Las Vegas Sphere launches $10,000 design contest aimed at local students

A unique new design challenge from the creative team that manages the popular Sphere attraction in Las Vegas is giving select members of the local community the chance to have their artworks displayed on its massive 580,000-square-foot LED exterior.

The competition was announced Wednesday by Sphere Entertainment. Their brief for the Sphere XO Student Design Challenge is being presented in unison with the Clark County School District and University of Nevada, Las Vegas and is open exclusively to pupils at either K-12 or college level. 

Refik Anadol and others who have exhibited their own creations on the exosphere will be included in a public vote to select eight winners. The theme for the inaugural contest is the Fourth of July. Winners will have their works debuted on the holiday to mark the exosphere's first anniversary. Their selection comes along with a $10,000 scholarship for high school and college students. Another $10,000 will be donated to the art programs of each of the middle and elementary level learners' schools as well.

"Sphere XO Student Design Challenge is an opportunity for us to engage Las Vegas students by introducing them to Sphere’s technology, and meaningfully give back to the community by inspiring its future," explained CEO Jim Dolan.

"I have a deep understanding and appreciation for the determination required by young artists who hope to break into the art world — this is an excellent opportunity to showcase their work to a global audience. I am honored to participate and support these students at the beginning of their journey toward what I hope will be productive careers in the arts," Anadol added.

A total of 120 submissions will be put up for online voting beginning in May. Additional information about the process, including specific dates for voting, will be announced at a later time.

Correction (March 17, 2024): An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated the surface area of the Sphere's exterior. We have updated the article to reflect the accurate surface area.