Short Description

Now entering its fifth edition, BLINK is one of the largest light, art, and projection experiences in the nation. Since its inception in 2017, it has transformed over 30 city blocks across Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky with large-scale projection mapping, interactive light-based installations, and murals. In 2024, more than 2 million people experienced the festival.

BLINK celebrates the power of public art to build community, spark imagination, and create moments of shared wonder. From immersive installations to projection mapping and painted walls that come to life, the experience is made possible by artists from across the region and around the world.

  • Light-Based Art
  • Projection Mapping, Digital Art + Animation
  • Mural Artists

Eligibility

This application is a Request for Proposals (RFP). BLINK past selected works have featured LED sculptures, kinetic and sound-based pieces, illuminated structures, and interactive light art. However, we are open to any creations that incorporate light and are durable.

  • Clearly articulate a visual concept and describe how it will be experienced in a nighttime, light-based environment. Proposals may include existing works or newly developed concepts.
  • Demonstrate functionality, interactivity, and durability in a public setting
  • Show originality, storytelling, and thoughtful placemaking
  • Complete the concept proposal budget using the provided template
  • Include supporting images or renderings

What We’re Looking For in Artists:

  • Demonstrate experience in projection mapping or large-scale digital artwork, including work on large or complex surfaces such as buildings, murals, or sculptures
  • Show strong visual storytelling capabilities and bring a distinctive artistic voice to public spaces and audiences
  • Incorporate sound or original music as a core component of their work (not required)
  • Bring a distinctive artistic voice to public space and public audiences
  • Push the boundaries of technology to tell stories or evoke emotion

Optional Concept Proposal: If you already have ideas for BLINK 2026, you may submit a concept or sketch — though this is not required:

  • Artworks or performances that advertise a commercial product or brand will not be accepted
  • BLINK is a family-friendly event, and work must be appropriate for all ages
  • Applicants may submit more than one concept for consideration

How to Apply

Program Benefits & Awards

Curate 8–12 new permanent Murals:

  • Murals are our most limited opportunity and the medium with the highest emphasis of bringing in world-class artists from outside the Cincinnati region. The BLINK project team aims to add to the vibrant and storied history of public art in Cincinnati by building on our portfolio of public art in and around the Findlay Market neighborhood.  
  • Inquiring muralists should have demonstrated a history and experience of producing large-scale public murals.  
  • Mural site selection will be determined by the BLINK project team and discussed with the mural artists in advance of the festival.

Exhibit 25–35 temporary Light-Based Art Installations:

  • Lighted-art installations can vary in size and budget with the majority of projects being funded with a $3,500-$12,500 honorarium range. While there are opportunities for funding outside of this range, we ask you to consider projects you can realize inside of this budget and only submit projects outside of this budget with the understanding that they may disqualify you for consideration.  
  • View the BLINK 2024 map here. You can use this map to familiarize yourself with past installation sites and to help ground your proposal. While not required, referencing a preferred location may strengthen your application by demonstrating thoughtful site integration. Final installation locations are determined by the BLINK project team and are subject to change at our discretion at any time for any reason.  
  • Please note that artists applying for light-based installations are not responsible for the cost of power, security, or site rentals. Artists are responsible for securing the necessary labor required to install and de-install their installation in the scheduled timeline.  

Illuminate 25–35 Projection Mapping/Digital Animation Installations:

  • Inquiring artists should demonstrate history and/or experience of designing/producing digital designs/animations.
  • Projection Mapping and Digital Art + Animation projects will be assigned a location (building or mural) at the discretion of the BLINK project team. If you have an idea or proposed project site for your work, please let us know where you are most inspired to work, and the BLINK project team will discuss it with you if you are selected for a project interview. Requested sites/murals are not guaranteed.  
  • Projection artists will be provided with high-resolution photos and a pixel map of their projection location; however, artists will be responsible for creating/implementing their own methods and models to generate the projection installation.  
  • Honorarium stipends for projection mapping/digital animation installations typically range between $7,500-$12,50,0 depending on the level of complexity of the project site and quality of work expected.
  • Please note that projection/animation artists are not responsible for any costs associated with equipment rental (media servers, projectors, lenses, scaffolding, etc.), power, security, or staffing of their installations.  Projection/animation artists are responsible for the creation and digital delivery of their artwork.
  • Projection/animation artists will work with a dedicated BLINK project team for all project management aspects of their commission, including regular check-ins, virtual calls, Slack messages, and project milestone requirements.  

Entry Fee

None

Location

Cincinnati, OH, United States

Timeline

  • Application Deadline: 8 October 2025

Website Link: https://www.blinkcincinnati.com/get-involved/call-to-artists

Award/PrizeCompetitionHonorariumProduction budgetProject