Call for projects : LUMINO 17th edition

Start date
April 16th, 2026
Filing date
May 22nd, 2026
Read time
4

Would you like to present a light installation as part of LUMINO? Take part in this must-attend event of Montreal winter that illuminate Montreal during the cold season, from November, 2026 to March, 2027.

Light, creativity, and nordicity 

From November to March, the Quartier des Spectacles Partnership presents, year after year, a dazzling light program that illuminates downtown during the cold season. LUMINO invites Montrealers to discover a wide range of participatory, contemplative, and luminous works in the form of video projections, installations, and various creative experiences, both indoors and outdoors. Sainte-Catherine Street in the Quartier des Spectacles and downtown serve as the stage for this open-air polar adventure to experience again and again all winter long! 

Only complete applications submitted before the deadline will be evaluated. 

Documents to Provide 

To participate in this open call, please send us the following documents: 

  • Detailed artist/studio profile (CV) 
  • Visuals of the work (photos, videos, plans, etc.) 
  • Description of the work 
  • Technical sheet 
  • Previous works/portfolio 
  • Rental cost, including transportation and travel for the installation and dismantling supervision team, if applicable 
  • Availability dates 

Selection Criteria 

Artistic quality and originality 

  • Strong, innovative, and distinctive concept 
  • Aesthetic and poetic relevance of the project in relation to light 
  • Ability of the project to spark public interest, curiosity, and wonder 

Integration into the site and interaction with public space 

  • Ability of the work to engage with the architectural, heritage, or natural environment 
  • Quality of the immersive experience for passersby and visitors 

Creative use of light 

  • Technical and conceptual approach to the use of light (color, intensity, rhythm) 
  • Innovation in the use of lighting technologies (LED, projections, interaction, etc.) 
  • Sensitivity to winter conditions (reflection, weather, visibility in darker seasons) 

Relevance to the edition’s theme (if applicable) 

  • Alignment with the spirit of LUMINO (celebration of light, art, and community) 

Accessibility and public engagement 

  • Inclusivity (accessible to diverse audiences, including children and people with reduced mobility) 
  • Opportunities for public interaction or participation 
  • Clarity of visual and informational communication around the work 

Technical feasibility and safety 

  • Clearly defined plans, specifications, and descriptions of technical installations 
  • Clear assessment of infrastructure needs (electricity, supports, fixtures) 
  • Compliance with safety standards for the public and staff 
  • Autonomous operation in public space (no continuous supervision required) 

Adaptability to winter conditions 

  • Resistance to cold temperatures, snow, rain, and ice 
  • Technical solutions ensuring continuous performance 

Sustainability and environmental responsibility 

  • Use of durable and reusable materials 
  • Energy consumption analysis and impact mitigation 
  • Responsible waste management during installation and dismantling 

Capacity of the project team 

  • Quality of the artistic and technical team (CV, portfolio, similar experience) 
  • Track record of public projects or large-scale installations 

Submit your application

Complete the online form

Deadline for submitting your application: May 22, 2026, at noon. 

Only selected artists and teams will becontacted.

About

LUMINO

Initiated and produced by the Quartier des Spectacles Partnership, the LUMINO event offers an original, captivating and participatory winter experience from November to March. Its light and sound installations in public spaces transform the Quartier and the wider downtown core into a vast open-air museum. The event, which has become a staple of winter in Montreal, showcases local creativity on the international stage, and its unique experience has inspired cultural districts and light festivals around the world. Several works are now on display in other cultural districts across the globe thanks to Quartier des Spectacles International.

Find out more: luminomtl.com

The Quartier des spectacles et Quartier des spectacles PARTNERSHIP

The Quartier des Spectacles is the cultural heart of Montreal, boasting North America’s largest and most diverse concentration of cultural amenities. The Quartier’s 1 km2 of urban space delights audiences year round thanks to nearly 80 performance venues and creative spaces and 50 annual festivals. The district also showcases innovative urban installations and cutting edge digital art and lighting design. The Quartier des Spectacles positions Montreal as an international leader in urban animation, making it a prime destination for culture and tourism. 

The Quartier des Spectacles Partnership, founded in 2003, is a non-profit organization with more than 85 members active in the district. It is responsible for animating the Quartier des Spectacles by programming cultural activities, managing and animating public spaces, providing distinctive illumination and promoting the Quartier as a must-visit cultural destination. The Partnership benefits from the support of the Ville de Montréal.

 

Culturally vibrant

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