Expressions of Interest: Light
Vivid Light and Cross Art Form applications for Vivid Sydney 2025 are now closed.
You can sign up to learn about future Expressions of Interest here.
Vivid Sydney is calling all artists, designers, producers, creatives, architects, engineers, businesses and educational institutions to be a part of the festival in 2025. This is a globally recognised opportunity for artists to participate in Australia’s largest and most iconic event.
We want you to present your ideas, designs and concepts for inclusion in Vivid Light. There are two categories:
Vivid Light is a family friendly event, enjoyed by people of all ages from all around the world. All work submitted for consideration as part of Vivid Sydney must be suitable for General Exhibition and must not bring the NSW Government and Destination NSW into disrepute.
Please note that the supply of projection and technical equipment for Vivid Sydney 2025 is already contracted through the NSW Government e-Tender process and is not part of this opportunity.
PROJECTION ART
Vivid Sydney is known for its spectacular light projections on iconic buildings. Vivid Sydney is calling for projection artists to make their mark by considering new and often unused buildings, streets, laneways, sculptural objects, ground surfaces, overhead screens, or tunnels along the famous Vivid Sydney Light Walk. In previous years we’ve projected on trees and on the water, so use your imagination and think of each nook of the city as your canvas.
Ideas we’d love to see – projects that help us to see the city in a new light, or that play with perception of the everyday. For example, how can a light projection change the perception of something commuters see every day? How can light, quite literally, shine a spotlight on something that remains relatively unseen during our daily lives?
Projection art is fundamental to the Vivid Sydney experience and the festival has a long-established reputation for pushing the creative and technical boundaries of 3D projection mapping - we encourage artists to explore the limits of current technology.
Vivid Sydney is looking for big ideas and we want you to be as creative as possible in your proposal. We would love to see your concepts for bringing new artforms to projection art. Filmmakers, animators, artists, designers, and projectionists should submit their concept together with a suggested site or building. A successful proposal can be assigned to any building (or alternative surface) if deemed curatorially appropriate by the Vivid Sydney team.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
To apply you will need to provide the following:
- A detailed design concept brief, including a rationale as to how it relates to the creative direction for 2025 and a proven track record – either as an individual or company credentials and examples of previous designs that relate to the current project you are pitching. We require CVs for all key creative leads.
- A fully itemised project budget in Australian Dollars (inclusive of design, production, sound design, testing, output of professional quality high definition (HD) renders for use on the Vivid Sydney website and promotion in the lead up to the event, HD animations and with options to scale project up or down in minute increments). Please refer to Budget Template within the EOI Form.
- Completed Expression of Interest (EOI) Application Form.
SELECTION CRITERIA
In your EOI please demonstrate how your Projection Art meets the following criteria:
- Creative and artistic merit with bold and innovative design that addresses the 2025 creative direction.
- Innovative and creative use of technology and location.
- Cost-effectiveness, and capacity to deliver within the proposed fee/cost and timeline.
- Compliance to EOI requirements including diversity, audience development, access and inclusion and sustainability.
Applicants are required to read the following documents prior to applying:
LIGHT INSTALLATIONS
Artists, designers, creatives, architects, engineers and businesses are encouraged to submit a proposal for new Light Installations for the Vivid Sydney Light Walk 2025.
Successful works will demonstrate a unique experience of light, technology, sustainability, accessibility and innovative thinking. The works should relate to the 2025 creative direction and should also encourage our audience to interact with the work and help them to see their city in a new way.
Application requirements
To apply you will need to provide the following:
- Basic personal information, contact and contracting details.
- Preliminary technical specifications on your proposed light sculpture/installation.
- 2-3 photo-realistic professional quality render/s of the proposed light sculpture/installation in your proposed location.
- A concise written description of the proposed light sculpture/installation and how it relates to the creative direction for 2025.
- A demonstrated proven track record including a copy of your individual or company credentials and design/work portfolios.
For Domestic artists: A fully itemised project budget (including design, construction, installation, freight, dismantle etc). NB: Vivid Sydney will not be responsible for additional engineering costs due to design or material change decisions by artists, incurred after the project is in production and has been assessed by our appointed engineers. Please refer to Budget Template within the EOI Form.
For International artists: A fully itemised project budget (inclusive of design, construction, installation, freight to and from your closest port, onsite maintenance, dismantle etc, airfares and accommodation). Please refer to Budget Template within the EOI Form.
SELECTION CRITERIA
In your EOI please demonstrate how your Light Installation meets the following criteria:
- Creative and artistic merit with bold and innovative design that addresses the 2025 creative direction.
- Technical feasibility, including demonstrated ability to realise design, with a high-quality finished product.
- Cost-effectiveness, and capacity to deliver within the proposed fee/cost and timeline.
- Compliance to EOI requirements including diversity, audience development, access and inclusion and sustainability
Applicants are required to read the following documents prior to applying:
Important Considerations
Traditionally, the Vivid Sydney Light Walk includes locations throughout the Sydney Harbour foreshore, including The Rocks, Circular Quay, Barangaroo and Darling Harbour. Starting in 2022 we extended the Light Walk to include Barangaroo Headland, Darling Quarter, Darling Square, the Goods Line and Central Station. In 2025 we are also looking to explore new and undiscovered spaces in our city with works within or nearby the established Light Walk that highlight our icons, hidden treasures, natural environment and architecture in the inner city.
Artists are encouraged to use locations in Sydney to inspire their works, with a focus on our individuality and universality – the untold, unknown, and unexpected. The festival includes works of scale and smaller sized installations, and we encourage ideas for both that maintain impact, audience engagement and creativity at the fore.
Artists are encouraged to submit works that are an Australian premiere, or new pieces never seen before.
This year we invite applications from drone show producers and providers to supply shows in Sydney Harbour for the 2025 festival, please note that Vivid Sydney will direct the content of drone shows in collaboration with the drone supplier.
We are also looking for new light installation or projection ideas for Taronga Zoo Sydney, with a particular focus on interactive works that will engage our audience in new ways.
Applicants may propose a preferred or suggested location as part of their submission; however, the Vivid Sydney team reserves the right to stipulate the location of all artworks. Placement of installations in all locations is subject to approval by Vivid Sydney, landowners, regulatory bodies, and other stakeholders.
Please do not approach buildings or landowners directly.
Vivid Sydney welcomes applications which use interactivity / reactivity in new and exciting ways. Applicants are encouraged to explore sound, motion or data driven interactivity / reactivity as part of their submission. Vivid Sydney attracts large crowds (2.42 million people in 2024). So please consider how your proposed artwork will work in the context of a mass audience.
Installations designed for Vivid Sydney must be weather-proof, and able to last for the full duration of the event (including bump in/out, approx. 37 days) with minimal up-keep. If your installation is interactive, ensure the interactive elements are sufficiently robust and can operate safely in adverse weather conditions. Artists will be expected to maintain their work at a high level of aesthetic quality and functionality throughout the entire duration of the event which includes cleaning of the installation. Maintenance costs are at the artist’s own expense. High winds are common in Sydney during Vivid and should be considered.
Destination NSW will support successful applicants by providing final design engineering sign off and structural build onsite sign off services and allowing Artists to opt-in to facilitated insurance products (where required) for each installation. Applicants do not need to include the cost of these services in their submission budgets. Successful applicants will be required to work collaboratively with Destination NSW and their nominated third-party suppliers to provide the necessary documentation to ensure these services are delivered to the required standard on agreed timelines.
Please be aware that sound restrictions exist in many areas across Vivid Sydney. Applications including a sound component are widely encouraged, but please be aware that landowners, regulatory bodies, and other stakeholders will be considered when on-site decibel levels are established.
Artists are encouraged to create new music/sound design specific to their work. Permissions and necessary royalty licences for any/all music included in a Vivid Light installation or sculpture is the responsibility (and cost) of the artist.
It is highly recommended to incorporate the physical sound system into the piece for cohesiveness.
Please be aware that many of the locations on the Vivid Sydney Light Walk are classed as Heritage locations. Please take into consideration that no permanent and some temporary attachments to buildings, trees and pegging into park areas may not be allowed.
Drone show suppliers will need to provide options for multiple shows, with a minimum of 700 drones and 10 minute duration per show. Suppliers should also provide an outline of all operational requirements, and provide proof of all required licensing to fly in Sydney Harbour.
Taronga Zoo Precinct Creative Direction, Production and Audience Engagement
Anchored by a legacy that spans more than a century, Taronga Zoo is creating change for the wild, near, and far, by restoring fragmented habitats and protecting the health of iconic and endangered animals.
Secure a shared future for wildlife and people
At Taronga Conservation Society Australia, they believe that wildlife and people can share this planet. They believe that all of us have a responsibility to protect the world’s precious wildlife, not just in our lifetimes, but for the generations of the future.
Taronga Zoo's combination of innovation, technology, and support for endangered and all creatures great and small has created a uniquely Sydney story with universal resonance and connection, making it a powerful catalyst for change.
In 2025, we are again partnering with Taronga Zoo to re-imagine Vivid Sydney at the Zoo. Whether it’s a turn-key solution for an interactive experience or a bespoke event which shows off the world-class harbour views of the Zoo, we’d love to hear your wild and wonderful ideas for 2025!
We welcome creative applications across all the pillars (Light, Music, Ideas and Food) that re-imagine Vivid Sydney at Taronga Zoo with an emphasis on audience engagement. Light artists, producers, experiential developers, production companies and artist collectives are encouraged to submit a proposal for the delivery of the Taronga Zoo Precinct Creative, Production and Delivery as follows:
Option A – Light Installation, Interactive Light Installations or Architectural Projection Animation
- Submissions for the design and delivery of a single artwork for potential selection as one of a collection of curated works.
Option B – An end-to-end precinct activation
- Submission for the design and delivery of a complete event solution. A complete precinct activation will comprise a 1.5km light art experience that also can incorporate the other VIvid Sydney pillars – music, ideas and food, through the grounds of the zoo exploring Taronga Zoo’s core message of inspiring behavioural change for the wild, and habitat protection.
Destination NSW and Taronga Zoo reserve the right to appoint one supplier or multiple suppliers to all or part of the defined services detailed above.
Taronga has a strong focus on access and inclusion and environmental sustainability, all submissions should take that into consideration.
The target demographic of Vivid at Taronga is primarily young families however Taronga would like to attract a broad audience. Please note Taronga is a ticketed venue.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
To apply you will need to provide the following:
- Basic personal information, contact and contracting details.
- Preliminary technical specifications on your proposed light sculpture/installation/drone show/event solution/activation
- 2- 3 photo-realistic professional quality render/s of the proposed light sculpture/installation in your proposed location
- A concise written description of the proposed light sculpture/installation and how it relates to the creative direction for 2025
- A demonstrated proven track record including a copy of your individual or company credentials and design/work portfolios
For domestic artists: a fully itemised project budget (including design, construction, installation, freight, dismantle etc). NB: Vivid Sydney will not be responsible for additional engineering costs due to design or material change decisions by artist, incurred after the project is in production and has been assessed by our appointed engineers. Please refer to Budget Template within the EOI Form.
For International artists: fully itemised project budget in Australian dollars (inclusive of design, construction, installation, freight to and from your closest port, onsite maintenance, dismantle etc, airfares and accommodation). Please refer to Budget Template within the EOI Form.
SELECTION CRITERIA
In your EOI please demonstrate how your proposal meets the following criteria:
- Creative and artistic merit with bold and innovative design that addresses the 2025 creative direction
- Technical feasibility, including demonstrated ability to realise design, with a durable high-quality finished product
- Cost-effectiveness, and capacity to deliver within the proposed fee/cost and timeline
- Compliance to EOI requirements including diversity, audience development, access and inclusion and sustainability
For Drone Show Suppliers: answers to the 2025 creative direction are not required. Vivid Sydney will direct the content of drone shows in collaboration with the drone supplier, however evidence of experience in creative execution is required.
Applicants are required to read the following documents prior to applying:
Light Installations
Light Installations form an integral part of the Vivid Sydney Light Walk along the Sydney Harbour Foreshore and beyond. A Light Installation can explore engaging ideas or concepts while demonstrating a unique experience of light, creativity, new technology and innovative thinking.
Anyone can apply to deliver a Light Installation at Vivid Sydney! We have many diverse types of applicants including professional artists, designers, creative industry practitioners, architects, engineers, businesses, and educational institutions.
If you have a creative idea which highlights light as the primary form of art, then we want to hear from you.
All Installations must be an exclusive to Vivid Sydney and not shown prior in Australia.
Applicants must be a registered business and hold an ABN (Australian Business Number), ACN (Australian Company Number) or international equivalent.
Applicants will need to demonstrate a cohesive plan for their Light Installation including considerations regarding engineering, rigging, power, construction and weather proofing.
Applicants must be able to demonstrate technical details including build materials and technology components. The application requires at least one (1) DRAFT technical drawing reflecting an estimated plan for the Light Installation. The Vivid Sydney Technical Team can work with you to offer advice on how to progress your work technically.
Vivid Sydney welcomes applications which use interactivity / reactivity in new and exciting ways. Applicants are encouraged to explore sound, motion or data driven interactivity / reactivity as part of their submission.
No, applicants who wish to include performance of any type may be better suited to participation in Cross-Art Form Activations.
Applicants should include the following costs in their application:
- Artist Fees
- Materials / Consumables
- Equipment Hire
- Build / Construction
- Labour
- Lighting elements
- Transport / Fuel
- Artist Accommodation / Transport / Per Diems / Other Expenses (Please note that Bump In normally commences 2 weeks prior to the event, please consider this in your budget)
- Storage
- Public and Product Insurance ($20million)
- Professional Renders
- Professional Animations
- Contingency
Please refer to the Budget Template with the EOI Form.
Destination NSW defines an Artist as the person or company responsible for the creative concept, execution and delivery of the project. The Artist is responsible for the full production cycle from initial creative direction to final delivery. Destination NSW contractually engages the Artist (rather than the Collaborator) and it is the Artist, who is legally responsible for the work.
The Collaborator is the person or company responsible for assisting the Artist’s vision come to life. This can be in the form of a sound designer, museum or institution providing either content or projection space, composer, interactive technology specialist etc.
Destination NSW will cover the costs associated with final design sign off, and structural build engineering and correlated rigging for your Light Installation. Applicants will need to ensure that their application covers additional budget for design amendments and ground support should this be deemed necessary by engineers.
Destination NSW requires that your light installation be complete and delivered to Sydney no later than two weeks prior to the Festival. You will need to ensure that you account for sea freight timelines in your project planning and ensure that delivery to Sydney by the last week of April is achievable. On average on water shipping times are Asia - 5 weeks, Europe/UK - 9 weeks and USA - 7 weeks.
- Creative and artistic merit with bold and innovative design that addresses the 2025 creative direction
- Technical feasibility, including demonstrated ability to realise design, with a high-quality finished product
- Cost-effectiveness, and capacity to deliver within the proposed fee/cost and timeline
- Compliance with Expression of Interest requirements
To apply you will need to provide the following:
- Basic personal information, contact and contracting details
- Preliminary technical specifications on your proposed light sculpture/installation
- 2-3 photo-realistic professional quality render/s of the proposed light sculpture/installation in your proposed location
- A concise written description of the proposed light sculpture/installation and how it relates to the creative direction for 2025
- A demonstrated proven track record including a copy of your individual or company credentials and design/work portfolios
Artists will be responsible for engaging Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council for any approvals required for any culturally significant works or works placed on culturally sensitive land prior to the commencement of work.
PROJECTION ART
Projection Art is the 3D video mapping of light onto any surface, turning everyday objects into interactive displays of projection. Vivid Sydney encourages applicants to consider projecting onto underused buildings, sculptural objects, ground surfaces and tunnels along the famous Light Walk.
Applicants with a background in animation, design and projection art are encouraged to apply to deliver Projection Art at Vivid Sydney. You may be an individual artist with a great idea or an established 3D mapping company.
Applicants are encouraged to be as creative as possible in their proposal and submit a concept or idea together with a suggested site/building. A successful proposal can be assigned to any building (or alternative surface) if deemed curatorially appropriate by the Vivid Sydney team.
The Lighting of the Sydney Opera House Sails is a co-curation between Vivid Sydney and the Sydney Opera House and is therefore not included in this creative call out.
The Projection Art on the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) is a co-curation between Vivid Sydney and the MCA and is therefore not included in this creative call out.
The Vivid Sydney building lighting program is a turnkey creative proposal delivered by a selected supplier.
Vivid Sydney does welcome applications from building owners / property managers who are interested in self-funding / self-managing a lighting treatment on their building facade and will consider such proposals based on creative merit and connection to the Vivid Sydney event footprint.
Applicants will need to demonstrate a cohesive plan for their Projection Art including considerations such as storyline and animatic style.
Applicants must be able to demonstrate technical details including technology components. The application requires at least one (1) photo-realistic render of the projection.
Only budgets submitted with Vivid Sydney budget template will be accepted in AUD. Please ensure that your costings are accurate.
Applicants should include the following costs in their application:
- Artist Fees
- Materials / Consumables
- Labour
- Artist accomodatio / Transport/ Per Dieums
- Insurance
- Professional Renders
- Professional Animations
- Contingency
Please refer to the Budget Template with the EOI Form.
No, Destination NSW will cover the costs associated with technical requirements such as projectors, projector towers and projection labour hire. Applicants should consider a contingency budget to assist with any changes to their projection based on technology requirements.
- Creative and artistic merit with bold and innovative design that addresses the 2025 creative direction
- Innovative and creative use of technology and location
- Cost-effectiveness, and capacity to deliver within the proposed fee/cost and timeline
- Compliance with Expression of Interest requirements
To apply you will need to provide the following:
- A detailed design concept brief, including a rationale as to how it relates to the creative direction for 2025 and a proven track record – either as an individual or company credentials and examples of previous designs. We require CVs for all key creative leads.
- A fully itemised project budget (inclusive of design, production, sound design, testing, output of professional quality high definition (HD) renders for use on the Vivid Sydney website and promotion in the lead up to the event, HD animations and with options to scale project up or down in minute increments). Please refer to Budget Template within the EOI Form.
- Completed Expression of Interest (EOI) Application Form.
