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Geneva Artistink x Skynight: Design and technical implementation of an immersive stage at Palexpo
For its first edition, the Geneva Artistink took over Hall 1 at Palexpo in Geneva, bringing together more than 250 artists from a variety of disciplines.
In this context, Skynight was commissioned to design and deploy the entire technical setup for the main stage, including sound, lighting, video, and recording.
The goal: to provide a reliable and adaptable system capable of supporting a wide range of performances while ensuring a seamless experience for the audience.
An immersive arts festival in the heart of Geneva
With the Geneva Artistink, Geneva is hosting a new event dedicated to contemporary artistic creation.
Held at Palexpo, this festival stands out for its ability to bring together a variety of disciplines in one place, centered around an immersive and dynamic approach to art.
Tattooing, painting, sculpture, photography, and live performances: these worlds intersect, respond to one another, and complement each other.
Visitors move freely between the spaces, discover artists at work, and watch demonstrations in real time.
The technical challenges of the project
Behind the launch of Geneva Artistink, several technical constraints shaped the project:
- A very tight setup schedule
The entire stage setup (structure, sound, lighting, video, recording) had to be assembled in a single day, requiring precise coordination among the teams. - A controlled budget
The installation had to remain high-performing and visually striking, while making the most of the technical resources available. - Integration of video capture and streaming
The system was designed to enable live recording of performances, with on-screen display to enhance visibility and immersion. - A specific technical environment
The installation in Hall 1 of Palexpo required adaptation to a large space, with constraints regarding layout and sound distribution.
These considerations guided the design toward a solution that is consistent, reliable, and suitable for use throughout the duration of the event.
A comprehensive technical system designed to enhance performance
Every element has been designed to work seamlessly together, with one goal in mind: to ensure a faithful and immersive performance, regardless of the type of stage production.
1) Structure and Stage Design
The core of the setup is a 6m x 10m stage, capable of accommodating various artistic configurations.
It features a square freestanding structure, reaching a 5.50 meters in height, which serves as a support for the rigging of sound, lighting, and video equipment.
This configuration ensures stability, safety, and flexibility in the setup.
2) Video equipment and recording
The system includes:
- 1 video projector with 12,000 lumens, suitable for large-scale environments
- 1 projection screen measuring 345 cm x 203 cm, mounted directly to the structure
- 2 Panasonic UE150 PTZ cameras, offering smooth and versatile recording
- 1 Atem Mini Extreme video switcher for managing video feeds
This system allows for live recording of performances, with instant broadcast on screen, enhancing the audience's immersion.
3) Professional sound system
The sound system has been designed to effectively cover the entire area while ensuring clarity and precision.
The system includes:
- 2 line arrays, each consisting of 6 Meyer Sound Leopard speakers on either side of the stage, mounted to the structure
- 2 Meyersound 2100 LFC subwoofers positioned on the floor for low frequencies
- 6 Meyersound MJF-210 speakers used as side fills to provide side coverage
- 4 Meyersound ULTRA X40 speakers used as front fills for even sound coverage across the front
The system provides balanced sound distribution, suitable for both live performances and public speaking.
4) Lighting and stage atmosphere
The lighting was designed to complement the performances while creating a dynamic visual atmosphere.
The lighting system includes:
- 6 Diablo S motorized spotlights
- 6 wash MAC AURA XB
- 4 ColorStrike M strobe lights
- 4 Briteq blinders
- 6 OXO Colorzoom 180
- 24 P4 Drop LED spotlights
In addition:
- a fog machine to enhance the visual effects
- a GrandMA 3 lighting console on a PC with a Wing XT controller for operation
This device allows you to adjust the lighting in real time, depending on performance and the desired atmosphere.
5) Electrical Distribution and Technical Management
The entire stage is supported by a complete electrical distribution system, sized to safely power all the equipment.
Team organization and deployment
The project was implemented using a structured approach tailored to time and operational constraints:
- Setup: 1 day / 7 technicians
Complete installation of the stage and equipment (structure, rigging, sound, lighting, video). - Operations: 3 days / 3 technicians
Technical monitoring, performance management, and real-time adjustments. - Dismantling: ½ day / 5 technicians
Quick and efficient removal of the entire system.
This deployment underscores the importance of seamless coordination and meticulous execution at every stage of the project.
A look back at the event and its impact
For three days, the stage set the tone for Geneva Artistink by hosting a wide variety of performances.
Live demonstrations, artistic interventions, and opportunities for interaction: each segment helped create a lively and immersive atmosphere.
The technical system made it possible to enhance performance without restricting it.
Video recording and on-screen projection enhanced visibility for the audience, while the sound and lighting perfectly complemented every moment.
One of the major challenges was to maintain a smooth experiencedespite the succession of formats.
Thanks to expert execution, the transitions flowed naturally, without disrupting the rhythm of the event.
For the audience, immersion was at the heart of the experience.
The proximity to the artists, combined with a simple yet effective staging, helped create an environment conducive to discovery and interaction.
Ultimately, this project demonstrates how a well-designed technical system can blend into an artistic world, enhancing the impact of the performances without ever overshadowing them.
The success of this first edition of Geneva Artistink is due to close collaboration among the various project partners.
We would like to thank thethe Elixir Arts association for organizing this event and for entrusting Skynight with the technical setup.
Thanks also to the teams at Palexpo for their support and collaboration throughout the project, particularly in managing the constraints related to space and installation.
This type of project illustrates the importance of teamwork, where every participant contributes to the overall success of the event.
Skynight, a technical partner for creative events
Every event has its own constraints, challenges, and unique character.
At Skynight, our approach is to design technical solutions tailored to each project, taking into account the objectives, context, and available resources.
From design to operation, we support event organizers in implementing reliable, cohesive solutions built to last throughout the event.
Our role goes beyond mere installation: above all, it involves creating a technical environment capable of adapting, evolving, and supporting the experience we deliver.
Geneva Artistink exemplifies this ability to balance technical constraints with artistic standards in an environment where responsiveness and precision are essential.
Do you have an event or a stage design project in mind? Our teams are here to discuss your ideas and assist you.
