Temporary Light-Based Installation

Center for the Arts in Jackson, Wyoming, invites artists and artist teams to submit qualifications for a temporary light-based installation celebrating The Center's 20th Anniversary. The selected installation will transform the Theater Gallery through the creative use of light and remain on view for approximately one year.

Artists working with projection, LED technology, interactive media, fiber optics, kinetic light, sculpture, and other illuminated media are encouraged to apply. The Center welcomes proposals for new site-responsive installations, adaptations of existing works, or existing installations available for temporary loan.

This is a Request for Qualifications (RFQ). A site-specific proposal is not required. The selected artist will receive a commission of up to $20,000 USD, inclusive of all project-related expenses.

Organization:

Center for the Arts in Jackson, Wyoming, invites artists and artist teams to submit qualifications for a temporary light-based installation in The Center Theater Gallery as part of The Center’s 20th Anniversary celebration.

For two decades, Center for the Arts has served as a gathering place for creativity, collaboration, and cultural expression in the Tetons. Throughout its anniversary year, The Center will present a series of special exhibitions, performances, and community events celebrating its history while looking toward the future.

As part of this year-long celebration, The Center seeks an artist whose work engages The Center Theater Gallery through the creative use of light. Artists working with projection, LED technology, interactive media, fiber optics, kinetic light, sculpture, or other illuminated media are encouraged to apply.

The Center welcomes proposals for new site-responsive installations, adaptations of existing works, or existing installations available for temporary loan, provided they can be successfully presented within the gallery and project budget.

This is a Request for Qualifications (RFQ). A site-specific proposal is not required at this stage.

Project Description:

The selected artist will create or present a temporary light-based installation for The Center Theater Gallery that offers visitors a memorable visual experience through the creative use of light.

Installations may incorporate projection mapping, programmable lighting, responsive technologies, sound, sculpture, or other illuminated media. The Center welcomes installations that are contemplative, playful, interactive, or experiential, creating opportunities for visitors to slow down, explore, and connect with the work.

The installation should:

• Celebrate creativity, innovation, and community.
• Create a welcoming and engaging experience for visitors of all ages.
• Encourage exploration, curiosity, and repeat visitation.
• Complement The Center’s year-long 20th Anniversary celebration.
• Demonstrate artistic excellence while remaining technically and financially achievable.

Gallery Information

The Center Theater Gallery is an enclosed exhibition space adjacent to The Center Theater Lobby and is well suited for temporary light-based installations.

The gallery is an approximately 35 foot long transitional hallway from the theater to the education pavilion at The Center. This is a high visibility, high traffic exhibition space, with more than 100,000 audience members attending events on the campus every year.

Gallery floor plans and images are included with this call. Additional technical specifications will be provided to finalists. Artists are encouraged to review the gallery information before applying.

Budget

The selected artist will receive a commission of up to $20,000 USD, inclusive of artist fees, design, fabrication or preparation of existing work, equipment, shipping, travel, installation, deinstallation, insurance, and all other project-related expenses.

Artists proposing an existing installation available for temporary loan should include anticipated costs associated with transportation, installation, and exhibition within the project budget. The selected installation is expected to remain on view for 8 months to one year.

The Center welcomes proposals that demonstrate creative and thoughtful use of available resources. Existing works that can be adapted to the space are encouraged.

Anticipated Schedule

• Call Opens: July 8, 2026
• Submission Deadline: August 19, 2026
• Finalists Selected: Early September 2026
• Finalist Proposals Due: Late September 2026
• Artist Selected & Contract Awarded: October 2026
• Design Development, Fabrication, and Project Preparation: October 2026 – February 2027
• Installation: March 2027

• Artistic excellence
• Creativity and originality
• Quality of previous work
• Experience working with light-based or installation artwork
• Technical capability
• Ability to realize the project within the available budget and schedule
• Potential to create an engaging visitor experience

Artists and artist teams with experience creating light-based, installation, media, or interactive artwork are encouraged to apply.

The Center welcomes applications from emerging and established artists. New commissions, adaptations of existing work, and existing installations available for temporary loan will all be considered.

Submission Requirements:

Please submit the following through CaFÉ:

• Letter of Interest
• Artist Statement
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• 8–10 images of completed work
• Up to three video links (optional but encouraged)
• Image list including title, year, dimensions, materials, and brief description
• Three professional references

Please do not submit conceptual designs, renderings, or site-specific proposals. A shortlist of finalists may be invited to develop concept proposals. If concept proposals are requested, finalists will receive an honorarium.