Our Weird spin on Macy's holiday windows!
Weird artists will transform downtown Durham storefronts into holiday displays to be unveiled during Durham's annual tree lighting celebration.
🎄 Apply to design a Weird Window
Application Deadline: Thursday, Oct 23
THE WINDOWS
Check out the Weird Window selections below. All windows are located in Downtown Durham, NC.
Ward Furniture Building
Stipend: $900
Dimensions: ~12 ft x 6.4 ft x 2.5 ft. Artist can use full windows or left side only.
Power Supply: Yes
Sun Exposure: South-facing; consistent low-angle winter sun from morning to mid-afternoon, partial shading late afternoon.
Active Business: No
Notes: She’s a gritty gal, full of opportunity for an intrepid artist. The window glass has some damage, so we recommend an installation that’s bold and expressive without requiring high-value materials. For the right person, this could be the coolest canvas in the lineup.
Google Fiber
Stipend: $750
Dimensions: ~7 ft x 8 ft
Power Supply: Yes
Sun Exposure: South-facing; steady winter sun from morning to mid-afternoon, partial shade late afternoon.
Active Business: Yes - low-traffic office.
Notes: This gal’s got roommates. The window shares space with Google Fiber folks, so your installation will need a clear backing or boundary. Consider the limited depth and how the installation plays as it floats in the space.
Stipend: $700
Dimensions: ~8.8 ft x 5.6 ft
Power Supply: Yes
Cardinal Direction: East-facing; bright morning sun, shaded afternoons.
Active Business: No
Notes: She’s a solid pick, right in the heart of downtown and part of DDI’s upcoming Market on Market incubator. With built-in shelving, the space offers flexibility for a clean, contained installation. Visible from the tree lighting.
Market on Market
📍 121 Market St
Self Help on Main
Stipend: $800
Dimensions: ~13 ft x 6.8 ft
Power Supply: Yes
Sun Exposure: North-facing; indirect light throughout the day, no direct sun, Nov–Jan. Great for installations with delicate materials sensitive to direct light.
Active Business: Office building with keycard entry.
Notes: The entry to our sponsor, DDI’s, office! Right next door to Ashleigh Bakes Daily - what’s more festive than freshly baked cookies?. Curtains can be opened, and the bench or plants can be moved to suit your vision.
Center Studio Architecture
Stipend: $750
Dimensions: ~6.7 ft x 7 ft x 5.8 ft
Power Supply: Yes
Sun Exposure: North-facing; indirect light throughout the day, no direct sun, Nov–Jan.
Active Business: Yes - office space.
Notes: Your hosts are architects, so obv. she’s got good bones. This left-side window offers a clean frame and a chance to think in three dimensions - a great spot for an installation that plays with depth and structure.
DISCOVER DURHAM
Stipend: $650
Dimensions: ~5.6 ft x 6.25 ft
Power Supply: Yes
Sun Exposure: West-facing; shaded mornings, direct afternoon sun
Active Business: Office building & visitor center.
Notes: She’s compact, with a handy built-in shelf for installation. Consider lighting that plays creatively with the decals on the glass. Right off the tree lighting track and hosted by our dear friends at Discover Durham.