Deadline: March 15th, 2026 at 23h59 CET
Guide for Applicants: DOWNLOAD GUIDE
The Call
SOLAR FUTURES invites 3 individual artists to create new works exploring Solarpunk, a movement envisioning optimistic, ecologically harmonious futures where humans, technology, and nature coexist sustainably.
SOLAR FUTURES is a Creative Europe-supported collaboration bringing together four leading cultural organizations working at the intersection of art, science, and technology: OHME (Belgium) together with Electroni[k] (France), iii (The Netherlands), and LEV Festival (Spain), in partnership with two associated universities, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) and Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), to support transdisciplinary artistic practices that imagine alternative, desirable futures.
Three Works, Three Formats, Three Themes
Each artist will create one work choosing a specific format linked to a thematic pathway:
- Physical Installation, on Renewable Energy and Circular Resources
Explore energy autonomy, decentralized infrastructures, recycled materials, bio-based design, and circular economy principles.
- Screen-Based Experience, on Permacomputing and Digital Sobriety
Engage with low-impact digital creation, energy-efficient code, open-source tools, and alternatives to extractive tech models. - Live Performance, on New Imaginaries for Political and Societal Organisation
Envision post-capitalist, inclusive futures through alternative governance, care economies, community resilience, and prefigurative politics.
The Residency Programme
A year-long journey across three European cities with comprehensive support at every stage:
Phase 1: Research & Contextualization (2 weeks, Brussels, May 4-18, 2026)
Hosted by OHME with ULB and VUB. Interdisciplinary research with scientists, local artists, and cultural operators. Build your conceptual foundation.
Phase 2: Development (2 weeks, Rennes, June 1-15, 2026)
Hosted by Electroni[k]. Focus on audience engagement, mediation strategies, workshop design, and the French digital creation ecosystem.
Phase 3: Production (1 month, The Hague, Aug 2026 or Oct 2026 or Feb 2027)
Hosted by iii. Access to production facilities, technical support, and a creative community. Finalize your work with professional documentation.
Phase 4: Distribution Mentoring (online, throughout)
Led by LEV. Ten sessions covering distribution strategies, tech riders, communication, and professional development.
Presentation & Circulation
Each artist premieres their work at one partner venue (Brussels, Rennes, or The Hague). All three works are then presented together at LEV Festival 2027, with extended circulation across European festivals, cultural venues, and community spaces encouraged.
What We Offer
€9,000 artist fee (including subsistence)
Travel + accommodation for all residency phases and presentations
Up to €6,000 production costs based on your needs
Professional documentation (video and photography)
Mentorship and guidance from four leading cultural organizations
Access to extensive European networks
Who Can Apply
You are an individual artist with professional experience who can demonstrate interest in Solarpunk themes and a willingness to engage in transdisciplinary collaboration. You must be a permanent resident of one of the 37 Creative Europe eligible countries, available for all residency phases, proficient in English, and able to issue invoices.
We encourage diversity, inclusion, and applications from people with disabilities, varied cultural backgrounds, and the LGBTQIA+ community.
How to Apply
Submit via online form LINK TO THE APPLICATION FORM by March 15th, 2026 at 23h59 CET
Required documents:
CV | Portfolio (5 most relevant works) | Visual materials illustrating your proposal | Provisional production budget
Before applying:
Attend the Info Session on February 4th, 2026, 15h30-17h00 CET (recording available)
To make sure that you get a full understanding of the scope and conditions of the Open call, read carefully our Guide for Applicants: DOWNLOAD GUIDE
Evaluation Criteria
Innovation → Bold ideas that imagine positive futures and challenge conventional thinking
Originality → Fresh perspectives that surprise us
Relevance → Clear engagement with Solarpunk principles and your chosen theme
Budget → Realistic and well-structured use of production budget
Technical Feasibility → Convincing work plan and appropriate professional experience
Artistic Quality → Strong portfolio demonstrating technical skill and creative vision
Selection Process
- Step 1: Eligibility check
- Step 2: First evaluation round (scored 0-5, shortlist of ~12 applications)
- Step 3: Consensus meeting (top 5 selected)
- Step 4: 30-minute interviews
- Step 5: Final selection of 3 artists
Selected artists will be notified by mid-April 2026.
Timeline
- Jan 15, 2026 → Open call launch
- Mar 15, 2026 → Application deadline
- Mar 30, 2026 → Selection complete
- Apr 2026 → Grant agreements signed
- May 2026-Feb 2027 → Residency phases
- 2026-2027 → Individual premieres
- 2027 → Collective exhibition at LEV Festival
Questions?
Online Info Session: February 4th, 2026, 15h30-17h00 CET
Contact: hello@solarfutures.eu
Full guidelines in our Guide for Applicants: DOWNLOAD GUIDE
Data Protection: Personal data will be processed according to GDPR solely for selection purposes. Data of unsuccessful applicants will be deleted within 12 months. For inquiries: hello@solarfutures.eu
Intellectual Property: Artists retain full copyright of works created during the residency.
Application
LINK TO THE APPLICATION FORMSOLAR FUTURES is supported by the Creative Europe Programme of the European Union.
