XO Student Design Challenge
The Third Annual Sphere XO Student Design Challenge invites more than 100,000 Clark County-based students to create art for the Exosphere, the world's largest LED screen, around a Pi Day theme as part of an ongoing collaboration between Sphere, the Clark County School District (CCSD) and University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV).
Pi Day, which is observed on March 14 (3.14), offers an opportunity for student artists to think creatively about the intersection of art and science – the same principles that inspired and built Sphere. The winning students' art will debut on the Exosphere on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, just ahead of Pi Day.
Winners Selection
Eight students – two each from elementary school, middle school, high school and UNLV – will have the opportunity to have their artwork displayed on the Exosphere. Four of the winners will be chosen by a public, worldwide vote; and four of the winners will be chosen by a panel of judges.
Prizes
In addition to having their work displayed on the Exosphere, winning high school and college students will receive a $10,000 educational scholarship from Sphere. Winning 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 the entire school to attend The Wizard of Oz at Sphere.
Year 1 Winners
The inaugural XO Student Design Challenge was themed around the 4th of July, which also marked the one-year anniversary of the first illumination of the Exosphere.
Year 2 Winners
The Second Annual XO Student Design Challenge was themed around Earth Day to encourage students to think creatively about the intersection of art, technology, and planet Earth.