About the Open Call

Olbrich Botanical Gardens invites proposals for large-scale, light-based art for GLEAM, Art in a New Light, a public art exhibition situated within a 16-acre Midwest landscape or 10,000 sq ft tropical conservatory. The 2026 GLEAM exhibit will focus on light-based art concepts that present a captivating environment, offer creative play experience, and bring to light creatures of all shapes and sizes, real and imaginative. GLEAM will be open for public viewing from August 29 - October 24, 2026. Olbrich Botanical Gardens is located in Madison, Wisconsin. Named for its founder, Michael B. Olbrich, the Gardens are owned and operated jointly by the City of Madison Parks Division and the non-profit Olbrich Botanical Society. Olbrich Botanical Gardens' mission is to enrich lives & inspire people to live in harmony with the natural world. We aspire to be a destination where all visitors, volunteers, and staff are valued and feel they belong. With conscious intent and continuous learning, Olbrich Botanical Gardens' staff, volunteers, and board will address barriers to inclusion through education, operational changes, and partnerships with the community. In 2015, the GLEAM exhibition was created and curated to showcase the natural beauty of the Gardens at night, expand public art opportunities in Madison in a unique natural setting, and offer programming that would appeal to a broad demographic of community members and attract future supporters. All proceeds from exhibit admissions directly support the mission and daily operations of Madison’s free public garden!

What is Offered

Selected artists will receive an honorarium, distributed in two installments: 50% upon approval of the final proposal (April 2026) and 50% upon completion of installation (August 2026). The opportunity offers a public art exhibition within the 16-acre Olbrich Botanical Gardens or 10,000 sq ft tropical conservatory.

Requirements

Proposals are invited for large-scale, light-based art concepts that present a captivating environment, offer creative play experience, and bring to light creatures of all shapes and sizes, real and imaginative. Artists must save proposal components (proposal, photos, sketches, work samples, resume) as a combined PDF file (not to exceed 25MB) for submission.

How to Apply

1. Review Eligibility & Guidelines. 2. Download Required Proposal Template. 3. Utilize Artist Toolkit Resources. 4. Save proposal components (proposal, photos, sketches, work samples, resume) as a combined PDF file (not to exceed 25MB). 5. Click 'Submit' button to complete the web contact form and upload your proposal by January 7, 2026.