We are seeking artists, creatives, and innovators to submit ideas for artistic works where light is the medium or main focus. Mediums may include light installations, projections art, light mapping, 3D sculptures, interactive works, video, augmented reality, and other innovative light-themed works.

Call for art is open now. Please read all submission requirements below before submitting an application to ensure you have met all criteria. Deadline for submissions is June 15, 2023.

Exhibition Activation Event

Join the Exhibition Activation Event at the Community Arts Workshop to hear more about the Unite to Light the Night fundraiser, Unite to Light’s mission, and tour the venue. We will be hosting our creative community to share information about the event, explore ideas and discuss site-specific installations for the exhibition held on October 20 & 21, 2023. Our goal is to collaborate with our creative community.

Date: Tuesday, April 18, 2023 
Time: 5:30 - 7:30 pm
Location: The Community Arts Workshop at 631 Garden Street
AGENDA
Overview of the event and our mission
Overview of the application process and grant program
Tour of the venue and exploration of creative ideas
Audience Q & A
Mingle over food & drinks

Unite to Light the Night is a fundraiser and light art exhibition celebrating the power of light. This annual event merges art, community, and social impact into immersive experiences over two evenings. The event supports Unite to Light’s mission to bring light and power to the one billion people who live without light at night. This year’s event will be held on October 20 & 21, 2023.  Read about the event and nightly programming ​here.

About the Light Art Exhibition

​We are looking for artists to help celebrate the power of light in our community and worldwide. The light art exhibition is a way to showcase light as not only an essential aspect of life, but also a creative medium that can bring people together. Including artists into the fundraiser stemmed from the wish to celebrate the power of light with our friends, donors, and our creative community.
​

​Event Dates & Hours

​Glow Gala: Friday, October 20, 6 - 10 pm (invite only)
Bright Bash: Saturday, October 21, 6 pm -  Midnight (featured artists welcome)
​

​​Venue

The light art exhibition will be hosted at The Community Arts Workshop at 631 Garden Street, Santa Barbara. The indoor and outdoor spaces and architecture are your canvas.
​

​Artist Participation

  • Art tour during the Glow Gala
  • All artists receive complimentary tickets to the Glow Gala
  • Artist talk during Bright Bash (selected artists)
​

​​Mediums

We are seeking  artistic works where light is the medium or main focus. Mediums may include light installations, projections art, light mapping, 3D sculptures, interactive works, video, augmented reality, and other innovative light-themed works.

Submission Requirements and Criteria


1. This call for art is open to individuals or groups. Groups must designate one person to be the main point of contact and use only one form per artwork.
2. All individuals must be 18 years or older to submit an entry.
In preparation, collect the following material:
  • Headshot and bios for each individual involved
  • Written information about the project or concept, including how it relates to Unite to Light’s Mission and how it involves light
  • Images of the project or concept
  • Specifications, dimensions and installation requirements for project or concept
  • Please submit one form for each idea/entry. Creatives may submit more than one entry for consideration
3. All mediums will be considered. Mediums may include, but are not limited to, light installations, projections art, light mapping, 3D sculptures, interactive works, video, augmented reality, and other innovative light-themed works.
4. Art Grants of up to $1,000 are available. Individuals must complete a Submission Form before applying for an Art Grant.
5. Submissions will be reviewed by a jury. The jury will use the following criteria to judge and select items for the Light Art Exhibition:Entry's relevance to Unite to Light's Mission
  • Entry's relevance to Unite to Light's Mission
  • Entry's involvement of light elements
  • Entry's feasibility of installation at Community Arts Workshop
  • Entry's originality and overall look

​Submission deadline: June 15, 2023
For any questions about the Submission Process, please contact events@unite-to-light.org

Important Dates

Call for Artists and Art Grant applications open: Friday, March 27 - Thursday, June 15

Exhibition Activation Event at CAW: Tuesday, April 18 @ 5:30 pm 

Deadline for Call for Artists and Art Grants Applications: Thursday, June 15

Selections Announced: Friday, July 14

Item/Material/Artwork drop-off at CAW: Wednesday, October 18, 6 - 8 pm

Installation Day 1  at CAW: Thursday, October 19, 8 am - 10 pm

Installation Day 2 at CAW: Friday, October 20, 8 am - 3 pm

Unite to Light the Night - Glow Gala: Friday, October 20, 6 - 10 pm (invite only)  

Unite to Light the Night - Bright Bash:  Saturday, October 21, 6 pm -  Midnight (artists welcome)
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De-installation Dates at CAW: Sunday, October 22 from 10 am - 6 pm

​Art Grant Instructions and Requirements

​Art Grants are available for projects of up to $1,000. Art Grant Deadline: June 15, 2023.  Selected grantees will be notified by July 14, 2023. Unite to Light will award the grant monies to grantees as soon as possible, upon receiving a W-9 from the grantee.

  1. If you  would like to apply for an Art Grant, you must first complete an Art Submission Form for the artwork or a detailed concept you are requesting a grant for. 
  2. All individuals must be 18 years or older to apply for an Art Grant.
  3. One grant application is allowed per artwork submission.
  4. All grantees must complete an Art Grant Report within one month following the Light Art Exhibition. The simple report form will be supplied to all grantees.
  5. Grants will be awarded shortly after the projects have been selected to enable creation/building of the works.  
  6. All individuals receiving grants will need to provide a W-9 and complete a form explaining the use of funds. This form will be used for IRS purposes.
  7. For questions about the Art Grant process, please reach out to Megan Birney Rudert at mbirney@unite-to-light.org

Need some inspiration?
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Unite to Light is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 corporation (EIN: 27-2942180).
​All donations are tax deductible.
With a billion people living in darkness, we have a lot of work to do!
Address: Unite to Light, 1117 State Street #19
​Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Phone: (805) 617-0590
Email: admin@unite-to-light.org
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