Välke light festival 2025 - Open Call for Artists

We are now seeking light installations for Välke that will bring light and joy to the city. The light festival will kick off with the opening of Kuopio's Christmas season on Saturday 15th of November and will continue until the city's official anniversary celebration on Monday 17th of November.

Välke - Open Call for artists

Through the Välke open call for artists, we are seeking light installations and elements to be placed in Kuopio’s city center and harbor area, including squares and parks. The call is aimed at professional entities, such as lighting companies, associations and artists. The total budget for the open call is approximately €60,000, which will be used to implement several works in the city center.

In the application form, describe the most suitable environment for your installation in an urban setting (e.g., square, market area, waterfront, park, harbor, building). Some works may also be placed in publicly accessible indoor spaces where feasible.


Funding can be applied for the implementation of content or ideas under the following conditions:

• The applicant must have a business ID (Y-tunnus) and operate professionally.
• The applicant must have prior professional experience and proven expertise in creating light installations or elements in urban environments.
• The applicant must be able to independently execute the project within the agreed timeframe, following a turnkey approach.
• The proposed installation must be suitable for outdoor conditions in November (potential strong winds, rain, snow, frost). If the artwork is intended for indoor placement only, this must be specified in the application form.
  
  

The open call closes on Sunday 8th of June 2025, with submissions reviewed during the application period. The deadline may be extended if necessary.

Who Can Participate?
The Välke light festival open call is open to all individuals with relevant training, active professional experience in the field, and proven ability to execute an installation independently and within the agreed timeframe. Applicants must have a business ID (Y-tunnus). Proposals for light installations of various sizes and styles are welcome as part of the festival. The details of selected installations will be discussed separately with the chosen creators.

We are seeking turnkey light installations and elements. The total price must include transportation, installation, and dismantling of the work. It must also cover all necessary tools and equipment for construction, display, and dismantling, (such as stands, cranes, and fences). Any insurance costs related to the installation must be included as well. The time required for testing during the setup phase should be factored in. By participating in the open call, the creator grants event organizers and the commissioner the right to film, photograph, and use images of the installation for event communication purposes.

Event Scedule
Välke light festival will take place from Saturday to Monday, November 15–17, 2025, between 16:00 and 21:00. All installations must be fully completed by Friday, November 14, at 20:00. Dismantling may begin no earlier than Monday, November 17, at 21:30. Installations may remain on display beyond the festival dates, provided they do not require maintenance or supervision and can withstand prevailing weather conditions. 

The total price of the offer must include:

• Rental, production, materials, and technical implementation of the installation (including weights, electrical components, audio equipment, etc.).
• Transportation of the installation.
• Assembly, dismantling, and any necessary maintenance actions.
• Possible accommodation and travel costs for the team. Please indicate in the application form if the installation can be executed remotely without the team being present on-site.
  
  
  

Installation Selection
The selection of installation will be based on the following factors:

• The immersive and engaging nature of the work, as well as its suitability for the Välke theme.
• The background and previous experience of the creator.
• The technical feasibility of implementing the installation.
• Security and surveillance requirements for the installation.
• The compatibility of the installation with the proposed location and overall event concept, considering other selected works.
• The ability to fully execute the project based on a turnkey approach.
• The offer and pricing of the proposed installation.

The installations will be reviewed by a steering group consisting of representatives from the City of Kuopio and the city center development association. The final selection decisions will be made by the city center development association after consulting the panel. The City of Kuopio serves as the main commissioner and financial supporter of the Välke event, and agreements for commissioned works will be established accordingly. Additional information may be requested from applicants if necessary.

Locations
Through the open call for artists, works can be proposed for the following locations in the city center. The final placement of installations will be determined by the event organizers.

Snellmanninpuisto (park)
The park features large grassy areas and a central square with a sand surface. It is mainly populated with trees and planted areas. Additionally, the park has a fountain and a water basin, which will be empty during the light festival.

Satamapuisto (harbor park)
This park includes large grassy areas and is primarily covered with trees. Nearby, there are paved parking areas, which may also be utilized for installations.

Satamatori (Harbor Square)
An open paved space with dim lighting. There are few existing structures suitable for mounting installations. The lake is located right next to the area.

Aallonmurtaja (Breakwater)
Situated in the harbor area, this scenic lakeside location features an open asphalt event space, grassy areas, and boat docks, which may be used as installation sites.

Take note

Weather Conditions
Please note that Kuopio's weather in mid-November can be unpredictable. Temperatures during the event may range from -15°C to +10°C. Conditions are likely to be very wet or slippery, with snow accumulation between 0–20 cm and occasional strong winds. Participants in the open call are responsible for ensuring that their installation can withstand and function properly in these possible weather conditions (including cold, wind, rain, snow, and frost).

Security and Insurance
The total price of the offer must include any insurance costs related to the installation. The event organizers will oversee security for the installations during the festival. However, the creator is responsible for maintaining the installation in case of malfunctions.

Participation in the Open Call

Preliminary Schedule
Application period: April 27 – June 8, 2025
Review & possible additional inquiries: April – June
Selections: June – July, finalized by August
Contracts & technical evaluations: August
Implementation: November

Submit your proposal for Välke via the application form:

Access the open call application from here