Organizer Information
The Copenhagen Light Festival is a non-profit association that has transformed Denmark's capital into a luminous landscape during the winter months since 2017. Supported by foundations, the City of Copenhagen, and local partners, the festival is a major international event that invites audiences to explore the city via foot, bike, and canal boat.
Title & Description
Copenhagen Light Festival 2027: 10th Anniversary Open Call.
For its landmark 10th edition, the festival is seeking visionary and experimental light works that can survive and thrive in the harsh winter conditions of the Danish capital. The curatorial team is specifically interested in proposals that activate the city's harbor and canals, incorporate immersive or responsive elements, and demonstrate a conscious approach to their environmental footprint. Selected works are often realized through collaborations with local host partners, placing art in diverse urban contexts from intimate courtyards to vast waterfronts.
Categories
Light Art, Installation, Sculpture, Digital Art, New Media Art, and Public Arts.
Eligibility
- Open to International and domestic artists, designers, and professionals from all backgrounds.
- Works must be robust enough to operate outdoors for 3 weeks in winter conditions (rain, wind, and temperatures between -10°C and +7°C).
- Proposals can include existing works or brand-new creations.
- No restrictions on nationality or age, provided the applicant can manage the technical implementation.
Program Benefits and Awards
- Funding: Applicants can apply for full or partial funding. The festival typically selects ~45 works across three budget categories:
- Up to 50,000 DKK
- 50,000 – 150,000 DKK
- 150,000 – 250,000 DKK
- Technical Support: Limited technical guidance and assistance with permits/coordination once a site is confirmed.
- Exposure: Inclusion in a high-profile festival with significant media coverage and public attendance.
- Professional Documentation: Documentation of works will be included in the festival’s permanent archives.
Fees
- Application Fee: Free to apply.
- Participation Fee: None.
Application Requirements
- Application (PDF, max 4 pages): Project description, visualizations (sketches/renders), and technical details (dimensions, power, wind load).
- Artist CV: Including references to previous relevant works.
- Detailed Budget: Comprehensive specification in DKK or EUR (excluding VAT) covering production, artist fee, travel, and maintenance.
- Visual Material: 1–3 high-quality images (JPG/PNG).
- Naming Convention:
Titleofwork_typeoffile_artistname.pdf(max 10MB per file).
How to Apply?
Submissions must be uploaded digitally via the festival's official website portal. Apply for Copenhagen Light Festival 2027
Key Dates
- Open Call Deadline: May 11, 2026 (23:59 CET).
- Curation Period: May – August 2026.
- Shortlist Notification: End of August 2026.
- Final Selection: Expected by November 15, 2026.
- Festival Period: January 29 – February 21, 2027.
Location
Denmark, Copenhagen (City-wide and harbor areas).
Additional Details
Works must be fully operational two days before the opening for testing and documentation. Artists are responsible for electrical safety and structural integrity. Projects exceeding 250,000 DKK are not guaranteed a curatorial review unless specific funding is identified.