Are you an artist, designer, game developer or creative professional with an innovative project that blends technology and art? We are excited to announce the Aalto Digital Creatives Art & Tech Open Call ’23, which is designed to support cutting-edge projects that harness the capabilities of digitalisation to fuel the creative industries. 

The Aalto Digital Creatives Art & Tech Open Call ’23 seeks applications from artists and creatives who are passionate about pushing the boundaries of what is possible with technology. This grant is intended to fund projects that explore the intersection of art and technology in exciting and meaningful ways. Applications are encouraged from teams who are prepared to produce a prototype or a demo of their idea. 

The projects could focus on, but are not limited to, the following topics: 

  • new methods and formats for audiovisual storytelling  
  • technology-enhanced art, design, and entertainment  
  • augmentation of human creativity through computational methods  
  • creation of novel interactive experiences 

The successful applications will receive development funding ranging from EUR 5 000 to 15 000 per project, and they will also have the opportunity to utilise Aalto Studios’ advanced research and educational infrastructure. 

We welcome submissions from teams composed of researchers, artists, students, startups and other creative professionals. Proposals submitted to the Art & Tech Open Call should demonstrate a clear vision for developing novel forms of digital content or prototypes, as well as the technological tools and techniques required to realise them. 

Projects that are approved will have access to various facilities offered by Aalto Studios, which include Roihupelto Studios, Aalto Studios Magics, VR Studio, and Takeout Equipment.  

Aalto Studios Magics provides a range of equipment and support services, such as the Igloo Vision 360-degree VR environment, Riegl Iidar scanner for room size and outdoor use, Artec Leo handheld object scanner, Xsens portable MoCap suit and Rokoko MoCap gloves, Zylia immersive audio microphones, Insta 360-degree cameras, and numerous sensors for heart rate monitoring.  

The availability of these equipment, facilities and personnel will determine the project’s designated schedule, with the initial implementation period starting from June 2023 to December 2023. It is worth noting that the Roihupelto Studios are typically only available during the summer months. 

If you’re interested in learning more about the facilities and the Art & Tech Open Call, make sure to attend the Art & Tech Open Call Demo Day at the Roihupelto Studios on Friday 24.3.2023. You can find more information about the event and register by clicking here. 

The deadline for submitting project applications is on Tuesday 2.5.2023. Finalists will be invited to present their project plans to the selection panel on stage at the Aalto Media Lab Demo Day event in early June 2023. The winning projects will be announced at this event.  

Send your applications to ari.kivimaki@aalto.fi. The format for the applications is free, but the following information is required:  

  • Name of the concept / project  
  • Name of the applying team  
  • Project manager’s contact details  
  • Description of the concept  
  • The word of the author(s)  
  • Project plan and schedule  
  • Financing plan / budget  
  • Links, images and other relevant references  

Please note, applicants must be Finnish residents.

For more information, contact: Ari Kivimäki, Aalto Studios, ari.kivimaki@aalto.fi