Artists and makers from all disciplines are invited to submit proposals for the ninth edition of Spier Light Art, South Africa’s leading light-based contemporary art exhibition, where light becomes the driving force behind ambitious new commissions.
8 July 2026
Open Call:
Spier Light Art has opened its international call for expressions of interest for the 2027 edition of the exhibition, taking place from 26 February to 21 March 2027 at Spier Wine Farm in Stellenbosch. There is no prescribed theme. Instead, applicants are encouraged to propose original works in which light serves as the central concept, medium, and subject. Projects may engage with ideas such as technology, resilience, enchantment, or the unique landscape of the working wine farm.
Institutional Context:
Now in its ninth edition, Spier Light Art is South Africa’s foremost platform for light-based contemporary art and Africa’s longest-running exhibition of its kind. Curated by Vaughn Sadie, the exhibition commissions site-responsive installations that transform the historic Spier Wine Farm into an immersive nighttime experience, showcasing innovative artistic approaches to light and public engagement.
Eligibility and Criteria:
The open call welcomes artists, designers, collectives, studios, students, institutions, and makers from all disciplines and career stages. Eligible proposals include site-specific installations, sculptural works, interactive projects, digital artworks, video art, and sound-and-light installations. Applicants must submit an expression of interest including:
- A 200-word artist, collective, or studio biography
- A 300-word conceptual overview
- A 300-word description of the proposed work with sketches or visual references
- A 150-word explanation of how light functions within the work
- A 150-word description of audience engagement
- A provisional production budget indicating whether full or partial funding is requested
- Supporting images or links to previous work
Evaluation Process:
A selection committee led by curator Vaughn Sadie will review all submissions. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to develop and submit a more detailed proposal before final selections are confirmed in early October 2026. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
Practical Information:
A standardised artist fee is applied to all commissioned works, while production budgets are determined by the scale and technical requirements of each project. Full or partial funding is available. Interested applicants may attend an online briefing on 20 June 2026 or an on-site briefing at Spier Wine Farm on 4 July 2026.
Application deadline: 21 July 2026
Detailed proposals due: Mid September 2026
Exhibition dates: 26 February to 21 March 2027
Applications and Queries:
Expressions of interest should be submitted by email to spierlightart@lightplace.org before 21 July 2026. Applicants wishing to attend either briefing session should RSVP via the same email address. Full application details are available on the Spier Light Art website.
