NORFOLK, VA – June 3, 2025 – Downtown Norfolk Council and the NEON District are thrilled to announce the return of the NEON Festival for its tenth year. Two major opportunities are available for Hampton Roads’ creative community to participate. Presented by Arts Alliance and PRA Group, this milestone event will celebrate more than a decade of art and culture in Norfolk's first official arts district over the evenings of October 16 and 17, 2025 from 6:00pm to 10:00pm.
The first opportunity is a Request for Proposals (RFP) inviting qualified event producers and curators to program and activate various spaces on Friday, October 17 during the NEON Festival. Programming grants, starting at $500 and up to $2,500, are available for such proposals as pop-up galleries, vendor markets, art exhibitions, music showcases or other immersive experiences that are free and open to the public. Grant awards will be determined based on the scope and impact of proposed activities, as well as the specific needs outlined in each proposal.
The request for proposals is available now until 11:59pm on Sunday, July 6, 2025. Applications can be submitted here. All applicants will be notified of invitation to participate by July 18, 2025. Questions can be directed to neonnfk@downtownnorfolk.org.
The second opportunity is an open call for an artist or artist team to create 13 murals on inset panels in the recently completed Fusion at NEON residential building, located at 225 W. Olney Road. The project offers a unique opportunity to bring together many different artist perspectives and styles into one large-scale vision.
Artists will design and paint on 5’ x 10’ panels along the theme of "Fusion"—exploring synthesis, chemistry, energy, and connection, inspired by the scientific phenomenon and the NEON District's decade of creative transformation. This project, presented in partnership with Fusion property ownership, offers a $1,000 stipend per panel, with artists eligible to be selected for up to two panels. Artists can submit here by Sunday, June 22, at 11:59 PM, with murals to be completed by September 30, 2025.
“As we approach the 10th anniversary of the NEON Festival, we’re incredibly excited to share these opportunities with our talented community,” said Rachel McCall, Vice President at Downtown Norfolk Council. “This is a special milestone for NEON, and one of the defining elements of the past decade has been inviting artists into the district to create alongside us and keep the momentum going.”
For festival sponsorship opportunities and programming inquiries, please contact Emily Shield at the Downtown Norfolk Council or call 757-623-1757.
Downtown Norfolk Council is a private, not-for-profit membership organization comprised of businesses and individuals working toward a dynamic, attractive and prosperous Downtown. DNC also manages the Downtown Norfolk Improvement District, a 50-block special services district with enhanced services that keep Downtown friendly, safe and spotless. Find events, directories, and resources at www.DowntownNorfolk.org and follow @Downtown757 on Instagram and @DowntownNorfolk on Facebook.
Norfolk’s official arts district, NEON (New Energy of Norfolk) is a creative neighborhood connecting cultural institutions with a grassroots community of makers and performers. Anchored by the Chrysler Museum of Art and the Harrison Opera House, the NEON District encompasses artist studios, eclectic local businesses, and more than 100 works of permanent public art. Managed by the Downtown Norfolk Council, NEON supports artists and entrepreneurs through a public art program, special events, and year-round programming. As a place to make, create, and show, NEON plays a central role in Norfolk’s arts and cultural landscape. Learn more at www.neonnfk.com or follow @neonnfk on social media.