EMAF 2027 Expanded: Free Global Performance, VR and Live Media-Art Call, €500 Fee for Selected Works
Expanded performance and live-art call
The 40th European Media Art Festival (EMAF) in Osnabrück, Germany, invites artists worldwide to submit performances, live media-art projects, VR-based live work and workshops to its 2027 Expanded programme. Unlike EMAF's Film category, which selects experimental screenings, or Installation, which selects gallery pieces, Expanded proposals are considered for either the performance programme or the talks and workshops programme according to their format. The festival runs 21–25 April 2027 and its exhibition continues until 23 May. Organiser Experimentalfilm Workshop e.V. has a long track record as an independent media-arts institution.
Free entry and the 2,200-entry cap
Entering is free, using the official EMAF Filmchief portal. Although 15 December 2026 is the latest stated deadline, the open call shuts earlier once a combined total of 2,200 submissions has been reached. Each artist can register no more than two works, completed in 2026 or 2027; works previously submitted to EMAF cannot be resubmitted. A world premiere is not required. Entries on DVDs or other physical media will not be considered. If the original language of submitted material is not English, English subtitles are required for screening by the selectors.
Selected artists' €500 fees and support
Expanded applications must contain a detailed project description, a technical rider, a cost calculation and visual supporting material. Proposals should therefore specify the live setup, collaborators, equipment needs, duration and production feasibility rather than treating the programme as a general video competition. The official 2027 regulations state a €500 artist fee for each selected installation or Expanded project, with production costs covered by the festival. Invited selected artists also receive free accreditation, three hotel nights (possibly more for installation work), and a contribution toward travel.
Organiser and binding rules
The €500 is not an application grant paid to everyone, and the travel contribution is not automatically unlimited flight reimbursement. Selection notices are expected by email from mid-March 2027. Artists must clear rights belonging to collaborators or other copyright owners and permit the festival to reproduce registration images and text for programme and promotion. Official organiser call: https://www.emaf.de/en/news/ ; official section form: https://emaf.filmchief.com/entry-forms ; complete 2027 rules: https://ff.emaf.de/files/docs/emaf-40_call-for-entries_regulations.pdf . Verify that the 2,200-entry cap has not already been reached before preparing the form.