To mark MICA’s Bicentennial, we are reviving The Fête of Lights, a beloved annual party from the college’s past, celebrating art, design, and light! The event will be held on February 21, 2026, with a Gala in the Main Building and a Party at Cohen Plaza. All guests are encouraged to dress for the occasion in creative wearable art or costumes that speak to the theme of light.

The Bicentennial Steering Committee wants to highlight the exceptional creativity of the MICA community with a curated parade of wearable art. We invite MICA students, alumni, staff, and faculty to submit their wearable art or costumes for consideration by a jury of MICA faculty and staff. Up to 40 individual looks will be selected for participation during the Fête of Lights on February 21st, from the Main Building to a Party on Cohen Plaza and into the Brown Center. Selected artists and designers will receive complimentary event tickets and be eligible for cash prizes awarded by the jury.

Deadline for submissions: February 9, 2026

How to Apply:

Click here to access the online submission form.

Submissions must include clear photographs of your look. Works may be in progress, but it must be clear that the look can be completed by the party date. Submissions can also include sketches and/or written descriptions. A committee of MICA Faculty and Staff will review submissions. Selected participants will be contacted directly.

Guidelines: 

Looks should speak to the theme of light. Think: 

• Celestial bodies
• Electricity
• Flames
• Mirrors and reflection
• Glowing
• Color
• Neon

Looks should be joyful and celebratory of MICA’s legacy and future in art and design education

Cultures are not costumes. Artists and designers should take care that their looks do not engage in stereotyping or masquerade as a culture that is not their own.

Logistical Notes: 

• Selected participants will be expected to attend a brief rehearsal on February 20th from 2-3 pm.
• On the day of the Fête of Lights, parade participants should check in by 6 pm. A dedicated changing area will be available on the second floor of the Main Building for participants.
• Costumes may include electronic components, but open flames are prohibited.
• Be mindful that the Fete of Lights will be held in February, and the parade will involve being outside in costume and occupying public city spaces (Mount Royal Ave.). Therefore, attire must be appropriate for the wearer, and comfortable shoes are required.
• Our plans for the parade route are flexible and will accommodate people with limited mobility. Please let us know in your submission form if there are any specific accommodations we should prepare for.
• Contest winners will be announced during the event.

 

For questions, please contact Giselle Piqué at gpique@mica.edu.