Lighting Up the Future: The BLINK Phenomenon

Session details:

Step into the illuminated world of BLINK, the nation’s largest immersive art experience, with Justin Brookhart, Executive Director of Public Art and Placemaking at AGAR. As co-creators of BLINK, AGAR has helped shape this awe-inspiring, city-wide festival into a global destination for immersive art and cultural innovation. Serving as Executive Director for both the 2022 and 2024 events, Justin will offer a behind-the-scenes look at how BLINK transforms urban space with projection mapping, interactive installations, light-based performance, and large-scale public art—drawing over 2.2 million attendees and creating a $129M regional impact.

This session will unpack the creative direction, technical execution, and cultural intentionality behind the most recent BLINK festival, while also looking ahead to the future of immersive placemaking. Whether you're producing live shows, building new kinds of audience engagement, or looking to turn everyday spaces into extraordinary experiences, this conversation will explore how collective wonder becomes a powerful tool for connection and transformation.

Takeaways:

● Learn how BLINK, the largest cabled event in the country, blends art, light, and interactivity to activate urban space at a massive scale.

● Explore how experiential storytelling can drive both cultural impact and civic pride.

● Understand the technical considerations behind city-wide projection, lighting, and live integration.

● Discover the role of artists and the community in co-creating immersive public art.

● Leave inspired to design moments of connection, creativity, and cultural wonder in your own work