Organizer Information
Coliseum of Art presents art in Seattle’s historic Coliseum, with a focus on public-facing exhibitions and creative installations. The Coliseum of Light is a seasonal exhibition intended to bring warmth, illumination, and discovery to Seattle during the darker months. The call welcomes both existing artworks and proposals for new light-based installations.
Title & Description
The Coliseum of Light
The Coliseum of Light invites artists to propose illuminated artworks for an indoor exhibition running from November 27, 2026 to February 27, 2027. The exhibition is designed for work that uses light as a significant artistic element rather than relying on conventional holiday decoration or seasonal colors.
Proposals may include 2D or 3D illuminated work, projection, LEDs, lanterns, lasers, augmented reality (AR), interactive installations, and sensor-based work. Artists proposing new work should demonstrate relevant experience and provide a realistic production plan. Existing work is also encouraged but is not required.
Categories
- Visual Art
- Installation Art
- Light Art
- Digital Art
- Interactive Art
- Projection
- Sculpture
- 2D/3D Art
- New Media
- AR / Sensor-based Art
Eligibility
The call is open to artists able to produce, install, maintain, and remove work suitable for the venue. Both existing works and new proposals are eligible.
For new work, applicants should demonstrate relevant previous experience, references, a feasible production schedule, and the ability to complete the project within the proposed budget. Artists must be able to undertake installation and removal responsibilities and supply the equipment required to operate their work.
Program Benefits & Awards
Selected projects will receive project funding generally ranging from $1,000 to $5,000. Exceptional larger installations may be considered for funding of up to $15,000.
Artists should request the amount their project requires and provide a complete cost breakdown covering artist fees, materials, equipment, transportation, installation, and removal. Funding, payment terms, and any venue support are negotiated individually before acceptance and formalized through a written agreement.
Selected artists will exhibit their work in the Coliseum from November 27, 2026 through February 27, 2027.
Application Fee
None
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application deadline: 11 October 2026
- Review: Rolling review
- New-work production: October 11–November 15, 2026
- Installation: November 15–20, 2026
- Work operational by: November 20, 2026
- Testing and final checks: November 21–26, 2026
- Public exhibition: November 27, 2026–February 27, 2027
- Removal begins: 1 March 2027
Location
Seattle, Washington, United States
Additional Details
- Artists do not need to select an exact exhibition location when applying. Instead, they should describe the space and installation conditions their work requires; placement will be arranged with selected artists.
- The venue does not guarantee complete darkness, although a limited number of blackout areas may be available. Work must be freestanding or wall-mounted; ceiling mounts are not permitted. Electrical equipment must operate from a standard 20-amp, 120-volt circuit.
- There is no amplified sound. Artists are responsible for providing necessary equipment, installation and removal, and maintaining their work during the exhibition. Selected artists must check their installation approximately every two to three weeks and respond to reported issues.
- Applicants should include current purchase or rental quotations for equipment they do not already possess. The venue's floor plan is a reference only, and dimensions and current conditions must be confirmed before fabrication.