Open Call for Lumière – The Art of Light Exhibition 2027 (Canada)

Deadline: 18-Sep-2026

Lumière: The Art of Light 2027 invites Ontario-based artists to submit proposals for site-specific light installations under the theme “Structures of Light.” Selected artists may receive up to $18,000 CAD excluding HST to create outdoor light-based artworks for public exhibition at Trillium Park in Toronto.

What Is Lumière: The Art of Light?

Lumière: The Art of Light is an annual public art exhibition that transforms Trillium Park at Ontario Place in Toronto into an immersive showcase of light-based artworks. The exhibition invites the public to experience artworks after dark, with installations designed to interact with the park’s landscape, architecture, and surrounding environment. For the 2027 edition, artists are invited to respond to the curatorial theme “Structures of Light.” The theme encourages artists to explore how light can create, define, transform, or influence: - Form - Structure - Space - Scale - Movement - Atmosphere - Spatial experience Proposals should consider how the artwork will appear both during daylight and after dark.

What Is the 2027 Theme: Structures of Light?

“Structures of Light” asks artists to explore the relationship between light and physical or perceived structure.

Artists may consider how light can:

- Shape physical forms. - Create the perception of structure. - Transform public space. - Alter how visitors experience an environment. - Create changing visual experiences between day and night. - Interact with architectural or natural surroundings. - Use illumination to create depth, movement, rhythm, or atmosphere. The proposed installation should have a strong relationship with its selected site and demonstrate how the artwork responds to the exhibition environment. What Are Artists Expected to Submit? Artists must provide a detailed proposal demonstrating both the artistic concept and the practical feasibility of the installation.

A proposal should include:

- A comprehensive artistic concept. - Detailed design information. - Mock-ups or renders showing the installation during the day. - Mock-ups or renders showing the installation at night. - A complete materials list. - Technical specifications. - Production plans. - Installation requirements. - Maintenance plans. - Safety considerations. - Information demonstrating compliance with site requirements. - A detailed project budget. The proposal should communicate not only what the artwork will look like but also how it will be constructed, installed, operated, maintained, and safely presented to the public. What Are the Installation Requirements? Selected installations must be appropriate for an outdoor public exhibition.

The artwork must:

- Be suitable for outdoor conditions. - Be self-supporting. - Be safe for public presentation. - Meet applicable health and safety requirements. - Comply with site requirements. - Be durable for the exhibition period. - Operate from dusk until 11 p.m. daily. - Include all materials and equipment required by the artist. Artists should carefully consider weather exposure, durability, electrical requirements, public interaction, maintenance, and safe installation when developing their concepts. How Should Artists Address Day and Night Viewing? The installation must be visually engaging both during the day and after dark. Artists are therefore expected to provide separate mock-ups or renders demonstrating how the proposed work will appear under different lighting conditions.

A strong proposal should explain:

- What visitors will see during daylight. - How the installation changes after dark. - How artificial light interacts with the structure. - How the work responds to the surrounding environment. - How visitors will experience the installation from different viewpoints. How Much Funding Is Available? Successful submissions may receive up to $18,000 CAD, excluding HST. The grant is intended to support the creation and delivery of the proposed installation.

Funding is provided in two installments:

- 50% upon execution of the artist agreement and completion of the site visit. - 50% after successful installation and light testing. Artists must provide a detailed budget explaining the anticipated project costs. Artists may also indicate plans to obtain additional financial support from other sources. What Should the Artist Budget Include? The project budget should realistically reflect the costs required to produce and install the proposed artwork.

Potential budget areas may include:

- Materials - Lighting equipment - Technical components - Fabrication - Transportation - Installation - Labour - Equipment - Maintenance - Assistants or contractors - Other production-related expenses Artists should ensure that the budget is consistent with the proposed design and technical specifications. Who Is Eligible to Apply?

Eligibility is limited to artists based in Ontario

Applicants must also be able to meet the practical and technical requirements associated with presenting a public outdoor installation. Artists should be prepared to provide the required insurance documentation and demonstrate their ability to safely produce and operate the proposed installation. What Insurance Is Required? Artists must provide proof of appropriate insurance.

The requirements include:

- A minimum of $2 million in general commercial liability coverage. - Insurance covering equipment and materials. - A valid Certificate of Insurance. - WSIB coverage, where applicable, for assistants or contractors. Artists should ensure that their insurance arrangements satisfy the exhibition’s requirements before committing to production. What Health and Safety Requirements Apply? Public safety is an essential component of the exhibition. Artists must comply with applicable health and safety standards and site requirements.

Proposals should therefore consider:

- Structural stability - Electrical safety - Installation safety - Public access - Weather conditions - Equipment protection - Maintenance