A' Lighting Projects and Light Art Design Awards open 2026 entries

A' Design Award & Competition has opened entries for the 2026 A' International Lighting Projects and Light Art Design Awards, with submissions due Sept. 30, 2026 and results set for May 1, 2027. The competition targets lighting designers, architects, artists and related firms worldwide and includes awards, publicity tools and exhibition opportunities for winners.

Why it matters: - The competition gives lighting designers, architects and artists a global platform for projects that shape public spaces, landscapes and buildings. - Winners can receive marketing support, publicity tools and international exposure that may help move work from concept recognition to commercial visibility.

What happened: - A' Design Award & Competition announced the 2026 call for entries for the A' International Lighting Projects and Light Art Design Awards. - Entries are open to lighting project designers, lighting architects, industrial design studios, lighting product manufacturers, lighting brands, interior designers, landscape architects, event planners, stage designers, exhibition designers, light artists, visual effects artists, electrical engineers, lighting consultants, lighting technology developers, consultancy firms and R&D companies worldwide. - Eligible work includes lighting projects, light art installations and architectural illumination concepts developed within the last 10 years. - The submission deadline is Sept. 30, 2026. - Results will be announced May 1, 2027.

The details: - The competition uses a two-phase process that starts with a complimentary preliminary evaluation. - Projects that pass the preliminary stage can move to nomination, with a nominal fee required for nomination consideration. - Entries are judged anonymously by an international jury of more than 300 academics, lighting designers, architects, artists, engineers and lighting technology specialists. - Judging focuses on innovation, visual impact, sustainability, technical performance and design excellence. - Eligible work spans architectural lighting, immersive light installations, projection-based artworks, urban lighting strategies, landscape illumination, stage lighting and interactive light experiences. - Subcategories include light art, light installations, street lighting, light sculptures, light projections, landscape lighting, art lighting and lighting projects. - Additional details are available in the competition category listing. - Registrations can be made through the entry page.

Between the lines: - The awards package is built to turn a win into media coverage and promotional reach, not just a trophy. - Professional-edition laureates receive the A’ Design Prize, which includes a design excellence certificate, lifetime winner-logo use, a yearbook, exhibitions in Italy, a trophy, gala-night access, translations and rankings placement. - Winners also receive an exclusive interview, a press release, a press kit and distribution to accredited media. - The program’s structure suggests A' Design Award & Competition is positioning lighting as both an art form and a marketable design discipline.

What's next: - Designers and firms can submit eligible projects now for preliminary review. - Award winners will be announced in 2027 and later receive press kits and publicity support. - Past winners are available on the winners page.

The bottom line: - The 2026 lighting awards are now open, with a clear path from free preliminary review to global recognition and post-win promotion.