As part of Sphere’s ongoing mission of uniting art and science to bring wonder to the world, the Annual Sphere XO Student Design Challenge will provide select UNLV students with an opportunity to learn how to conceptualize and create art for the Exosphere.  

For Sphere’s first design contest, celebrating the 4th of July, two winners from Art, Architecture, Film, Engineering, and Mathematics will have their designs showcased on the Exosphere.  

As part of its commitment to the arts, Sphere will give a $10,000 scholarship to both of the winning UNLV students in support of their education. 

How does the Sphere XO Student Design Challenge work? 

The Sphere team will provide custom-developed tools to aid the students in creating their art, including a VR headset and app. Participating students will receive tutorials from Sphere designers on how to create art specifically for the Exosphere.  

Students will have four weeks to complete their art with a weekly office hours model and dedicated email address to obtain Sphere technical support as needed.  

Winning student artwork will be selected via two methods – by established artists participating in the  XO/Art program, including Refik Anadol and Michela Picchi; as well as by the general public, who will have the opportunity to vote on Sphere’s website and follow along on social media.  

What’s the design brief? 

In the spirit of Sphere’s focus on art and science, the design theme is the 4th of July – a day of  independence, celebrated with fireworks and spectacles across our country. 

We encourage you to express and explore creativity with the winning designs going up on Sphere on July 4, 2024.  

Whether you utilize 4th of July imagery in your artwork or use the 4th of July as inspiration, that’s up to you. Have fun with it!  

If you’re looking for inspiration or would like to see additional examples of art on Sphere, be sure to check out our socials @SphereVegas.  

Who is eligible? 

The Sphere XO Student Design Challenge will be open to 30 students at UNLV as selected by faculty and administrators. 

Signed waivers are required for all participating students. Students under 18 must have their waiver signed by a parent or guardian.  

This is exciting! When do I start?  

The design challenge’s official program start date is Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at a special training event hosted by Sphere at UNLV. More information will be forthcoming.

Winners will be announced in June.