First festival call under the new Nightlab name invites Portland’s creative community to help shape next winter
Fresh on the heels of the launch of Nightlab, the nonprofit formerly known as the Willamette Light Brigade, the Portland Winter Light Festival has officially opened its Call for Participation for the 2027 festival. Portland’s biggest celebration of art and light begins now, with an open invitation to the community that brings it to life.
Every February, artists, performers, architects, designers, students, venues, businesses, and community partners transform Portland into an outdoor gallery of light. Art installations, performances, projections, fire sculpture, and immersive experiences invite hundreds of thousands of people to see familiar places in entirely new ways. That transformation begins months before opening night, with the people bold enough to imagine what doesn’t yet exist.
Established artists and newcomers alike are welcome to submit proposals that use light in creative ways. Previous festival experience isn’t required. Strong concepts, collaboration, and curiosity are.
“The festival has always belonged to the people who create it. Every year, we’re amazed by the ideas that come through this process, from first-time makers and community groups to internationally recognized artists. If you’ve ever looked at the Festival and thought, ‘I have an idea,’ this is your invitation,” said Alisha Sullivan, Executive Director of Nightlab.
Businesses, galleries, storefronts, cultural organizations, and other public-facing spaces are also encouraged to participate by hosting artwork during the Festival. Community partners make it possible to bring more art into more neighborhoods while creating new opportunities for artists and audiences to connect.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis through August 28, 2026. Early submissions allow more time to refine projects, connect collaborators, and work with the Festival team throughout the planning process.
To help prospective participants get started, Nightlab will host three free virtual information sessions where Festival staff will walk through the application process, explain what reviewers are looking for, answer questions, and discuss resources available to help bring projects to life.
Virtual information sessions
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Tues, July 7, noon to 1 PM for architects and design firms – sign up here
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Wed, July 8, noon to 1 PM for venues & community partners – sign up here
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Wed, July 8, 6 to 7 PM for artists & performers – sign up here
The 2027 Portland Winter Light Festival takes place February 5 through 13, 2027.
Learn more, apply, or register for a virtual information session at pdxwlf.com.
Press Contact: Therese Gietler
press@pdxwlf.com
503-970-1245
Press Kit: Here – Please note, all image accreditation is included in the file name
Call for Artists Video (:47)
Call for Performers Video (:43)
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Produced by Nightlab, the Portland Winter Light Festival is a free, family-friendly celebration of art, light, and community. Since launching in 2016, the Festival has grown into one of the Pacific Northwest’s largest annual arts events. In 2026, the Festival welcomed more than 262,000 attendees and featured 219 installations, 74 performances, and the work of 770 artists and performers across 110 locations throughout Portland.
More Info
https://pdxwlf.com/
Location
Portland, OR
Opportunity Region
Local
Commitment
Non-Applicable