Glow Wild Artist Commission Opportunity Glow Wild is a winter lantern trail set at Kew Wakehurst, RBG Kew's wild botanic garden in Sussex. The one-mile route takes visitors through the gardens, illuminated by lanterns crafted from natural materials, fire-based sculptures, lighting installations and artworks, including both existing pieces and specially commissioned works. Designed with families in mind, Glow Wild appeals across generations, welcoming visitors of all ages. The event offers an immersive and memorable way to experience and connect with the landscape after dark. Glow Wild runs on selected evenings over approximately six weeks, from mid-November to early January. The event welcomes up to 3,500 visitors per night. Entry times begin at 4.15pm, with the trail operating until 9.30pm and the gardens closing at 10.00pm. The event is produced and promoted solely by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, in collaboration with a range of creative partners who contribute installations and artworks that respond sensitively to the character and significance of the landscape. Theme The theme invites artists to explore the extraordinary, the cosmic, and the unknown. We are interested in works that evoke awe and imagination, from the bizarre, strange and inspiring living things in our world to celestial journeys, future worlds and dreamscapes. "Out of this world" explores the wonder, mystery, and strangeness of nature, the cosmos, and the worlds that exist beyond ordinary perception. Works may be playful, poetic, immersive, interactive, contemplative, spectacular, or participatory. Who Can Apply? We welcome submissions from: Individual artists Submission Requirements Please submit: A short artist statement or biography (including previous work) Budgets should include: Artist fees Artist Responsibilities and Installation Commissioned artists are responsible for the design, fabrication, delivery and installation of their artwork, which should be delivered as a completed, installation-ready piece. Artists are expected to be as self-sufficient as possible throughout this process. Where large temporary structures are proposed, confirmation of structural loadings will be required at a later stage of the commissioning process. Our production team can provide limited practical support, including assistance with installation where agreed in advance. Where work interacts with sensitive landscape elements such as mature trees or horticultural features, installation methods will be agreed in collaboration with our production and horticulture teams. Successful artists will be required to comply with the Kew Contractors Pack, which outlines site-specific health and safety requirements, working procedures and operational guidance for all contractors working on site. Entries submitted by: 30 November 2026 by 11.59pm latestJob Summary
Job Description
About Glow Wild
Collaboratives and collectives
Designers and fabricators
Community-led creative projects
Emerging and established practitioners
Cross-disciplinary teams combining art, science, ecology, technology, or performanceJob Requirements
A written concept proposal (maximum 2 pages)
Visual references, sketches and design mock-up
Indicative budget
Technical, power and lighting requirements
Installation footprint and spatial considerations
Proposed timeline
Budgets
Design and fabrication
Materials
Transport and installation
Technical requirements
Staffing where required
Insurance and risk assessment contributions
De-installation
Available Commission Budgets
Small-scale commissions: from £2,000 to £5,000
Mid-scale commissions: £5,000 to £25,000
Large-scale landmark commissions: up to £50,000Job Responsibilities
Useful Links
How to Apply
Sent to: [email protected]
Potential site visits for follow up enquiries during
December 2026 if required.
All applicants will be notified if they have been
selected by 15th January 2027.