Lumière: The Art of Light will temporarily transform Trillium Park at Ontario Place in February - March 2026. This free exhibition invites local artists to explore light as a creative medium under the theme “Structures of Light.”

The theme focuses on installations where light serves as the primary artistic medium, shaping form, structure, and spatial experience. Submissions are site-specific installations that read as sculptural elements during the day and reveal their full expression through illumination after dark. 

Location: Trillium Park, Ontario Place, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Submissions will only be accepted from Ontario based applicants​.  

Timeline

July 14, 2026:  Call for Submissions opens.

September 18, 2026, 11:59 p.m.:  Call for Submissions closes.

February 13 - 14, 2026: Onsite Installation dates (artists must be available for these dates)

February 19 – March 19, 2026: Lumière: The Art of Light.

March 20 - 21: Onsite Load Out dates. (artists must be available for these dates)

 SUBMISSION ELEMENTS

• Artist Information
• Curatorial Theme Concept and Design
• Production and Maintenance Plan
• Materials List and Technical Specifications
• Detailed Budget​
• Location Choice

Submissions that are complete and detailed will not be considered. 

1. Artist Information

• Full name, contact details, and website or portfolio including past experience with light-based or outdoor installations.
• Short biography (150-200 words) 

2. Curatorial Theme Concept & Design including Mock Up / Render

• Must clearly state in detail how the Curatorial Theme has been met
• Must clearly state and describe in detail each component of the design, any interaction and how that interaction will work and be communicated to the public.
• Design must be visually complete and appealing during the day
• Detailed mock up or render of what the installation will look like during the day and at night is required

3. Materials List & Technical Specifications

• Detailed list of materials and lighting technology (e.g., neon, LED, projection) 
• Submission must include detailed power requirements and must not exceed 20 amps
• Clearly show that the design and materials are suitable for outdoor weather (extreme wind, cold & wet) 
• Must either run 24/7 or use a timer (provided by the artist) to operate from dusk to 11 p.m. daily.
• Must include visual and written details of all dimensions of the installation including but not limited to height, width, depth; and any specific layout or orientation considerations for the site.
• Must be stabilized using weights, base, self-supporting, etc. There is no staking in Trillium Park.

4. Production and Safety Plan

• Detailed Install and dismantle/removal plan that does not goes outside the Load In and Load Out dates provided. 
• Design must integrate the ability to allow for quick maintenance / repairs and clearly show how maintenance and repair requests will be addressed within 48 hours.
• Design must ensure all electrical & non-electrical components are secure, cleanly integrated into the design and easily accessible should maintenance or power require attention
• Must be stabilized using weights, base, self-supporting, etc. There is no staking in Trillium Park.
• Public safety measures that have been considered (stability, electrical safety, environmental considerations).
• Proof of any certifications, permits and health & safety measures required to support the proposed design, install and dismantle plan (i.e. working at heights, ladder safety, etc.
• All materials and equipment must be provided by the artist (this includes ladders, cable mats, etc.)
• Ontario Place has on site roaming security 24hrs / 7 days a week however it is a public place.
• Trillium Park is subject to weather risks; installations must be resilient against harsh conditions.

5. Budget & Funding

Successful Submissions may receive up to a maximum of $18,000 CAD excluding HST. The Ministry reserves the right to determine the final amount awarded to each Applicant based on the submission and budget details provided by the Applicant.

• Detailed Budget Breakdown must be provided (incl. all costs associated with the Submission i.e. expenses, artist fees, insurance, etc.)
• Indicate whether the Artist will look to secure additional funding and possible sources (grants, sponsorships).
• Applicants will receive 50% of the awarded funding upon successful execution of the Artist Agreement and completion of a mandatory site visit with the program team. The remaining 50% will be issued following the successful completion of the installation and light test.

6. Insurance Requirements 

Successful applicants must provide proof of insurance to cover any liabilities related to their installation. The following insurance requirements are mandatory:

• General Liability Insurance: Artists must carry a minimum of $2 million in General Commercial Liability Insurance covering third-party claims (bodily injury, property damage). Coverage must span the entire exhibition period, including setup and takedown.
• Coverage for Equipment and Materials: Insurance must cover potential loss, theft, or damage during transport, installation, and exhibition.
• Additional Insured: as directed by the Ministry
• WSIB (If Applicable): Proof of WSIB coverage for any assistants or contractors employed by the artist.
• Documentation Requirements: Artists must submit a Certificate of Insurance (COI) no later than 14 days before the installation period begins.  The COI must clearly state the policy limits, effective dates, and coverage for outdoor public art installations.      

IMPORTANT 

Failure to meet the above insurance requirements may result in disqualification from participating in the exhibition.     Submissions that do not adhere to the above requirements will be automatically disqualified. 

The Ministry reserves the right to engage artists outside of this process, and no ownership rights to artworks will be assumed by the Ministry unless mutually agreed upon.