Participate

IgNIGHT: Call for Artists

Deadline: Friday, March 7 2025
Artist Calls
IgNIGHT: Call for Artists

The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) invites artists, organizations, and/or collectives from across the globe to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to stage temporary, light-based experiences as part of the region’s biennial public art exhibition titled igNIGHT.

ABOUT IGNIGHT
igNIGHT is a 5-day temporary public art exhibition that aims to engage the interest and imagination of the public using illuminated artworks at the heart of the exhibition. The inaugural exhibition took place in 2014 and enhanced public spaces throughout downtown Fort McMurray, Alberta. This biennial arts and cultural event has transformed over the years and now takes place in kiyām Community Park, a central location within the downtown core. 2025 marks the 8th edition of igNIGHT and continues to offer a variety of opportunities for the public and creative to participate! From a series of virtual artist talks leading up to the event, to the 5-day exhibition where artists and vendors illuminate the park, there’s something for everyone to discover.

WHO CAN APPLY?
igNIGHT is seeking artists of any discipline from all over the globe! Performing, visual, new media, and beyond, this opportunity is open to artists who can align a project with the curatorial theme, offer an engaging artist talk, and exhibit the artwork from 5 pm to 10 pm for the duration of the exhibition. Artists are welcome to propose existing artworks so long as they relate to the curatorial theme and have never been showcased in the Region of Wood Buffalo.

PROJECT BUDGET
$100,000 (CAD) will be dispersed between selected projects. igNIGHT seeks to secure 5 to 7 projects and aims to select a project from each submission category: international, national, and local. Selected projects will be awarded a budget based on the quality of the EOI and following an artist interview. Artists are welcome to submit self-funded and/or sponsored projects and will be considered based on theme alignment and site suitability.

CURATORIAL THEME
The Unknown
The theme of "The Unknown" explores the mysteries and uncertainties that lie beyond human understanding or perception. It delves into curiosity, fear, and awe inspired by what is unseen, unexplored, or unfamiliar. This theme often emphasizes the tension between seeking knowledge and excitement or fear of what might be discovered. It reflects the vastness of the universe and the limits of human comprehension.

HOW TO APPLY 

  1. Review the Call for Artists guidelines.
  2. Submit your proposal by March 7 to public.art@rmwb.ca 

IMPORTANT DATES
Deadline for Submission: March 7, 2025
Interviews: March 11 to 13, 2025
Notification Date: End of March, 2025
Installation Period: Sept. 26 to 30, 2025
igNIGHT Exhibition (5 days): Oct. 1 to 5, 2025
Removal Period: Oct. 6 to 10, 2025

Learn more on the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo website.