificate and a trophy, the winners of the two categories will also receive a cash prize of HUF 1,000,000 for each category.
The image of the award has also been updated; the new logo and website have been inspired by the unmistakable pattern of the award handed over from 2021. The application call and the conditions of submission can be found on the recently renewed website, on the www.afenymestere.hu page. It only takes a few minutes to submit your application. The submission deadline for entries is March 15, 2024 at 24:00. Public voting will take place between 22 and 30 March, and the shortlisted entries will be selected by the jury at the beginning of April. The submitters of the selected entries will have the opportunity to present their entry to the jury and the professional audience participating in the award ceremony at the award ceremony, scheduled to be held at the end of April, followed by an informal professional Q&A. After the presentations, the jury will decide at the award ceremony the winners of The Master of Light 2024 – Architectural Lighting Award of Excellence and the Master of Light 2024 – Light Art Award of Excellence.
Professionalism is guaranteed by and independent jury, including Krisztina Somogyi (visual intelligence researcher, architectural critic), Bálint Botzheim (architect), János Farkas (lighting designer), András Göde (interior designer), András Kertész DLA (architect), András Nagy (member of the creative team of the 2021 winning entry), and László Szász (architect).
There is also going to be a student award this time; the aim of the Junior Master of Light student competition is to provide an opportunity for future talents to introduce themselves and prove their talent. Through the Junior Master of Light Award, ERCO, the sponsor of the award, wishes to recognize the creative work of the applicants. In addition to the Junior Award, several organizations and companies have joined the initiative by sponsoring special awards. A special award is sponsored by Provim Ltd., a member of the KÉSZ Group, the Electrotechnical Section of the Hungarian Chamber of Engineers, new-old Hungarian Architectural Arts, and the Hungarian Interior Design Association also joined the initiative by means of sponsoring two special prizes. The fans’ favourite award is sponsored by Építészfórum (Architects' Forum).
The first and only light festival of Hungary is the Zsolnay Light Festival. Visitors to Pécs can enjoy not only exciting visual-art works, such as mappings and light projections, but also special art productions (street theatre, new circus, concerts, slam poetry, etc.) accompanying the world-class event. For the first time ever, this year, The Master of Light and the Zsolnay Light Festival signed a cooperation agreement aimed at supporting Hungarian light art endeavours.
Those interested in participating in the Master of Light initiative in some form – either as an applicant or as a guest at the award ceremony – are advised to follow the FB site of the award (https://www.facebook.com/afenymestere.masteroflight) and subscribe to the newsletter on the afenymestere.hu site.