Open Call: Santa Fe Lamp Show 2026

Light is more than a medium. It's a gathering force.

Last year, the inaugural Santa Fe Lamp Show brought together over 36 artists whose practices intersect through light - as medium, as idea, as experiment. This November, the Lamp Show returns to Relay for its second year, and we're inviting artists to light up the room again.

We're seeking light-based art, objects, and installations of all kinds: sculptural lamps, functional lighting, shadow work, projection, kinetic pieces, salvaged and reimagined fixtures, and anything else that glows, flickers, or radiates. Emerging and established artists are equally welcome.

Open to artists throughout New Mexico. Artists outside Santa Fe are responsible for their own transport and travel, and dropoff and install can be combined into a single visit anytime November 2 - 6. Just tell us in your submission and we'll schedule around it.

KEY DATES

Submissions due: Monday, October 5

Artist notification: by Monday, October 12

Artwork dropoff: November 2 - 3 at Relay

Install: November 4 - 6 (artists install their own work; out-of-town artists can combine dropoff and install into one visit November 2 - 6)

Opening reception: Saturday, November 7, 6 - 10pm

Exhibition dates: November 7 - 28

Closing reception: Saturday, November 28, 6 - 9pm

Art pickup: Sunday, November 29

HOW TO SUBMIT

Submit through the application forms linked on this page. There are two forms: one for artwork submissions and one for programming proposals (workshops, activations, performances, demos, talks, screenings, and other events related to lamps, light, and illumination, to run during the exhibition month).

Artists may submit up to 5 works for consideration - individual works, a series, or prototypes for a possible run. There is a $20 application fee per application, paid through the form. The fee helps support exhibition costs.

Please include images (in-progress or reference images are fine), dimensions, and a short description for each work. Selections are made based on the final exhibition layout and the overall composition of the show, so some submitted works may not be included.

ARTIST APPLICATION

PROGRAMMING PROPOSAL

TECHNICAL

All works must operate on standard 120V power or batteries, with plugs attached and ready to power on. You'll be asked for the estimated power draw of each work in watts or amps - a rough number is fine. If your work needs special technical assistance, specific hanging, or particular power considerations, note in your submission so we can plan for it.

SALES

Works are optionally for sale, and we highly encourage it - lamps found new homes all month last year. Sales are handled by Relay during the exhibition with a 50/50 commission split between the artist and Relay. Proceeds to Relay support the space and future programming.

Artists are responsible for transport to and from Relay, installation, and de-installation. All work must be picked up on November 29.

Open call graphic: pieces by Calli Beck, from the inaugural 2025 Santa Fe Lamp Show.