The open call for Spier Light Art 2027 is now open. The deadline for submitting Expressions of Interest is 21 July 2026.

Artists and designers, including professionals, students and institutions, are invited to submit expressions of interest. We encourage submissions from practitioners with diverse backgrounds, disciplines and career stages.

Submissions should make light a central element. There is no fixed theme. The primary requirement is that light serves as the central driver of the work, as concept, medium, and subject matter. Within that, artists are free to explore any ideas relevant to their practice, including, but not limited to, technology, resilience, enchantment, and the context of a working wine farm and its landscape. Submissions may include:

• Site-specific work, designed for particular locations on Spier Wine Farm
• Sculptural or object-based work
• Interactive art
• Digital works that foreground technology as a medium
• Video art
• Sound and light integration

A standardised artist fee applies to all commissioned works. Production budgets vary according to the scale and requirements of each proposal. Full or partial funding is available through the project. Artists must submit a provisional but realistic budget indicating the level of funding required. Fees and budgets are discussed in detail at the briefings.

A selection committee led by curator Vaughn Sadie will review submissions. Shortlisted artists may be asked to submit a more detailed proposal. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

Expressions of interest must include:

• A biography (200 words) of the artist, collective, or studio
• A short overview of the conceptual interests of the work and its category (300 words)
• A concise description of the work, including concept sketches or visual references (300 words)
• A description of the use of light in the work (150 words)
• A description of audience interaction and engagement (150 words)
• A provisional budget indicating full or partial funding needs
• Web links or images of the proposed work, or examples of previous work

Email your expression of interest to spierlightart@lightplace.org before 21 July 2026.

Yes. The curatorial team will host two briefings:

• Online briefing: Saturday 20 June 2026, 10:00 to 12:00 SAST
• On-site briefing at Spier Wine Farm: Saturday 4 July 2026, 10:00 to 12:00 SAST

RSVP to spierlightart@lightplace.org if you would like to attend.

If you have further questions, email the project manager at spierlightart@lightplace.org.