BLINK Cincinnati Call to Artists | BLINK | A Festival of Light & Art | Cincinnati, Ohio

More to come on BLINK 2026

BLINK 2026: Artist and Proposal Submissions Now Open – Deadline: October 8th, 2025

Now entering its fifth edition, BLINK is one of the largest light, art, and projection experiences in the nation. Since its inception in 2017, it transforms over 30 city blocks across Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky with large-scale projection mapping, interactive light-based installations, and murals. In 2024, more than 2 million people experienced the festival.

BLINK celebrates the power of public art to build community, spark imagination, and create moments of shared wonder. From immersive installations to projection mapping and painted walls that come to life, the experience is made possible by artists from across the region and around the world.

We invite you to submit a proposal and be part of BLINK 2026, taking place October 8 to 11 in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Check out this BLINK: Virtual Call to Artist Information Session Zoom recording: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/3ygvo83jtp2zd71ut6m7e/BLINK-Virtual-Call-to-Artist-Information-Session-Zoom-recordingmp4?rlkey=wn8cunxf04prwf2mxpj9obgia&st=d0p7joai&dl=0

Check out these PDFs, which contain additional details and helpful information: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/nkq886l8a3j0poojx7ub6/ANNtFeJiPBrs-hqfA4a7xvw?rlkey=aep09ur21d8y9ih3r8jn11lng&st=bekqk4di&dl=0

Application Overviews

Please note:

Incomplete or late submissions will not be accepted
Light Based works must incorporate light or be transformed by light
All projects must be free, accessible, and open to the public for the duration of the event
BLINK is a family-friendly event; artwork must be appropriate for all ages
Commercial advertising or branded content will not be accepted
Applicants may submit more than one concept for consideration.

1. Light-Based Art Application

This application is a Request for Proposals (RFP). BLINK past selected works have featured LED sculptures, kinetic and sound-based pieces, illuminated structures, and interactive light art. However, we are open to any creations that incorporate light and are durable. Click this link to see past Light Based Art Installation BLINK projects.

Proposals should:

Clearly articulate a visual concept and describe how it will be experienced in a nighttime, light-based environment. Proposals may include existing works or newly developed concepts.
Demonstrate functionality, interactivity, and durability in a public setting
Show originality, storytelling, and thoughtful placemaking
Complete the concept proposal budget using the provided template
Include supporting images or renderings

2. Projection Mapping, Digital Art + Animation Application

This application is a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) — not a Request for Proposals — meaning you do not need to submit a final concept.

What We’re Looking For in Artists:

Demonstrate experience in projection mapping or large-scale digital artwork, including work on large or complex surfaces such as buildings, murals, or sculptures
Show strong visual storytelling capabilities and bring a distinctive artistic voice to public spaces and audiences
Incorporate sound or original music as a core component of their work (not required)
Bring a distinctive artistic voice to public space and public audiences
Push the boundaries of technology to tell stories or evoke emotion

Optional Concept Proposal: If you already have ideas for BLINK 2026, you may submit a concept or sketch — though this is not required:

Artworks or performances that advertise a commercial product or brand will not be accepted
BLINK is a family-friendly event, and work must be appropriate for all ages
Applicants may submit more than one concept for consideration

3. Mural Artists Application

This application is a Request for Qualifications (RFQ), we are not requesting mural proposals or sketches at this stage. Selected artists will be invited to develop concepts in collaboration with the BLINK team after the review process.

BLINK is building a world-class outdoor art gallery anchored in the Findlay Market District, with plans to thoughtfully expand into surrounding areas including Over-the-Rhine, Downtown Cincinnati, and potentially Covington. As such, mural submissions should reflect the ethos and vision of the BLINK mural program; prioritizing high-quality, bold, and engaging public art.

What Makes Your Work Stand Out?

Our goal is to grow a dynamic and exceptional mural collection. Consider how your artistic voice adds depth and distinction to that collection:

What makes your work unique, memorable, or resonant in a public space?
Why might someone walk an extra block to experience your piece?
How does your piece enhance or contrast with the artwork already in place?

Show your work:

Murals are challenging to execute and they take practice and skill. Interested applicants should demonstrate and show past experience that exemplifies your ability to paint at a large scale with excellence.

Project Opportunities: What’s Available and How It Works

Our passion is helping to realize and illuminate as many projects as possible. The BLINK project team is grateful to receive proposals and interest from artists, collectives and creatives from the Cincinnati region and all over the globe. Funding and space is however limited and the selection process is highly competitive. Please carefully review the following opportunities, project qualifications and budget considerations.

In 2026 we will work to:

Curate 8–12 new permanent Murals:

Murals are our most limited opportunity and the medium with the highest emphasis of bringing in world-class artists from outside the Cincinnati region. The BLINK project team aims to add to the vibrant and storied history of public art in Cincinnati by building onto our portfolio of public art in and around the Findlay Market neighborhood.
Inquiring muralists should have demonstrated history and experience of producing large-scale public murals.
Mural site selection will be determined by the BLINK project team and discussed with the mural artists in advance of the festival.

Exhibit 25–35 temporary Light Based Art Installations:

Lighted-art installations can vary in size and budget with the majority of projects being funded with a $3,500-$12,500 honorarium range. While there are opportunities for funding outside of this range, we ask you to consider projects you can realize inside of this budget and only submit projects outside of this budget with the understanding that they may disqualify you for consideration.
View the BLINK 2024 map here. You can use this map to familiarize yourself with past installation sites and to help ground your proposal. While not required, referencing a preferred location may strengthen your application by demonstrating thoughtful site integration. Final installation locations are determined by the BLINK project team and are subject to change at our discretion at any time for any reason.
Please note, artists applying for light-based installations are not responsible for the cost of power, security, or site rentals. Artists are responsible for securing the necessary labor required to install and de-install their installation in the scheduled timeline.

Illuminate 25–35 Projection Mapping/Digital Animation Installations:

Inquiring artists should demonstrate history and/or experience of designing/producing digital design/animations.
Projection Mapping and Digital Art + Animation projects will be assigned a location (building or mural) at the discretion of the BLINK project team. If you have an idea or proposed project site for your work, please let us know where you are most inspired to work, and the BLINK project team will discuss it with you if you are selected for a project interview. Requested sites/murals are not guaranteed.
Projection artists will be provided with hi-resolution photos and a pixel map of their projection location, however artists will be responsible for creating/implementing their own methods and models to generate the projection installation.
Honorarium stipends for projection mapping/digital animation installations typically range between $7,500-$12,500 depending on the level of complexity of the project site and quality of work expected.
Please note, projection/animation artists are not responsible for any costs associated with equipment rental (media servers, projectors, lenses, scaffolding, etc.), power, security, or staffing of their installations. Projection/animation artists are responsible for the creation and digital delivery of their artwork.
Projection/animation artists will work with a dedicated BLINK project team for all project management aspects of their commission, including regular check-ins, virtual calls, Slack messages, and project milestone requirements.

PROJECT TIMELINE FOR BLINK 2026 ARTISTS

APPLICATION PERIOD:

Tuesday, July 8, 2025 – Artist applications open
July – October 2025 – Multiple engagement opportunities available to meet with the BLINK team and discuss your application (schedule coming soon)
October 8, 2025 – Artist applications close

SELECTION & INTERVIEW:

October 31, 2025 – BLINK and Curatorial Team complete application reviews
November – December 2025 – Interviews scheduled with selected artists
January 2026 – Round 1 artists notified via email; contracts distributed
February 2026 – Round 2 artists notified via email; contracts distributed

ONBOARDING & SETUP:

March 2026 – Signed contracts due; virtual meetings scheduled between the BLINK team and selected muralists, light-based, and projection artists

HONORARIUMS & PROJECT CHECK-INS:

April 2026 – First milestone payment requested (25% of honorarium)
April – June 2026 – Artist check-in meetings / virtual calls
June 2026 – Second milestone payment requested (50% of honorarium)
July 2026 – Progress check-in calls with artists

DEADLINES & INSTALLATION:

September 1, 2026 – Final projection project delivery deadline (Projection Mapping only)
September 2026 – Final milestone payment requested (25% of honorarium)
October 1–7, 2026 – Installation of light-based works begins
October 8–11, 2026 – Artwork exhibited (BLINK!)
October 11–12, 2026 – Artwork de-installed
November 2026 – Photography and content packages for each installation sent to artists by the BLINK project team

FAQ

1. Can I submit an existing work, or do you only accept new proposals?
We welcome both new and existing works. Your submission can be a fully original concept or a previously completed piece that aligns with the goals of BLINK.

2. Do I need to propose a location for my piece when I apply?
No. While you're welcome to note any preferred sites or inspirations in your application, the BLINK project team will ultimately determine placement based on feasibility, scale, and curatorial fit.

3. What if my budget isn’t finalized when I apply?
You should have a solid understanding of your project’s budget, as it is a key part of the review process. That said, the BLINK team will work with shortlisted artists during interviews to refine scope and feasibility.

4. Can sound be included in my installation or projection?
Yes. While sound is not required, it is encouraged. We aim to create immersive, multi-sensory experiences for festival attendees, and sound can be a powerful addition to your work.

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Need more info?
Send us an email at info@blinkcincinnati.com. We’ve got you covered.

We wish you the best of luck!