GUIDELINES

ZSOLNAY LIGHT FESTIVAL X.

APPLICATION GUIDE

The Proposal Guide supplements the Call for Proposals with important information to help prepare and submit a successful application.

GENERAL INFORMATION

This competition provides an opportunity to be included in the 2026 programme of the Zsolnay Light Festival. 

The organiser reserves the right to implement internally developed or invitation-based projects alongside the selected works.

Submissions may include new works or previously presented works, provided they fully comply with the conditions and principles of this call.

The organiser reserves the right to propose adjustments to selected works — in agreement with the creator — to ensure presentability, feasibility, and alignment with festival conditions.

ZSLF does not necessarily expect fully finished works in this competition.

It is also possible to submit concepts or partially developed ideas that require further support in adapting to the location, defining technical requirements, or developing implementation plans.

The ZSLF team provides support throughout the entire lifecycle of the project — preparation, installation, operation, and dismantling — through professional consultation and human or technical resources. Details will be agreed with the selected applicants following the announcement of results.

We provide security guarding for all productions during installation, presentation, and dismantling.

However, operation during festival hours must be undertaken by the artist or their team members. In special cases, exceptions may be negotiated and specified in the agreement.

During the financial planning process, we aim to assist applicants in optimising and rationalising costs.

The organiser reserves the right to involve sponsors to support the costs of realising the work.

If your project is eligible for external funding, grants, or financial support, please indicate this during the application, as it may be considered an advantage during evaluation.

Acceptance of the application does not guarantee that the work will be realised.

Where justified, the ZSLF team may provide technical equipment or on-site infrastructure. Details will be discussed with applicants upon selection.

By submitting the application, the applicant accepts that the organiser may request non-conceptual modifications — adjustments that do not affect the artistic essence but ensure feasibility or alignment with financial or festival-wide considerations.

Naturally, the applicant has the right to review and consider these changes.

The applicant acknowledges that the completed intellectual product remains the property of the creator, but the organiser receives the full right to present and publicly display it, determining access conditions and presentation timing.

By submitting the application form, each applicant undertakes to ensure that their work does not violate the honour, human dignity, or reputation of any third party.

By submitting the application form, each applicant also undertakes and guarantees that, should any damage be caused to a third party through the submission or presentation of the work, they will fully compensate all material and non-material damages directly to the injured party.

By submitting the application form, each applicant guarantees that their work does not infringe the copyright or property rights of any third party

If any justified legal claim is made against the organisers of ZSLF due to copyright, personality rights, property rights, or other rights violations caused by the applicant’s work, the applicant agrees to assume full liability on behalf of the organiser.

SITES

You may explore the potential indoor and outdoor locations of the Route of Light via the provided map and photo/video gallery.

Applications may be submitted without specifying a location, but works designed specifically for the listed sites may receive preferential consideration.

The final selection of sites and programme layout is determined by the ZSLF team.

We reserve the right — in cooperation with the applicant — to refine presentation details upon selection.

We also reserve the right to discuss site adaptation requirements, while fully respecting artistic freedom.

MAP

Gallery

Each submitted work must respect the character, spirit, and cultural significance of its presentation site.

During the decision-making process, works are evaluated in relation to specific sites and their unique characteristics.

For outdoor locations, the installation must be robust and weather-resistant, capable of withstanding rain and wind.

In the contract, the applicant must assume responsibility for the equipment and materials they provide. 

TECHNICAL DETAILS

We welcome applications created using the following technologies:

• Building projections using analogue, digital, or mapping techniques
  (separate from the invitational mapping competition for the Cathedral — these function as independent artworks)
• Light sculptures
• Light installations (interactive, site-specific, etc.)
• Sculpture mapping
• Works using natural light
• Analogue projectors, digital projectors, robotic lights, LED systems, lasers, fire, or other light-generating devices

FAQ

I need to specify the technical equipment required for my work, but I don’t yet know all the details. What should I write on the form?

Please list the equipment to the best of your current knowledge.

If you are uncertain, indicate this in the form — our team will contact you during evaluation to clarify technical details.

I have a great idea but no experience in implementing it. What should I do?

We welcome concept-level ideas and are happy to assist in bringing them to life.

This development process may require more time, and we reserve the right to support the idea through extended preparation, potentially realising it in a future edition of the festival.

What additional administrative tasks should I expect for presenting my work?

Once submissions have been evaluated, we will send a draft contract outlining both artistic obligations and expectations from the festival organisers.

Please note in advance: it is your responsibility to arrange insurance for your work.

If my work is selected, how much time will I have for setup (assembly/installation)?

A 3–5 day installation period is usually anticipated, and the work must be fully completed one day before the festival opens.

We will provide a detailed schedule for installation, presentation, and dismantling, ensuring that all artists receive the necessary support and attention.

We wish you every success in preparing your application.We look forward to receiving your submission — please feel free to contact us with any questions!

Pécs, 24 November 2025