Sphere Debuts XO Student Design Challenge For Exosphere Art

Las Vegas’ newest landmark is going public, but not that kind of public. The “Sphere XO Student Design Challenge” will allow members of the community to see their art featured on Sphere’s space-age exterior.

The program is a collaboration between Sphere, the Clark County School District and University of Nevada,  Las Vegas, and will provide more than 100,000 Clark County-based students with the opportunity to create art for the Exosphere, lighting up the Strip and turning heads across the globe.

Eight student winners ranging from elementary school through college will be chosen by  a combination of voting by the general public on thesphere.com, according to the announcement, and selected by professional artists who have designed for the Exosphere, including Refik Anadol and Michela Picchi.

The challenge kicks off this month, with art to be Fourth of July themed, marking the one-year anniversary of the first lighting of the technological marvel that has changed the face of the Las Vegas Strip and made waves in the greater live entertainment industry.

Winning high school and UNLV students will receive a $10,000 educational scholarship from Sphere, while elementary and middle school student winners will earn a $10,000 donation from Sphere for their school’s art program to further art education in public  schools. The announcement also promises tickets for their entire school to attend The Sphere Experience this fall.

“Sphere is more than a venue – it is a new entertainment medium uniting art and science to broaden our understanding of what’s possible through artistic and technological innovation,” said Jim Dolan, Executive Chairman and CEO, Sphere Entertainment. “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.” 

Ultimately, two elementary school students, two middle school students, two high school students and two UNLV  students will win and see their work displayed on the Exosphere. More information on the contest and selection process can be found at thesphere.com/xo-student-design-challenge.  

  “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,” said renowned digital artist Refik Anadol. “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.” 

On March 2, Sphere hosted its final U2: UV Achtung Baby Live At Sphere residency, which attracted more than 700,000 fans over 40 sold-out shows since kicking off in late September to open the $2.3 billion venue.

Up next is Phish with four shows in April, followed by Dead & Company, who will do shows in May, June and July.