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The slogan and the theme artwork have already been revealed for the 63th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest recently. ESCapeNews have just obtained exciting news about the stage design!

And today, Eurovision 2018 stage is revealed.

Florian Wieder, Stage Designer for the 2018 Eurovision Song Contest:

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

The contest will take place in Altice Arena in Lisbon, as already revealed. The arena has a capacity of 20000 audience, which received a positive response from Eurovision fans. As you may remember, the capacity of last year’s arena in Ukraine was thought to be insufficient by most of the fans, and Ukraine was criticised on their organization.

 

 So, who designed the stage?

According to official statement Eurovision 2018 stage is designed by ‘Wieder Design’, the German company which also designed the stages of 2011,2012,2015 and 2017. The company was founded in 1995 by Florian Wieder, and it was highly experienced after designing the previous four stages. In his interviews, Wieder often emphasizes how he internalizes Eurovision spirit, saying “I love the idea behind Eurovision Song Contest”. Eurovision stages are not the only success of this company, but they also designed the stages of big events such as MTV 2007- 2009 Europe Award (BDA Promax Award Gold), 2012 MTV Film and MTV Video Awards 2010-2012 (Primetime Emmy Award), German Echo, Deutschland sucht den Superstar, Schlag den Raab.

Florian Wieder also explained in an interview that he had had different ideas for last year’s stage, but he had to give up on some extras because of inadequate financial sources. In the video below, you can see the initial plan of Wieder for the stage of Eurovision 2017.

And here is Eurovision 2018’s stage;

“The conceptual requirements aimed to breathe a Portuguese identity, to be elegant, modern and, at the same time, unique and distinctive,” said Paulo Resende, Deputy Executive Producer of Eurovision 2018. “To ensure the difference from previous editions this stage should represent a strong statement by itself. The result was an outstanding masterpiece designed by Florian Wieder that entirely meets the concept and editorial narrative for this project.”
Paulo Resende explained that the design is also reflective of Portugal’s history and culture. “It reflects a Portuguese identity in a very elegant and distinctive way, addresses a certain modernity respecting the Portuguese legacy and, moreover, the created visual ambience underlines a consistent difference. This will be the right staging for all the performers to express their songs and artistic moments and, certainly, no one shall remain unresponsive and indifferent.”

What do you think about Eurovision 2018’s stage design? Please comment and share with us.