River of Light was started in 2016 by artist Behjat Omer Abdulla, who is still a central part of the project today. It began in response to the refugee crisis. In 2015, more than 35,000 unaccompanied children applied for asylum in Sweden. In Gothenburg, there were not enough places for young people who needed a safe home. What was first planned as a single event became River of Light. Artists from Valand Academy came together with children, many of whom had just arrived from Syria and Afghanistan, to make lanterns together. On 20 February 2016, 150 handmade lanterns were carried through the city. In the winter darkness, they formed a river of light, a celebration of hope for the future. This first procession became the starting point for what is now the organisation River of Light. We continue to make, build and light lanterns together.