gleam: 2026 request for proposals

Olbrich Botanical Gardens invites proposals for large-scale, light-based art for GLEAM, Art in a New Light, a public art exhibition situated within a 16-acre Midwest landscape or 10,000 sq ft tropical conservatory. The 2026 GLEAM exhibit will focus on light-based art concepts that present a captivating environment, offer creative play experience, and bring to light creatures of all shapes and sizes, real and imaginative. GLEAM will be open for public viewing from August 29 - October 24, 2026.

Olbrich Botanical Gardens is located in Madison, Wisconsin. Named for its founder, Michael B. Olbrich, the Gardens are owned and operated jointly by the City of Madison Parks Division and the non-profit Olbrich Botanical Society. Olbrich Botanical Gardens' mission is to enrich lives & inspire people to live in harmony with the natural world. We aspire to be a destination where all visitors, volunteers, and staff are valued and feel they belong. With conscious intent and continuous learning, Olbrich Botanical Gardens' staff, volunteers, and board will address barriers to inclusion through education, operational changes, and partnerships with the community.

In 2015, the GLEAM exhibition was created and curated to showcase the natural beauty of the Gardens at night, expand public art opportunities in Madison in a unique natural setting, and offer programming that would appeal to a broad demographic of community members and attract future supporters.