Coliseum of Art · Call to artists

Coliseum of Art presents: Let There Be Light!

An exhibition of light-enhanced art in Seattle’s historic Coliseum, bringing warmth and discovery to the darker months. Both new and existing work are welcome. Artists do not need to have preserved an earlier installation to apply. For new work, show relevant experience and a feasible production plan.

Selected artists: sign in with the email you applied with. No password needed; we’ll email you a 6-digit code. Dates and arrangements are proposed and may change. Selection and funding are subject to review and a written agreement.

The space and installation requirements

• Indoor main-floor exhibition space, six large storefront windows and two smaller entrance windows. A limited number of blackout areas may be available; full darkness is not guaranteed.
• Illuminated 2D or 3D work, projection, LEDs, lanterns, lasers, AR, interactive work and sensors are welcome. All sound must be approved by Marty before the opening and adjusted per his instructions. The concept should not depend on holiday decorations or seasonal colors.
• We ask that exhibits respect our preference of one standard 20-amp, 120-volt circuit per work. Please let Marty know if your installation needs more than this.
• Work must be stable and freestanding or wall-mounted, with no hanging from the ceiling, unless this has already been approved by Marty.
• Artists are responsible for installation and removal, and must supply the equipment needed to operate the work. Include current purchase or rental quotes for equipment you do not have.
• Work must require little or no maintenance for the full run. Artists must check it every two to three weeks and respond when an issue is reported.

Dates and visiting the venue

• Walk-throughs for selected artists: October 23–31, 2026. Pick a one-hour time on your artist page. All times are Seattle local time.
• New-work production: October 11–31, 2026. Installation: November 1–21, 2026; open day and night during install.
• November 22–26, 2026: testing, adjustments and final readiness checks. Public opening: November 27, 2026.
• Work must remain available through February 27, 2027.
• Removal begins March 1, 2027. Pickup appointments will be confirmed with selected artists.

View the first-floor reference plan

JPC Architects, April 7, 2021. This drawing shows the first-floor layout and retail, common and non-leasable areas. It is marked not to scale; room dimensions and current conditions must be confirmed with the team before fabrication. It does not show the lower hallway.

Open full-size floor plan (PDF)

You do not need to choose a location to apply. Tell us the space your work needs; placement is arranged with selected artists.

How work will be selected

• Artistic merit, originality, creativity, and suitability for the venue and visitors.
• Demonstrated ability to complete and install work at this scale, within the proposed budget and schedule.
• We hope to include as many artists as possible. Small projects generally range from $1,000 to $5,000. Exceptional larger installations may be considered up to $15,000. Request what your work needs; funding is agreed before acceptance.
• Existing work can offer stronger evidence of readiness, but it is not an eligibility requirement. New proposals are assessed on the artist’s experience, relevant past work, references, budget and ability to finish on time.
• Provide a complete cost breakdown. Funding coverage, payment terms and any venue support will be agreed individually before acceptance; no equipment loan or additional funding is promised.

What to prepare for your application

• Name, mobile phone, email, portfolio link and Instagram if available; a statement of interest.
• Existing or new work; freestanding or wall-mounted; current location for existing work.
• Photos or video of existing work in operation, or a concept image and detailed explanation for new work.
• A short description of the space your work needs and any installation requirements. Artists bring all equipment; details are confirmed with selected artists.
• Project budget covering your artist fee, materials, equipment, transport, installation and removal.
• Resume if no portfolio is available, references, and up to five images of relevant past work. Additional supporting material can be linked in the form.

Questions or a floor-plan request? Contact Justine at justine@conruartfoundation.org