Las Vegas Students Compete to Showcase Art on Sphere's Exosphere

Public voting open for Third Annual Sphere XO Student Design Challenge

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Public voting is now open for the Third Annual Sphere XO Student Design Challenge, giving fans the opportunity to help select which Las Vegas-area student artworks will be featured on Sphere's Exosphere in celebration of Pi Day. The winning designs will debut on the world's largest LED display on March 11, 2026.

Why it matters

The Sphere XO Student Design Challenge is a collaboration between Sphere, the Clark County School District, and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas that invites students to submit original artwork for possible display on the Exosphere, blending creative expression with science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM). This program highlights the intersection of art and technology while providing educational opportunities and scholarships for young creatives.

The details

More than 100 finalist designs are available for public voting, with eight student winners ultimately selected - four chosen through public voting and four selected by a panel of professional artists. Winning high school and college students will receive $10,000 educational scholarships, while winning elementary and middle school students will earn a $10,000 donation for their school's art program and tickets for their entire school to attend The Wizard of Oz at Sphere.

  • Public voting is open now through Friday, February 27 at 11:59 p.m. PT.
  • The winning designs will debut on the Exosphere on March 11, 2026, ahead of Pi Day.

The players

Sphere Entertainment Co.

The company behind the Sphere, the world's largest LED display, which is hosting the student art competition.

Clark County School District (CCSD)

The school district collaborating with Sphere on the student design challenge.

University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV)

The university collaborating with Sphere on the student design challenge, providing mentorship and hands-on instruction to high school and college participants.

Rich Constable

EVP Global Head of Government Affairs & Social Impact at Sphere.

Jhone Ebert

Clark County School District Superintendent.

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What they’re saying

“This year's Pi Day theme is all about how art and science intersect, just like they do in all aspects of Sphere. The Student Design Challenge is a powerful example of how to bridge art with technology, and we encourage everyone to join us in celebrating and voting for these exceptional young creatives.”

— Rich Constable, EVP Global Head of Government Affairs & Social Impact at Sphere (Press release)

“Seeing our students' artwork displayed on the Exosphere not only honors their incredible talent, it shows what's possible when education and opportunity meet.”

— Jhone Ebert, Clark County School District Superintendent (Press release)

What’s next

The judging panel, which includes UON Visuals, one of the most recent artists to contribute to Sphere's XO/Art program, will select four additional student winners beyond the four chosen through public voting. The winning designs will then debut on the Exosphere on March 11, 2026, ahead of Pi Day.

The takeaway

The Sphere XO Student Design Challenge is a unique opportunity for Las Vegas-area students to showcase their artistic talents on a global stage, while also receiving educational scholarships and support for their school's art programs. This collaboration between Sphere, the school district, and the university highlights the powerful intersection of art, science, and technology.