CLEVELAND, OH — A bold new chapter in Cleveland’s lighting legacy begins as Illuminate CLE officially launches in Public Square. The expert team at Vincent Lighting Systems (VLS) helped Destination Cleveland bring this permanent, architecturally integrated lighting installation to life.

Eighteen months in the making, the project was driven by a passion for community transformation and technological artistry. Destination Cleveland hired VLS after being inspired by similar light shows in cities like Montreal and Brussels. The buildout began with design concepts showcasing Destination Cleveland’s brand elements by VLS Project Designer, Steve Arnold, followed by on-site demonstrations to evaluate fixture options from top manufacturers like Vari-Lite, Elation, and SGM. The final design was refined and implemented over months of detailed planning, installation, and testing. Programming began in May 2024, and after transitioning from a virtual concept to a real-world experience in February, the first official show debuted on April 16th, 2025.

The installation features a vibrant six-minute dynamic lighting display that plays every hour on the hour from dusk to 11 p.m., immersing visitors in a unique blend of light, architecture, and emotion. The remaining 50 minutes of each show hour mirror the color scheme of Terminal Tower’s iconic lighting display, commissioned by VLS in 2016. The beacon in Cleveland’s skyline will now be connected thematically to Public Square using lighting projections of color and textures on the ground plane and surrounding buildings. This installation uses control technology from ETC and draws inspiration from the city’s long-standing connection to the lighting industry.

“This project is a perfect example of how lighting can transform public space and spark civic pride,” said Brian Offutt, President of Vincent Lighting Systems. “It’s been an honor to work with Destination Cleveland to help bring their vision to life in such a meaningful way.”

While the recent installation focuses on Public Square, Illuminate CLE is designed to grow—with future phases intended to expand throughout downtown Cleveland, creating a dynamic and evolving lighting landscape across the city.

“Destination Cleveland told us this was about more than lights—it’s about storytelling, community, and reimagining how people experience Cleveland after dark,” said Adam Hayward, Senior Vice President of Sales and Business Development at VLS. “We’re proud to bring our expertise in entertainment and architectural lighting to a project that invites everyone to rediscover their city.”

Illuminate CLE has already drawn widespread praise for its creative impact. As noted in recent media coverage, the installation not only creates new energy downtown but also redefines the after-dark experience for residents and visitors alike.

At the heart of the launch is Bryan Mravec, recently appointed as VLS’s Business Development Director. A Cleveland native, Bryan began as local support during installation, then stepped in during the programming phase to bring creative focus to the project. Eventually, he took on a larger role in show design and client engagement.

“I grew up here—being able to contribute to something permanent in my own city is deeply meaningful,” said Mravec. “Other cities have done temporary displays, but this is bold. It took vision and risk to make it permanent. The excitement we’ve seen during testing has been incredible. This is something people will remember and talk about for years to come.”

The VLS team brought together a unique blend of technical expertise, design vision, and deep client collaboration. Special recognition goes to Michael Boll for his skill in managing and integrating diverse creative and technical inputs, and to Steve Arnold, whose foundational rig design made the show’s execution possible.

Vincent Lighting Systems takes pride in building lasting client relationships—not just delivering projects, but supporting the entire lifecycle with communication, trust, and customized solutions.

The launch of Illuminate CLE is more than a milestone—it’s a movement, one that reflects Cleveland’s creative momentum and its power to inspire through light.

About Vincent Lighting Systems

Vincent Lighting Systems (VLS) provides complete lighting and rigging solutions for entertainment, architectural, and themed environments. With services ranging from design-build and systems integration to rentals and permanent installations, VLS serves clients throughout the Midwest and beyond with a commitment to creativity, technical excellence, and long-term partnership.