Short Description
Olbrich Botanical Gardens is located in Madison, Wisconsin. Named for its founder, Michael B.Olbrich, the Gardens are owned and operated jointly by the City of Madison Parks Division and the non-profit Olbrich Botanical Society. Olbrich Botanical Gardens’ mission is to enrich lives and inspire people to live in harmony with the natural world.
The 2026 GLEAM exhibit will focus on light-based art concepts that present a captivating environment,
offer a creative play experience, and bring to light creatures of all shapes and sizes, real and imaginative.
Eligibility
Local, regional, and international artists, collectives, architects, and lighting designers are invited to apply. Previous experience with illuminated art, projections, and/or lighting design concepts, preferably with outdoor installations, is required.
NOTE: International applicants’ budgets must include the potential expense to support local preparators ($50 per person, per hour) installing/deinstalling the artwork, per the artist’s instruction, in the event the artist is unable to travel to the United States.
How to Apply
Online Application
Program Benefits & Awards
• Olbrich Gardens will consider proposal budgets between $5,000-$30,000.
- The 2026 GLEAM exhibit will feature 9-11 light-based artworks.
- Example breakdown of artist honorariums: (1) $30k / (3) $25k / (4) $18-20k / (2) $10-15k
- Note: Typically, only one proposal submitted with the maximum budget is selected for exhibition each year.
- Artists should have a solid understanding of the overall budget needed to create, transport, and install the artwork prior to submitting a proposal. Invitations are based on the initial budget submission; there is a limited opportunity to expand an honorarium.
- The budget should include: artist fee, materials (including lighting fixtures, projectors, screen material, computers, weatherproofing components, etc.), fabrication, artist travel and lodging accommodations, install/deinstall expenses (artist + assistants), and maintenance/repairs/parts replacement. Providing options for adjusting your budget and installation scale/quantity up or down is encouraged.
- A limited number of 12,000-lumen (lamp) projectors and outdoor speaker options are available on loan to reduce expenses. Olbrich Gardens is able to provide site prep, power, forklift, and basic installation support (load-in, tools, etc.).
- Artists may request to participate in the GLEAM host program to receive free lodging with a local resident to reduce expenses.
Entry Fee
None
Location
Madison, Wisconsin, United States
Timeline
- Application Deadline: 7 January 2026
Website Link: https://www.olbrichgleam.org/submit-a-proposal
