GLOW Winter Lights
The submission deadline for this opportunity has passed.
GLOW Winter Lights invites Calgarians to consider how light interrupts, enters and shapes our understanding of urban contexts. It asks how we can re-imagine spaces, our movement through them and interactions within them by experiencing the edges of light. At GLOW, memories and expectations of our downtown can be reformulated and made anew through artists’ ideas and provocations about light.
GLOW Winter Lights will take place in downtown Calgary. Hub spaces will anchor the installations and will have family programming, information stations, and other activities.
Additional programming will take place with community partners throughout the downtown over the course of GLOW.
GLOW Winter Lights had its inaugural year in 2017. It brought over a dozen installations to the downtown core for thousands of Calgarians to enjoy and explore their city at night. As one of the only events of its kind in Calgary, GLOW brings new interactions and perspectives to the city’s downtown public spaces by bringing art and design into our everyday experiences.
To read about GLOW’s 2017 event visit calgarydowntown.com/glow.
Artwork Considerations
GLOW Winter Lights invites submissions for temporary artwork that uses light. All mediums are welcome, including performance and durational works. At this stage, only concepts, and technical and material considerations are required. Shortlisted artists will be required to submit detailed fabrication (where applicable) and installation plans for final selection.
Proposals must consider the public context and the large audience that will be experiencing the work. Public safety and the longevity of the work given GLOW’s ten-day duration, are key considerations.
The majority of work will be displayed outdoors in unprotected areas that may encounter snow, rain, chinooks, variable and sub-zero temperatures. Limited indoor, public locations may also be available, but planning for an outdoor location is advisable. Sites are not finalized at this time, but works will be centred around Stephen Avenue and immediate surrounding areas.
Installation & Budget
Artists should propose project concepts within a budgetary range of $4,000 to $8,000. The budget includes all artists’ fees, materials, transportation, accommodation, and fabrication (where required), etc. Artists create, install and deinstall their work, and will be provided with some installation and technical support from the technical team working directly with Downtown Calgary. Downtown Calgary will cover the costs associated with City permitting, engineering reviews, site security, and general event insurance.
Artists will need their own liability insurance.
Timeline & Schedule
- May 9, 2018: Shortlisted artists notified
- May 23, 2018: Shortlisted artists submit detailed plans
- May 25, 2018: Final artists selected and notified
- End of May – Mid-June, 2018: Artists contracts finalized
- Mid-June – August, 2018: Project development
- September – October, 2018: Artists work with the technical team for site and installation planning, and all logistical coordination
- November 15, 2018: Artists’ installation
- November 16 – 24, 2018: Event
- November 15, 2018: Artists’ strike installations
Downtown Calgary reserves the right to adjust timelines and number of selected projects.
Submission Requirements
Proposals will be peer-reviewed and selected for artistic excellence, feasibility, and appropriateness of project concept. Artists will be required to sign a contract with Downtown Calgary.
Submissions and inquiries should be sent via email to glow@downtowncalgary.com.
Projects and artists will be properly credited and acknowledged, and artists will retain their Intellectual Property rights. Downtown Calgary will use images of the projects, with proper accreditation, for non-commercial purposes to promote the artists, work and event.
