Noorderlicht PLAY! Biennale 2027: AI, Game-Based Photography and Interactive Art, €5 Entry
Play as a lens on the digital world
Noorderlicht has launched the international open call for PLAY! Biennale 2027, which will open in September across Groningen, Friesland and Drenthe in the northern Netherlands. The theme explores what play can produce beyond commercial mechanics of scrolling, scoring and chance. Around 75 artists are expected to participate across photography, film, video, installation, artificial intelligence, generative art, interactive and game-based works, books and hybrid approaches. Submissions close December 15, 2026 at 23:59 Central European Time.
Existing works, adaptations and new proposals all possible
The organisers will consider already completed artistic projects, adaptations of existing works and entirely new proposals. Media artists using video or interactive tools should explain how audience participation works, whether a work can function in a gallery or regional venue, and what technical or data dependencies would be required. The theme does not demand that every project contain a literal computer game: play can be approached socially, aesthetically or critically.
Fee versus institutional support
Each submitted project costs €5 to enter. Selected artists receive an artist fee; Noorderlicht states that it takes care of production arrangements including printing and framing, insurance and transportation. This does not establish a fixed identical cash prize for everyone, and an overseas installation using expensive hardware should ask how production budgets and artist transportation are allocated. The official call's total production coverage is a substantial benefit distinct from the entry fee.
About the biennale
Noorderlicht is an established Dutch photographic arts organisation recognised for international exhibitions and programmes mixing visual documentary practice with critical media culture. Curators Marijn Bril and Grażyna Siedlecka are named for the 2027 edition. Applications should be made from Noorderlicht's current page, checking the precise rights associated with reproducing AI-based, archival or third-party imagery.
Official rules and organiser application
Information verified on 23 October 2026. Before applying, confirm current deadline and time zone, entry and participation costs, instrument or media rules, work eligibility, copyright and funding directly in the official organiser documents.