LUMENOCITY Announces Open Call for South African Artists to Create Large-Scale Light Installations for Africa’s First Festival of Light
LUMENOCITY, a groundbreaking new light art festival set to debut in Cape Town in April 2026, has officially announced an open call inviting South African artists to submit proposals for original, large-scale light-based installations. The festival will take place from 9 to 12 April 2026 in the historic Company’s Garden, marking a major milestone as the first festival of light of its kind on the African continent.
Designed as a celebration of creativity, technology, and public space, LUMENOCITY will transform one of Cape Town’s most iconic urban gardens into an immersive nighttime experience. The festival will feature large-scale light artworks, projection-mapped facades, interactive sculptures, and multi-sensory environments — all created exclusively by South African artists and creative teams.
The open call is extended to artists, designers, technologists, and creative collectives working across a wide range of disciplines. These include digital art, sculpture, architecture, projection mapping, coding, new media, sound design, interactive technology, and multidisciplinary practices. Both individual artists and collaborative teams are encouraged to apply, regardless of career stage.
“LUMENOCITY is a platform to showcase South Africa’s extraordinary creative talent on an international stage. We are inviting artists to respond boldly to the medium of light — to explore its emotional, cultural, and imaginative potential, and to create works that can ignite wonder for audiences of all ages.”
says Gareth Hadden, Founder and Creative Producer of the festival
At the heart of LUMENOCITY is a curatorial vision focused on immersive, interactive, and publicly accessible artworks. The festival aims to encourage audience participation through movement, play, and sensory engagement, making light not only something to be seen, but something to be experienced.
Artists are invited to submit concept proposals that explore a broad range of themes, including but not limited to:
- Light and storytelling
- Light and the natural environment
- Light and community
- Light as sculpture or architecture
- Interactive or responsive light systems
- Experimental and innovative uses of illumination
Proposed installations should consider the unique setting of the Company’s Garden, engaging with its historical, cultural, and environmental context while remaining accessible to a diverse public audience.
Submissions must include a clear concept statement, sketches or visual references, an outline of technical requirements, an artist biography, and links to previous work. Selected artists will receive production support, access to installation infrastructure, and the opportunity to present their work as part of a landmark cultural event expected to attract significant local and international attention.
Importantly, the call is open to emerging, mid-career, and established South African artists, as well as multidisciplinary teams and collaboration partners. By prioritising local talent, LUMENOCITY aims to position South African light art and creative innovation firmly on the global festival map.
Artists can submit proposals via email at artists@lumenocity.co or through the official submissions page at https://lumenocity.co/.
The deadline for submissions is Tuesday, 20 January 2026.
With its ambitious vision and commitment to showcasing homegrown creativity, LUMENOCITY promises to redefine how public art, technology, and light come together — illuminating Cape Town’s nights and offering a bold new platform for South African artists to shine.
