Las Vegas is handing the creative reins to the public—at least partially. The Sphere, the city’s massive LED-covered entertainment venue, is letting people vote on what will light up its exosphere on April 22, Earth Day. The contest, now in its second year, gives students a shot at seeing their designs broadcast to the world.
Public Voting Open for Sphere XO Student Design Challenge
Voting kicked off Monday for the Sphere XO Student Design Challenge, a competition that highlights young artistic talent. Sphere Entertainment Co., which operates the venue, is inviting people to cast their votes at thesphere.com/vote through March 24 at 11:59 p.m.
The contest is split into four student categories:
- Elementary school
- Middle school
- High school
- College
People can vote once per day in each category, meaning there are plenty of opportunities to support different student artists.
How the Winners Are Chosen
The final selection process is a mix of public choice and expert evaluation. Out of the eight winning designs, half will be picked through the online vote, while the other half will be selected by a panel of professional artists and designers—people who have worked on projects for the Sphere itself.
That means even if a design doesn’t rack up the most votes, it still has a shot at making it onto the massive 580,000-square-foot LED display, visible from miles away.
Earth Day Showcase: What to Expect
The winning designs will be featured on April 22, aligning with Earth Day celebrations. While the exact content of the designs is still a mystery, last year’s event included nature-inspired visuals and themes promoting environmental awareness. Given the Sphere’s ability to display high-resolution animations, the results are expected to be nothing short of spectacular.
A quick reminder: The Sphere’s exosphere has already wowed audiences with displays ranging from a giant eyeball to a lifelike moon. This event, however, puts student creativity front and center, making it a unique showcase.
Why This Matters for Las Vegas and the Art World
Beyond the fun of voting, the Sphere XO Student Design Challenge represents something bigger: a massive opportunity for young artists. Seeing a design displayed on the most advanced digital canvas in the world could be a game-changer for students interested in digital art, animation, and design.
Las Vegas has long been a hub for entertainment, and this initiative bridges the gap between technology, education, and public engagement. Plus, the Sphere’s immersive visuals have set a new standard for digital displays—so being part of that innovation is a huge deal.
For now, anyone interested in supporting young artists can head to the voting page and make their picks before the March 24 deadline. Then, on Earth Day, Las Vegas will light up with the winners’ creative visions.
