USA - Sphere Entertainment Co has announced the return of the Sphere XO Student Design Challenge and this year’s theme: Earth Day. In its second year, more than 100,000 Clark County-based students will again be invited to create art for the Exosphere as part of the collaboration between Sphere, the Clark County School District (CCSD) and University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). The winning students’ art will debut on the Exosphere on Earth Day - 22 April 2025.
The Second Annual Design Challenge comes on the heels of the inaugural Sphere XO Student Design Challenge, which was centred on the Fourth of July and culminated with a community event to unveil the winning students’ art. The Earth Day theme for this year’s challenge will encourage students to think creatively about the intersection of art, technology, and planet Earth.
“We are proud of this collaboration with the Clark County School District and UNLV which encourages students in our community to push the boundaries on their artistic expression, and elevates student art to the biggest canvas in the world,” said Rich Constable, executive vice president global head of government affairs & social impact, MSG Entertainment. “We were so inspired by what last year’s winners created for the Exosphere, and look forward to another remarkable showcase, this time on Earth Day.”
“Our schools are once again looking forward to participating in the Student Design Challenge,” said Dr. Bradley Keating, assistant superintendent of community partnerships and government relations, Clark County School District. “It was inspiring to see how last year’s contest engaged students across the district, and the donation from Sphere to the winning schools’ art programs continues to benefit art education in our classrooms. We’re proud to be part of this initiative and its continued positive impact on Las Vegas’ youngest artists.”
“The Student Design Challenge gives our students hands-on experience at the cutting-edge of art and technology,” said Warren D. Cobb, associate dean, UNLV College of Fine Arts. “This type of learning is invaluable in preparing for future careers in the arts. We’re grateful that Sphere continues to partner with the local community to provide our students with access to one-of-a-kind opportunities right here in Las Vegas.”
The Sphere XO Student Design Challenge is open to more than 100,000 Clark County-based students from elementary school through college, who will have the opportunity to have their artwork displayed on the Exosphere. Winners will be selected by a combination of public voting and a panel of judges, and their work unveiled on in celebration of Earth Day.
Additionally, winning CCSD high school and UNLV students will receive a $10,000 educational scholarship from Sphere. Winning CCSD elementary and middle school students will earn a $10,000 donation from Sphere for their school’s art program to further art education in public schools, along with tickets for their entire school to attend The Sphere Experience.
