Olbrich Botanical Gardens invites proposals for temporary, light-based installations 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. In celebration of the 10th anniversary, the 2025 GLEAM exhibit will center on the concept of reflection. GLEAM will be open for public viewing from August 23 - October 25.

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.

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. All proceeds from exhibit admissions directly support the mission and daily operations of Olbrich Botanical Gardens, Madison’s free public garden.

1. Review Eligibility & Guidelines

2. Download Required Proposal Template

Download Template



3. Utilize Artist Toolkit Resources

4. Submit

Save proposal components (proposal, sketches, work samples, resume) as combined PDF file (not to exceed 25MB).

Click 'Submit' button to complete the web contact form and upload your proposal by November 17, 2024 to be considered for Olbrich's 2025 GLEAM Exhibit. 

Proposal submission is closed. Please see the timeline for more information.

Selection Process & Timeline

October 1, 2024.........................Request for proposals opens
November 17, 2024..................Proposal submission deadline by 11:59 p.m.
December 9-17, 2024..............Notification of finalists
January 2025..................Proposal development and agreement negotiation
March 3, 2025.............................Final proposal deadline due by 11:59 p.m.
August 6-20, 2025....................Exhibit install
August 23, 2025........................Opening viewing
August 27–Oct 25, 2025........GLEAM exhibition duration
October 27-31, 2025...............De-installation of artwork

Questions?

 Questions??? contact Public Programs Manager, Missy Jeanne at mjeanne@cityofmadison.com / 608-246-5616