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For artists

Open call

Vilnius invites artists from around the world to become part of one of the brightest cultural events of the winter: the open call for the international Vilnius Light Festival, taking place on 22–24 January 2027, is now open.

Every year the Vilnius Light Festival brings together the most relevant contemporary light artists and gives new talent a platform to be discovered. Dedicated to the city’s birthday, the festival takes place in a unique setting: the historic Old Town of Vilnius, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The Old Town of Vilnius is an exceptional blend of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Classical architecture. During the festival its streets, courtyards, squares and public gardens become an open-air gallery, and historic buildings take on unexpected forms transformed by light. Here light is not only an artistic medium but also a way to reveal the multicultural character of Vilnius: a dialogue between nations, languages and traditions.

2027 is a special year for Lithuania: in the first half of the year the country will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for the second time in its history. We invite artists to reflect on this occasion in their work, to develop themes of intercultural dialogue and to look for new artistic forms that connect different experiences and perspectives.

— Paulius Jurgutis, Director of Vilnius Culture Centre, the festival’s organiser

Who can apply

Artists, collectives, organisations and creative studios presenting original light art projects are invited to apply. Light must be the primary and integral means of expression of the project.

Assessment criteria

  • artistic idea and originality;
  • technical implementation (installation, exhibition, dismantling);
  • resistance of the materials and equipment to winter weather;
  • detail and soundness of the budget;
  • harmony between the project and the urban environment;
  • soundtrack solutions.

How to apply

Application deadline: 1 June 2026 (inclusive).

Application form: bit.ly/vsf_atranka

For further information, write to lightfestival@vilniuskc.lt.