Lumière: The Art of Light 2025 - OPEN CALL FOR ONTARIO ARTISTS

Lumière: The Art of Light will temporarily transform Trillium Park at Ontario Place in March 2025. This free exhibition invites local artists to explore light as a creative medium under the theme "Neon Dreams: Light and Colour." Artists are encouraged to create dynamic, playful installations that will bring Trillium Park to life through glowing, celebratory displays of light. From neon sculptures to interactive light displays, the event will offer a visually engaging, sensory experience that sparks curiosity and invites exploration.

Timeline

November 1, 2024:  Call for Submissions opens.

December 8, 2024, 11:59 p.m.:  Call for Submissions closes.

December 12, 2024:  Award Date

March 1 – March 2, 2025: Installation period.

March 3 – March 28, 2025: Lumière: The Art of Light.t.

 SUBMISSION ELEMENTS

• Applicant CV and biographical statement
• Concept and Design
• Production and Maintenance Plan
• Materials List and Technical Specifications
• Mock Up or Render
• Detailed Budget​
• Location
   

Submissions will only be accepted from Ontario based applicants​.

 1. Artist Information

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

2. Concept & Design including Mock Up or Render

• Title and concept description must clearly explain how the work aligns with the theme "Neon Dreams: Light and Colour."
• Designs must be visually engaging both day and night.
• Detailed drawings, renderings, or sketches (daytime and night-time views required).
• Description of how the installation will operate and how visitors can engage with it.
• Drawing and/or render of the installation for both day time and nighttime

3. Materials List & Technical Specifications

• List of materials and lighting technology (e.g., neon, LED, projection).
• Power requirements (maximum 15-20 amps) and outdoor installation considerations for winter conditions.
• Light installations must either run 24/7 or use a timer (provided by the artist) to operate from dusk to 11 p.m. daily.
• Dimensions of the work (height, width, depth).
• Space requirements and any specific layout or orientation considerations for the site.

4. Production, Maintenance  and Safety Plan

• Installation and dismantle/removal plan.
• Public safety measures (stability, electrical safety, environmental considerations).
• Artists will be required to provide any and all certifications, permits and follow health & safety measures required to support the proposed design, install and dismantle plan.
• Artists must demonstrate capability for installation, maintenance, and timely response to repair requests (within 48 hours).
• All materials and equipment must be provided by the artist.
• Plan for maintenance throughout the exhibition period including the ability to respond to and address repairs within a 24-48hr period.
• 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

Submissions must include a detailed budget breakdown. Successful Submissions will receive funding support up to a maximum of $15,000 CAD excluding HST.

• Budget must cover all Submission costs and expenses, including artist fees. Detailed breakdown is required.
• Indicate whether the Artist will look to secure additional funding and possible sources (grants, sponsorships).
• Successful Artists will receive 50% once the Artist agreement is executed. The balance will be issued upon a successful completion of installation and light test.
• The final amount awarded will be determined after a review of the submission and detailed budget provided. 
• Full funding is not guaranteed and Ontario Place reserves the right to determine the final amount awarded to each Applicant. 

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

1. 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.

2. Coverage for Equipment and Materials
Insurance must cover potential loss, theft, or damage during transport, installation, and exhibition.

3. Additional Insured
The insurance policy must name “His Majesty the King in right of Ontario as Represented by the Minister of Infrastructure, College Park, 777 Bay Street, 5th Floor, Toronto, ON, M7A 2J3, Canada as "Additional Insured" for the duration of the exhibition. Proof of this must be provided before installation begins.

4. WSIB (If Applicable)
Proof of WSIB coverage for any assistants or contractors employed by the artist.

5. 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.


KEY GUIDELINES
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.