We are delighted to announce our general open call for our new October edition of Uncloud 2023. With this open call we are looking for artists, technologists, and creators who want to contribute to our program.
The theme of this years edition is titled physicaldigital-digitalphysical-physicaldigital-[…]. The program will consist of a Pop-up Museum and a main festival weekend with live performances. During the exhibition period there will be side programmes such as artist talks and workshops. The exhibition will take place at the former Pieter Baan Centrum in Utrecht. This will also be our main venue for the live performances. More info on the theme can be found below.
For this open call we are interested in the following types of work:
In addition to this general Open Call, we are running a residency program to develop new work in June and September. For this program we have a second call currently open for submissions, until April 2nd 2023, 23:59 CET. Read more or apply directly here.
Physicaldigital-digitalphysical-physicaldigital-[…] is an exploration of the boundary between the physical and digital realms. Although the digital world exists in a space that is not directly accessible to our senses, it plays an increasingly important role in our lives. The use of metaphors and translations can greatly contribute to understanding, democratising and facilitating access to these realms.
Artists are particularly skilled at bridging and interconnecting these worlds. By creating immersive, interactive, and shared experiences, new ways of thinking about technology and its impact can be developed. Our goal is to invite people from different backgrounds, expertises and life experiences to gather, explore and navigate the core of our theme: the possibilities and challenges of art as an interface between the digital and the physical.
As an organisation that aims at being a hub for exploration and discovery, we have a strong preference for works that can be experienced together, in the physical world.
We are interested in works that incorporate one or more of the following themes:
Uncloud is a non profit contemporary art & music organisation based in Utrecht, the Netherlands. Uncloud organises a yearly event that coherently blends multiple genres and artistic disciplines in its program, with a focus on innovation and interdisciplinary art and installations. In addition to being a festival, Uncloud is a platform for young and emerging artists and is deeply committed to creating a sustainable and inclusive artistic ecosystem in which there is room for experimentation, research and interdisciplinary.
Uncloud’s residency program fosters collaboration and co-creation among artists from diverse backgrounds and disciplines. With coaching, support, and equipment, Uncloud aims to create an environment where artists can exchange ideas and push the boundaries of their practice. The former prison location provides a unique backdrop for artistic exploration and inspiration.
The aim of this year’s theme is to catalyse new ways of thinking about technology and its role in our lives by creating shared immersive experiences. Ultimately, our goal is to provide a space where artists, technologists, and audiences can come together to genuinely meet, reflect, discover, explore, and speculate.
The former Pieter Baan Centre, located in Utrecht, Netherlands, is a historic building that has been repurposed as a creative space for artists and innovators. Originally built as a prison in the early 20th century, the building has undergone extensive renovations to transform it into a unique and inspiring location for artistic exploration.
The former prison is an imposing structure with a rich history. It was named after Pieter Baan, a Dutch psychiatrist who developed a method for diagnosing criminal behaviour. The building was used as a forensic psychiatric hospital until 2008, when it was decommissioned. Since then, it has been used for a variety of purposes, including as a location for film and television productions.
Applications are submitted through the form on the next page. In the form, you can fill in your project proposal, a budget indication (artist fee), technical requirements and a short biography for promotional purposes.
Additional attachments are:
For any questions about the open call, please feel free to email us through opencall [at] uncloud [dot] nl.
