Light at Play Festival - Artist Call
Peoria seeks artists from the Southwest to create illuminated installations for Light at Play festival in April 2026. Budgets $3k-$20k.
The City of Peoria is calling on artists and designers to help transform its downtown into a glowing art experience for the upcoming Light at Play festival. This three-night celebration of illuminated and interactive art is scheduled for April 9–11, 2026, along 83rd Avenue between Washington and Monroe Streets.
The city is inviting artists from Arizona and nearby states — including California, Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada and Utah — to submit qualifications for the event. Light at Play will feature large-scale projections, kinetic sculptures, and other light-based installations that use technology, motion and design to create immersive experiences.
According to Marylou Stephens, Peoria's Arts, Culture and Library Services director, "Every call for artists is a chance for local talent to shape the character of our city. When artists apply, they're not just creating art — they are helping to tell our community's story, inspiring pride and transforming everyday spaces into places people want to visit."
Submissions may include projection mapping, LED or neon sculpture, digital animation, or augmented reality works. Selected artists will receive project budgets ranging from $3,000 to $20,000, depending on the scope and complexity of their installations. Those advancing to the second phase in December will develop detailed, site-specific concepts for the April event.
The festival aims to "inspire wonder after dark" while showcasing creativity through light, color and interactivity in the heart of Peoria's downtown. This opportunity allows emerging and established artists to showcase their work, gain recognition, and make a lasting mark on public spaces while fueling economic growth in the community.