• Call for Light Artists - Tacoma Light Trail 2027 - Application

    THIS IS FOR LIGHT ARTISTS ONLY

  • Thank you for your interest in creating light art for Tacoma Light Trail 2027! We are excited to invite artists to help transform Tacoma into a vibrant winter celebration of light, creativity, and community.

    Tacoma Light Trail is seeking approximately 30 light art installations for the 2027 festival. Whether you're an experienced light artist or an artist with a new idea that uses light in creative ways, we encourage you to apply.

  • BEFORE FILLING OUT APPLICATION, PLEASE READ THE LIGHT ARTIST GUIDE AND INFORMATION TO SUPPORT A SMOOTH APPLICATION PROCESS.

  • Tacoma Light Trail 2027

    Light Artist Guide

    Application Deadline: August 31, 2026

    Note: This application is for Light Artists only.

    Before You Apply

    What is Light Art?

    • Uses light as the primary medium.

    • Artwork illuminated or enhanced by light.

    • Projection, glowing, or kinetic work.

    • Interactive installations.

    NOTE: LED LIGHTS REQUIRED FOR LIGHT ART (eco friendly and saftey)

    Selection Process

    Apply for one, two, or all three categories. Approximately 30 projects will be selected.

    Artists may be selected for up to two installations.

    sumbissions can be art that has already been created or new work specifically for this festival.

    Stipends range from $300–$500.

    Project Categories:

    1. Standard Light Art

    Storefront window installations.

    Power: Plug-in or battery. Stipend: $300.

    See examples here

     

    2. Interactive Light Art Hub

    Indoor immersive artwork visitors can touch or activate. Think walls, doorways and small free standing installations.

    Power: Plug-in or battery. Stipend: $400.

    See examples here

     

    3. Signature Outdoor Installations

    Site-specific proposals for UWT Maple Grove tree and Tacoma Link train station. One tree per artist and one station per artist.

    Power: TBD. Stipend: $400 - $500.

    Location Examples:

    UWT Maple Groves

    University of Washington Tacoma

     

    Tacoma Link train station

     

    Who Should Apply?

    Meet ONE qualification: previous Tacoma Light Trail artist; commissioned artist; or gallery/public art experience.

    Submit a proposal, dimensions, power needs, sketch/rendering/photos, and interactive description if applicable.

    Festival Timeline

    Applications Open: July 15, 2026

    Applications Close: August 31, 2026

    Notification: September 2026

    Installation: Dec. 26–30, 2026

    Festival: Dec. 31, 2026–Jan. 17, 2027 (5–9 PM nightly)

    Removal: Jan. 18–23, 2027

    If Selected

    Artist stipend, website feature, printed festival guide, social media promotion,

    support from a Guest Art Curator, and participation in one of Tacoma's largest winter arts festivals.

    Our Invitation

    Tacoma Light Trail celebrates creativity, curiosity, and community. We encourage BIPOC & LGBTIA2S+ artists and artists of all backgrounds and experience levels to dream big, experiment with light, and help us transform Tacoma into a place of wonder during the darkest time of the year.

  • APPLICATION

  • Who are you applying for?*
  • Best way to contact you?*
  • Have you participated in past Tacoma Light Trails?*
  • Browse Files
    Drag and drop files here
    Choose a file
    Cancelof
  • Browse Files
    Drag and drop files here
    Choose a file
    Cancelof
  • What type of art are you interested in creating for TLT 2027-Select All that apply.
  • Which category would you like to be considered for? You can select more than one.

  • Please use the space below to describe each of your light art proposals. You can use the space to submit for more than one category if needed. Be sure to label each category separately. For Example:

    Category 1. Standard Light Art- add description

    Category 2. Interavtive Ligh Art Hub - Add description

    Category 3. Signature Oudoor Installation Sites- Add description

    Please be clear about which categories you are describing light art ideas for. Please include the title of the light art, size of light art (H,W,L) and power needs.

  • Use the space below to submit ideas for Light Art

    Please see the Guide and information above for more clarity. Questions can be emailed to info@tacomalighttrail.org.
  • 0/300
  • Browse Files
    Drag and drop files here
    Choose a file
    Cancelof

  • OPTIONAL QUESTIONS

  • The Tacoma Light Trail is committed to justice, equity, diversity and inclusion, both as an organization that serves its community and as a support for artists and businesses. Please let us know how you identify (optional). Mark all that apply. If none of the options apply and you identify as someone who is a part of a historically marginalized group, please feel free to use the bottom space to share more details about yourself.

  • (Optional) Please share with us how you identify by race/ethnicity-Mark all that apply:
  • (Optional) Please share with us how you identify by Gender
  • (Optional) Please share your age with us
  • (Optional) Sexual Orientation
  • (Optional) Ability
  • (Optional) Spoken Language
  • Should be Empty: