CreArt Oulu 2026 Immersive Media Residency: €3,500 Artist Fee for Eligible European Partner Cities
Oulu's CreArt 3.0 partners have issued a short-notice call for a funded immersive-media-art residency at the new Museum and Science Centre Tiima. One artist receives €3,500 or an interdisciplinary duo receives €6,400 in total, alongside travel, accommodation and daily allowances. Applications close on 1 November 2026 at 23:59 Central European time. Eligibility is narrow: applicants must be born, live or professionally work in named CreArt partner cities or qualify through specified partner organisations—not simply be any international digital artist.
A residency to prototype Deep Space art
Selected artists work in Oulu from 16 November through 17 December 2026, developing an artwork concept and a working prototype for Visio, the new venue's wall-and-floor immersive projection environment based on Ars Electronica Deep Space technology. The theme, 'We Are All Role Models', explores inclusion, intergenerational learning, community and belonging. The expected outcome is a thoughtful proposal with a demo, audience-interaction plan and technical concept, not necessarily a finished permanent installation. A 5–7-minute audiovisual or interactive work is one suggested direction.
The strict geography rule
The listed eligible cities include Valladolid, Aveiro, Lublin, Skopje, Kaunas, Rouen, Clermont-Ferrand, Venice, Liepāja, České Budějovice and Regensburg. Specific Croatian, Ukrainian, Austrian and UK partner organisations also qualify under separate provisions. Artists outside those categories should not assume they are eligible on EU nationality alone. A duo must explain the complementary roles of its members and confirm organisational connections as required by the call.
Prepare one English-language application PDF
The application includes a 2–3-page concept; a one-page technical approach; a residency workplan; CV and links to up to three portfolio pieces; motivation to work in Oulu; and identification. Duos explain how tasks are divided. An English-language single PDF is required. Proposed community participation should take informed consent and participant wellbeing seriously. Entries are filed through the CreArt official platform; the organisers indicate selection on 2–3 November and notification on 4 November.
Funding, organiser and what is not covered
The European CreArt network and the City of Oulu operate this artist-exchange programme with the Tiima/Visio team. The award provides a defined artist fee, transportation to Oulu, lodging, allowances, production guidance and limited access to the venue; any later full installation needs a separate budget and agreement. The organiser's first-party page specifies financial amounts, partner eligibility, individual contact people, technical resources and the authentic submission route.
Official organiser rules and application
Information reviewed 22 October 2026. Before applying, check the current official deadlines, eligibility, fees and rights conditions.