EssilorLuxottica’s ‘Eyes on Art’ initiative makes art accessible to people in new and innovative ways by sharing it in all its forms, without limits or borders, through large urban digital screens.
Through ‘Eyes on Art’, EssilorLuxottica openly shares artistic works, cultural heritage, hidden gems and popular masterpieces to encourage everyone to experience the fascination of art. The Company aims to give back to local communities where it operates, while protecting cultural heritage and offering opportunities to enjoy and appreciate art in innovative ways. Below are a few highlights of the initiative.
Showcasing art collections on digital screens in Milan
‘Eyes on Art’ began with EssilorLuxottica showcasing some of Italy’s most important permanent art collections on its digital outdoors screens in Milan during the pandemic in 2020 to allow as many people as possible to enjoy and admire art in public places with high traffic.
Partnerships with prominent and traditional museums include: Pinacoteca Ambrosiana, Pinacoteca di Brera, Museo Poldi Pezzoli, Museo Teatrale alla Scala, Fondazione Prada and Museo Bagatti Valsecchi.
The project is ongoing today with new digital art projects, including a collaboration with Meet Digital Cultural Center to showcase an immersive art experience called “Renaissance Dreams” from artist Refik Anadol.
Bringing art to Times Square through ‘Midnight Moment’
‘Eyes on Art’ joined the Midnight Moment program in 2021 in New York City’s Times Square: displaying the latest digital work by famous artist David Hockney, entitled “Remember you cannot look at the sun or death for very long” and other works, including “Possible World” by the Ethiopian artist Ezra Wube, “Building Things” by Wood and Harrison, and more. Recently marking its tenth year, Midnight Moment is the world’s longest-running digital public art program that synchronizes and displays contemporary artwork on more than 92 billboards in Times Square within minutes of the stroke of midnight for the benefit of millions of public viewers.
CIRCA: An art and culture platform with purpose
Under an annual partnership with art & culture platform CIRCA, which challenges the concept of public art by stopping the clock on digital billboards around the world, EssilorLuxottica’s large screens in Milan and New York hosted “Where do you go from now?” by Ai Weiwei and Marina Abramovic, the global exhibition in the lead up to the 2021 Climate Change Conference that featured world leading artists, activists and thinkers. The Company also displayed ‘Imagine Peace’ by Yoko Ono through the CIRCA collaboration.
Urban Pixels, NFT digital art debuts in Milan, London and New York
An important moment in the history of digital art, EssilorLuxottica is bringing NFT (Non-Fungible Token) art outdoors for the first time on giant screens as part of the Urban Pixels public exhibit curated by the Museum of Contemporary Digital Art (MOCDA). From May 23 to July 10, five artists exhibited their works in Milan, London, and New York City.
Accessible art for the visually impaired with Alain Mikli
EssilorLuxottica eyewear brand Alain Mikli has made art accessible to the visually impaired since 2003 through patronage with leading art museums and theaters in Paris. From an international tactile exhibit with French photographer Yann Arthus-Bertrand and contemporary art interpretations at the Pompidou Center to collaborations with the Musée du quai Branly Jacques Chirac and more, the Alain Mikli brand is involved in a long list of inspiring art-related actions to benefit those with visual impairments.
In June 2022, Alain Mikli supported the international ‘Les Nuits de Fourvières’ performing arts festival in Lyon, France, by exhibiting dedicated tactile representations of the ancient Roman theaters, part of the UNESCO world heritage.
