Open Call 2026

Open Call: Copenhagen Light Festival 2026

 

Deadline: May 19, 2025, at 23:59
Festival dates: January 30 – February 22, 2026

 

Since 2017, Copenhagen Light Festival has brought light to the darkest months of the year. Each February, the city is transformed by atmospheric and visually engaging experiences that offer new perspectives on urban life. For three weeks, Copenhagen becomes a large-scale outdoor exhibition of light art and installations in all shapes and sizes — from monumental works that light up the night sky to poetic, interactive pieces that invite close exploration.

Apply here by May 19

What are we looking for?

 Copenhagen Light Festival edition 9 will take place from January 30 to February 22, 2026. The festival stretches across the city – from the historic harbour and iconic canals to residential neighbourhoods beyond the city centre. The programme features world-class light installations that can be experienced on foot, by bike, public transport or from a canal boat.

We welcome both existing artworks and new, original creations – whether you’re reimagining a work in a new context or presenting a concept for the very first time.

We particularly encourage submissions that include:

  • Works that relate to the city’s spaces or harbour

  • Works that can be experienced from a canal boat

  • Works with a personal artistic expression

  • Interactive installations

  • Projects that address their environmental impact

  • Visionary and artistic light-based works

For location inspiration, take a look at the sites featured in the 2025 programme on this map.

If you have questions regarding specific sites, please reach out to us at: info@copenhagenlightfestival.org

Practical Information

Duration: Three weeks. Installations must remain stable and fully functional throughout the entire period.
Opening hours: Works will be on daily from 17:00 to 22:00.
Conditions: February in Copenhagen is dark, wet and windy. Temperatures typically range from -10°C to +7°C, and wind speeds can reach gale force (up to 20.8–24.4 m/s).

While the long nights offer an ideal setting for light-based artworks, the winter season also brings technical challenges.

Please note:

  • You are responsible for ensuring all electrical components are weatherproof and functioning in cold, wet conditions.

  • Installations must be built to withstand strong winds.

  • All works must be fully operational at least two days before the festival opens (for testing, documentation and guide training).

Budget and Funding

You may apply for full or partial funding. Approximately 45 works will be selected across the following budget categories:

  • Up to 50,000 DKK

  • Between approx. 50,000 – 150,000 DKK

  • Between approx. 150,000 – 250,000 DKK

Your application must include a budget in DKK or EUR, covering:

  • Production, materials and technical implementation

  • Shipping, transport, travel and accommodation

  • Installation and maintenance

Application Requirements

Your application must be submitted in Danish or English, and must consist of three separate PDF files, including relevant images and links to videos if applicable.

Please include:

  • Project description, including visualisations (mark each image as a rendering, photo or AI-generated)

  • Technical drawings and specifications (dimensions, weight, materials, etc.)

  • CVs of all participating artists

  • Detailed budget

Additional technical documentation may be requested during the process.

Become a part of the Copenhagen Light Festival edition 9

Apply here by May 19

For questions, please contact us at: info@copenhagenlightfestival.org

Timeline

  • Open Call deadline: May 19, 2025 at 23:59
  • Curation period: June – August 2025
  • Site placement and agreements: September – October 2025
  • Final selection of works: Expected by November 15, 2025
  • Festival dates: January 30 – February 22, 2026

Processing of Personal Data (GDPR)

When you apply to participate in Copenhagen Light Festival, we collect and process your personal data to manage your application and possible participation. This includes, but is not limited to, your name, contact details, artistic background, project description, and relevant documentation such as budgets and technical specifications.

Your data is used to process applications, curate works, coordinate logistics, and communicate with you. Application data will be stored for up to 12 months after the festival. Relevant information about selected participants and their works may be stored for up to 3 years. Financial documentation will be kept for 5 years in accordance with Danish accounting regulations. After these periods, all data will be deleted or anonymised.

Documentation of works shown during the festival will be archived indefinitely and may be used on the festival’s website and social media platforms.

We only share data when necessary – for example, with technical partners, public authorities (if required), or funding bodies for reporting purposes. Your data will never be used for commercial purposes.

Under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), you have the right to access, correct or delete your data, to object to processing, or to withdraw consent.

If you have any questions, contact us at: info@copenhagenlightfestival.org