What to Do When Applying to New Media Festivals

If you have yet to go to any New Media Festivals, seeing different projects and meeting people from the community can be an inspiring experience. Participating in New Media Festivals is a great way to share your work and open future opportunities. Different festivals have different processes, but there are some things to prepare for and keep in mind before applying. In this blog, we’ll share tips on applying for festivals, what should be on your radar, and guide you so you have confidence when applying.

Before applying…things to consider

Which Project?

Before applying to festivals, it’s good to consider the project you want to apply with. Is it a project you have already done and want to modify for the festival or a new one designed for it? How long would it take to create a new project to participate? If there is a theme for the festival, does the project you have in mind align with the theme? Many festivals require photos of past work. Could you show work that is aligned with the project you’re submitting?

Transporting the Project

Will it be easy to transport your work for the festival? It’s important to know if you need to build the project onsite, will you need to get the gear you need, or would the festival provide it? Finding vendors for gear on your own can cause additional work than planned. Some festivals offer stipends for materials for the project, but it is not guaranteed. Before applying, it is essential to understand the logistics of having a project there to ensure there will not be an additional financial burden that was not anticipated.

Schedule

Typically, festivals have an application period, decision period, and then the festival. The time between applying and the festival going live can be anything from three months to nine months. Will you still be available to participate in the festival when you’re planning?

What will the festival provide?

Typically, the festival will provide passes for participating, but what additional resources will the festival provide? Will there be stipends for flights and hotels or an assistant for setting up the project? Will there be mixers for the participants? Who will be at the festival? Are there people on the panel who you are looking forward to meeting? Is there a competition element for the festival? If so, are there prizes? Do you care if there is a prize?

What do you want to get out of it?

What will you get from showing work at a festival versus just visiting the festival? Connecting people and having an audience to interact with your project in an inspiring setting are all good enough reasons to be part of a festival. Still, it is good to know your individual goals for being in the festival.

Application Fee

Some applications require a fee ranging from $10 – 50 USD. The costs can add up if you plan to apply for several festivals.

The Application

So you’ve decided, yes, I want to apply for a new media festival. How do you do it?

Festival Theme and Focus

Every festival has its requirements, but many have common application crossovers. An application would have a theme or focus for the project. Your project may fit the requirement, or you may need to modify it to fit the festival’s objective. It can be helpful to get a sense of past projects in the festival to see what projects are usually accepted.

Preparing Materials

Common materials for application include

• Project Proposal/Description: Clearly articulate your concept, goals, and the technology used. Make it compelling but concise.
• Artist Statement: Describe your artistic vision, creative process, and the motivation behind your work.
• Technical Details: Provide specifics about the technology, software, or hardware involved, along with any installation or space requirements.
• Work Samples: Include high-quality images, videos, or interactive demos of your project. Ensure these are formatted as requested by the festival.
• CV/Portfolio: Include your artist’s CV and links to your portfolio, showcasing past work relevant to new media. Would it be better to show images, videos, or demos?

If you plan to apply to multiple festivals, how can you adjust and tailor your application for each one? Reading the festival’s objective and using some of the same language and key terms in your application can be helpful.

New Media Festivals to Consider

Many great New Media Festivals are out there, but here are some you can consider applying to.

Ars Electronica (Austria)

• Focus: A premier festival for electronic arts, digital media, and interactive art.
• When to Apply: Typically opens in February and closes in March/April.
• Festival Date: Usually in September.

Mutek (Canada)

• Focus: Digital creativity, electronic music, audiovisual performances, and immersive experiences.
• When to Apply: Calls for proposals typically open in December and close in January/February.
• Festival Date: Held in August.

Bright Festival (Belgium)

• Focus: Art, culture, and technology with a critical view of media technologies.
• When to Apply: Open call usually opens in November – December
• Festival Date: Happens in February.

Transmediale (Germany)

• Focus: Art, culture, and technology with a critical view of media technologies.
• When to Apply: Open call usually opens in June/July and closes by September/October.
• Festival Date: Happens in February.

Sonar+D (Spain)

• Focus: Intersection of music, creativity, and technology.
• When to Apply: Open calls start around October/November and close in February.
• Festival Date: The festival occurs in June.

Patchlab Festival (Poland)

• Focus: Digital art, immersive experiences, and audiovisual performances.
• When to Apply: Open call typically opens in April and closes in June.
• Festival Date: Takes place in October.

WIP Work in Progress Festival ( Cyprus)

• Focus: Art, technology, and digital culture.
• When to Apply: Open call around June.
• Festival Date: Usually held in October.

Each festival’s submission window can vary. Some festivals have multiple cities, so it’s best to check their websites regularly for exact dates.

Wrap-Up

Applying to New Media Festivals can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be! When you’re prepared, you will be set up for success. If you aren’t accepted to a festival, know that it isn’t a reflection of your work, but that it can be a competitive process. You can always apply for the next round and go as a participant.