dm‑Award “connecting worlds” 2026

The UNESCO City of Media Arts Karlsruhe, together with dm‑drogerie markt, ZKM | Center for Art and Media Karlsruhe and KME, invites artists and collectives to submit innovative media‑art projects under the motto “PLAYGROUND”. The project must consist of a 2–5 minute projection mapping on the Schlosslichtspiele palace façade and at least one independent satellite element for the Market Square, to be publicly accessible during the SCHLOSSLICHTSPIELE Light Festival 2027. Eligible formats include interactive projections, installations, performances, and hybrid works that engage the public space. The award includes a €10,000 prize and up to €20,000 in production costs, plus curatorial support, technical assistance and travel expense coverage. Applications are accepted from individuals or groups residing in any of the listed European countries, excluding employees of the host institutions, sponsors and jury members. Submissions must be a single document (German or English) with project outline, visual material and required technical information, sent via a download link by 25 November 2026 (1 p.m. CET). Selected projects must be completed by 31 July 2027 to be ready for the festival running from mid‑August to mid‑September 2027.

Production grant up to €20,000, curatorial support, technical assistance, travel expense coverage, public exhibition during the Light Festival.

Open to individuals or artist groups from listed European countries; employees of host institutions, sponsors and jury members excluded; projects may be adaptations of existing works.