WORCESTER—It may be the middle of summer, but the city is already planning for twinkle lights and cold nights.
Worcester’s Cultural Development Division and the Downtown Worcester Business Improvement District (BID) just put out a call for artist proposals for the 2025–2026 Winter Lighting Program and the annual Festival of Lights celebration.
Set to launch Friday, Dec. 5, the festival features temporary illuminated public artworks installed on the Worcester Common and displayed through March 1, 2026.
Artists are invited to submit 2D or 3D illuminated works that “transform the Worcester Common into a vibrant, festive space” during the holiday season and beyond.
“The Festival of Lights is one of Worcester’s most cherished winter traditions,” said Cultural Development Officer Fabian Barracks in the release. “We’re thrilled to support more artists in illuminating our public spaces and fostering cultural vibrancy downtown.”
The initiative is backed by a $30,000 funding pool through a matching grant from the New England Foundation for the Arts’ (NEFA) Making It Public program. The funds may be awarded as one large commission or split across multiple artists, depending on the proposals.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for artists to contribute to our city’s creative landscape while engaging directly with the public in meaningful, joyful ways,” said Victoria Mariano, program director for the Downtown Worcester BID.
Artists or artist teams age 18 and older are eligible to apply, with preference for Worcester-connected applicants. The selection criteria will emphasize experience in public art, illuminated work, site-specific design, and community engagement. Both emerging and established artists are encouraged to apply.
The call for entries is part of Worcester’s participation in NEFA’s Making It Public 2025 initiative, a partnership with the Metropolitan Area Planning Council’s Arts & Culture Department aimed at expanding public art infrastructure across the region.
Proposals must address public safety and maintenance and are encouraged to include interactive features and use energy-efficient lighting. Full guidelines, including site maps and images of previous installations, are available on the City of Worcester’s website.
Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 1. Artists may submit online or send a PDF application to the city’s Cultural Development Division via culture@worcesterma.gov or in person at Worcester City Hall.
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