City of Albany’s bicentenary program reveals Finnish artist Kari Kola light installation in King George Sound

A UNESCO-approved “light artist” who has created installations in the Colosseum, Stonehenge and the Eiffel Tower will soon turn his sights to Albany, with the recently announced bicentenary program confirming a large-scale installation for 2026. Finnish artist Kari Kola will illuminate 1000ha of land surrounding King George Sound in his piece Lighting the Sound, with the installation making up one of seven flagship events in Albany’s bicentenary program. This will be the first time the artist has displayed his iconic pieces in Australia. The light installation will be accompanied by two others run by non-profit FORM Building a State of Creativity: a vocal showcase featuring local stories called Albany Is, and one of the biggest ever performative gatherings staged in WA, called Carrying the Fire. Kola, who refers to himself as a light artist, has worked on more than 2000 installations in UNESCO-listed landmarks and vulnerable sites across the world. The six other events of the program include a Menang Noongar museum exhibition, a production by WA Opera and Breaksea, an exhibition of old photography, a theatrical performance of Albany’s history by THEATRE 180, an immersive sound and light walk and community events. City of Albany mayor Greg Stocks said the program was curated with a Menang-first approach that aims to highlight both the ancient connection the Indigenous community has to the land and how Albany’s modern multicultural population can move together. “This program is very much about highlighting our community’s shared history which extends beyond the past 200 years and represents many different backgrounds and influences,” he said. “It’s also equally important that this occasion tells the stories that bring us together and unite our community to look forward to a shared and prosperous future.” The bicentenary, which will be WA’s first, is supported by a $5 million Lotterywest grant. Mr Stocks labelled the program “one of the largest procurements of arts and culture in regional WA” and it is expected to draw audiences from all over Australia. “We’re very grateful for the support of Lotterywest and the community in bringing this program together for such an important milestone as 2026,” he said. “Albany has a deep history and an abundance of creative passion and talent, and these events will only further enhance our capacity and reputation as a regional centre for arts and culture.”