Go BIG. Go BOLD. Go LoKo.
The LoKo Arts Festival is made possible by the generosity and artistic vision of Kathryn (Kofoed) '54 and Donald Lougheed (Hon.'54).
LoKo Arts
LoKo Arts brings people together through bold, vibrant arts experiences that spark creativity across SUNY Potsdam and the North Country.
Founded in 2012 as a spring arts festival, LoKo Arts has grown into a year-round arts initiative supporting the visual, performing, literary and interdisciplinary arts. Throughout the year, LoKo Arts helps make possible visiting artists and residencies, performances, exhibitions, workshops, educational outreach, community collaborations and creative projects that bring people together through the arts.
The 2026–27 academic year marks the 15th anniversary of LoKo Arts, with Illumination as the anniversary theme. This milestone year will shine a light on bold ideas, with an emphasis on high-impact, high-visibility projects that bring energy to campus, invite participation and encourage people to experience the arts in new and unexpected ways.
Programming throughout the year leads to the annual LoKo Arts Festival, taking place April 27 - May 2, 2027, when campus comes alive with creative experiences.
Why LoKo?
All LoKo Arts programs and events are free and open to all, creating vibrant, welcoming opportunities for people across campus and the wider community to experience, discover, and connect through the arts.
2026 - 27 LoKo Events
- Bruce Rodgers Artist Talks, October 22, Noon - 6 p.m.
- Festival of Lights, October 24, 2026, 6 - 8 p.m.
- The 2027 LoKo Arts Festival, April 27 - May 2, 2026
Call for Artists: LoKo Arts Festival of Lights
LoKo Arts is seeking proposals from artists, makers, creative technologists for temporary light-based works to be featured during the Festival of Lights on October 24, 2026.
Part of SUNY Potsdam’s campaign launch weekend, the Festival will transform the Academic Quad and Minerva Plaza with artist installations, live music by SFM, a glow-in-the-dark arcade, a drone show, and illuminated campus spaces.
Selected projects may receive up to $500 to support artist fees and materials.
Submission Deadline: September 22, 2026
Selected Artists Notified: September 24, 2026
Festival: October 24, 2026, 6–8 p.m.
Please choose the appropriate submission form below.
2026 LoKo Arts Intern Spotlight
Meet Jaidan Kertenis!
Jaidan is a senior at SUNY Potsdam majoring in Business Administration, with a strong interest in the music industry, marketing and event production. As a LoKo Arts intern, she supports the planning, promotion and coordination of LoKo Arts programming throughout the Fall 2026 semester.
When she’s not working on events or coursework, Jaidan serves as a captain of the SUNY Potsdam women’s soccer team and enjoys singing and performing music.
Fun Fact: Jaidan competed in an international business ethics competition, where her team placed second overall, and she earned first place in the individual pitch competition.