Organizer Information:

Scottsdale Arts hosts Canal Convergence, an annual, free, 10-day event at the Scottsdale Waterfront. The event celebrates the confluence of water, art, and light, transforming the banks of the Arizona Canal with large-scale, interactive installations.

Title & Description:

Applications are open for Canal Convergence 2026: "Most Western".

This call seeks outdoor, temporary, light-based public artworks to be installed in, around, or suspended above the Arizona Canal. Nighttime activation is strictly required, while daytime presence is highly encouraged. For its 15th anniversary, the event's central theme is "Most Western," challenging artists to explore the visual and cultural landscapes of the American West and Arizona (while carefully avoiding cultural appropriation). Installations must be durable enough to withstand outdoor conditions, and interactive, modular, or suspended works are highly prioritized.

Category:

Public Art / Light Installations.

(Open to multimedia specialists, architects, designers, and installation artists).

Eligibility:

  • Who: Local, regional, and international artists or teams.
  • Requirements: International applicants must include a remote installation option.

Program Benefits & Awards:

  • Budget: Typical commissions range from $5,000 to $35,000 USD (with select major works up to $45,000 USD).
  • In-Kind Support: The organizers provide heavy equipment (aerial lifts, forklifts), power access, overnight security, and basic installation staff at no cost.

Application Fee:

Free.

Program Costs:

  • Selected artists must provide proof of general liability insurance ($1 million per occurrence / $2 million aggregate). Artists are responsible for the physical and financial management of their installation.

Application Requirements:

This is Phase I of a two-part process. Submit your proposal via Submittable, including a conceptual description (max 300 words), interactive details, up to 6 renderings of the proposed work, 6 images of past work, an estimated budget, a 3-page CV, and written responses to specific theme prompts. (You may submit up to 3 distinct proposals).

How to Apply?

Submit your application via the official Canal Convergence Submittable portal.

Key Dates:

  • Application Deadline: April 9, 2026 (11:59 PM MST).
  • Phase II Notification: April 28–30, 2026.
  • Exhibition Dates: November 6–15, 2026.

Location:

Scottsdale, Arizona, USA.

Contact Information:

Email: JenniferG@ScottsdaleArts.org (Jennifer Gill)