Organizer Information
The City of Redmond, Washington, runs this call through its Cultural Arts Program, in coordination with the Redmond Arts & Culture Commission (RACC) — a nine-member, Mayor-appointed, Council-confirmed advisory commission that advises the city on arts policies and programming and sponsors programs alongside the Redmond Parks and Recreation Department and community organizations. The Cultural Arts Program issues public art calls for various projects, sites, and events across the city on an ongoing basis, with selections made by community panels that recommend finalists to the Commission for approval.
Redmond Lights itself is an established annual winter celebration featuring illuminated public art installations; it has run for multiple years (previous editions include 2022, 2023, and 2024 calls), traditionally centered on Downtown Park with a kickoff event and, since the program resumed post-pandemic, a first-Saturday-of-December luminary trail.
Title & Description
2026 Redmond Lights Temporary Public Art Call
Artists are invited to submit one proposal for a new or existing temporary illuminated artwork to be featured as part of Redmond Lights, the City of Redmond's winter celebration of illuminated art installations. Selected works will be installed across two Redmond parks for the duration of the event, from December 4, 2026, through January 4, 2027.
Note: the source explicitly states that proposals for video/projection work using the built-in projector on the Buoyant Pavilion fall under a separate, distinct call and should not be submitted through this one.
Categories
- Public Art
- Light Art
- Installation Art
- New Media
- Interactive Art
Eligibility
- Open to artists submitting new or existing temporary illuminated artworks
- Each artist may submit only one proposal/application for Redmond Lights
- Proposed artwork must not have been exhibited at Redmond Lights within the last 5 years
- No nationality, residency, or age restriction stated in the source
Program Benefits & Awards
- Awards of up to $5,000 per selected artwork
- Selected artists' names listed on on-site signage and promotional/outreach materials (headshot and bio required from selected artists)
- Exposure through public installation across two high-visibility city parks during a month-long public event, including the December 5, 2026 Redmond Lights kickoff at Downtown Park
Application Fee
None
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Optional Pitch Night: Thursday, August 20, 2026, 4:30–6:00 p.m.
- Application Deadline: Sunday, August 30, 2026, 11:00 p.m. PST
- Selection Announced: Monday, September 14, 2026
- 60% Design Review: Week of November 2, 2026
- Installation Window: December 1–3, 2026
- Redmond Lights Kick-off Event: December 5, 2026, at Downtown Park
- Redmond Lights Public Display Period: December 4, 2026 – January 4, 2027
- Deinstallation: Tuesday, January 5, 2027, 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location
Redmond, Washington, United States
Additional Details
Installation guidelines:
- Installations may be illuminated 2D or 3D multimedia works, including but not limited to projections, LED lights, lanterns, lasers, AR, interactive light installations, and sound/sensor use (no amplified sound)
- Any electrical component must run off a single standard 20 amp/120V circuit
- Artwork must be waterproof, weatherproof, and able to remain installed outdoors for the entire four-week run (December through the first week of January)
- Artwork must be freestanding and stable — it cannot be attached to park infrastructure such as trees, benches, or the pavilion
- Artwork must have no lasting physical impact on the site ("leave no trace")
- Artist is responsible for all installation and de-installation; alternative accommodations considered case-by-case
- Artwork must require little to no maintenance for the duration of the exhibit and not depend on event staff for upkeep
Selection criteria (panel-reviewed):
- Prior experience with or demonstrated ability to complete projects of similar scale
- Feasibility within the stated budget, timeline, and installation guidelines
- Appropriateness for the specific location and event
- Illumination and visual engagement in both daytime and nighttime
- Artwork must not have been shown at Redmond Lights within the past 5 years
- Artistic merit, originality, and creativity
Other terms:
- The City of Redmond reserves the right to reproduce accepted work via print, film, or electronic media for documentary, educational, and promotional purposes
- Selected artists must maintain ongoing communication about project evolution and site needs, participate in a 60% design review/studio visit with event staff, and submit images of the completed artwork prior to installation
- Artwork must be installed and ready for public display by December 3, 2026, and remain on view through the full run of Redmond Lights
- The City reserves the right to alter the selection process or recommend non-funding if deemed necessary
- If a piece deviates significantly from its approved proposal by the 60% design review stage, it will be decommissioned unless re-approved at the next Redmond Arts & Culture Commission meeting