RTP, the Portuguese national broadcaster and the EBU have revealed the name of the man who will be responsible for the 2018 Eurovision Song Contest stage design.
Florian Wieder is back in the game and will be responsible to develop the Eurovision stage design for the 5th time.
Florian Wieder’s portfolio includes the Eurovision stages in Düsseldorf (2011), Baku (2012), Vienna (2015) and Kyiv (2017). He has worked on projects such as The X Factor talent show in Great Britain and the USA, and the MTV Video Music Awards.
Florian is amongst the most sought after stage designers in the world today having gained much fame, name and recognition. He has achieved many awards and worked on many international events and projects throughout the world.
Wieder wins over organisers
RTP invited several national and international designers of recognized experience to present a proposal for the 2018 Eurovision Song Contest stage design.
Out of the 9 proposals received, Florian Wieder’s proposal was considered the best and most appropriate to the concept defined for the event, bringing together the unanimity of all elements of the creative team and executive production.
As with the logos and the slogan, the design of the stage is inspired by the history of Portugal and the country’s connection with the ocean.
The designer, Florian Wieder, started from four points as inspiration for the scenographic design of the Eurovision Song Contest 2018: the ocean, the ships, the maps and navigation.
The 2018 Eurovision stage design was unveiled earlier today.
Florian Wieder says:
The rich history of the Portuguese as a maritime nation reflects, without any boundaries, all of the values that make the Eurovision Song Contest unique today. Portugal and especially Lisbon are historic melting pots enriched by the impressions of newly discovered cultures that were brought back to the home port. This is mainly due to the Portuguese sailor men, who traveled the seas with courage and outstanding skills of navigation.
The 2018 Eurovision Song Contest will take you on an expedition through many different cultures in Europe and around the world. A journey through the high seas of music that pursues to discover, connect and ultimately unite the nations. Portugal stands for bringing together countries and their cultures. In 2018 Portugal will unite the music of Europe. With this Eurovision Song Contest stage, Portugal will be the navigator and compass again.
About the 2018 Eurovision venue: Altice Arena
The Altice Arena (Atlantic Pavillion) has the capacity of accommodating circa 20,000 spectators and is located in the Expo 98 complex in the Portuguese capital.
The venue is very close to Lisbon’s International Airport and there are lots of restaurants, hotels, attractions and entertainment hubs in the proximity, including the Vasco de Gama Shopping Centre and the Lisbon Ocenarium.
The multi-purpose indoor arena lies next to the extraordinary Oriente Station overlooking the Tagus river.
The Eurovision arena is just a 20 minute ride from downtown Lisbon by metro. Lisbon’s metro is an excellent means of transport connecting the 2018 Eurovision arena both to the city centre and airport.
The Altice Arena was built in 1998 specially for the Lisbon Expo 98 and designed by Regino Cruz. The arena has great experience in hosting both international sports and musical events, accommodating thousands of spectators.
The Altice Arena consists of a number of halls and venues: The Altice Arena Hall (Eurovision venue), The Tejo Hall, Business Centre, Moche Room, Arena Box and Portugal Pavillion.
We must not forget that the Altice Arena is a versatile venue which can adjust itself and has great experience in hosting a variety of events, such as trade fairs, concerts, conventions, corporate meetings, catering, seminars and corporate meetings.
Having hosted circa 1,900 events in its 19 year history it is amongst Europe’s most sought after arenas and the perfect place to host Eurovision come May!
The 2018 Eurovision Song Contest is scheduled to be held on 8, 10 and 12 May 2018 in at the Altice Arena in Lisbon, Portugal.
