APE CAMP 2026: OPEN CALL for Overseas Artists, Producers, and Engineers

• Application Deadline : Thursday, 12 March 2026, 23:59 KST
• Dates : 12 June (Fri) - 16 June (Tue) 2026
• Location : Seoul or Gyeonggi, Republic of Korea (specific venue to be announced)
• Participation Fee : Free of charge

Program Overview

Arts Council Korea (ARKO) invites artists, producers, and engineers aged 39 or under from around the world to APE CAMP 2026. The program aims to nurture creative talent and activate sustainable networks for the convergence of art and technology. Through the camp, participants are supported in developing new ideas and building global networks.

Selected participants, referred to as ‘Campers’， will gather in Seoul metropolitan area and be randomly assigned to 24 teams. Each team will consist of artists, producers, and engineers from diverse countries and fields. Team members will brainstorm innovative ideas, develop collaborative concepts into feasible projects, and ultimately pitch their outcomes to fellow participants.

We look forward to welcoming 120 creative practitioners from around the world. The APE CAMP 2025 Open Call received applications from more than 40 countries. Campers selected through the APE CAMP 2026 Open Call will have the opportunity to meet leading global experts working across art and technology.

2026. Experience a unique opportunity to become part of an international art–technology network.

１. Participation Requirements

• General(Mandatory)
  • - Applications must be submitted by individuals only.
  • - This open call is for international participants who do not hold Korean nationality.
  • - Participants must be able to attend all programs during the camp period from 12 to 16 June 2026. (※ Selection will be cancelled if a participant withdraws after selection or attends only part of the program.)
  • - Applicants must be able to communicate in English. 
• Art Category (Artists and Producers)
  • - (Mandatory) Young artists and producers aged 39 or under who are actively engaged in creative practices related to art–technology convergence
  • Literature, visual arts, theatre and musical theatre, music, dance, traditional arts, interdisciplinary arts, etc. 
• Technology Category
  • - (Mandatory) Professionals, researchers, and experts in technology fields who possess specialised knowledge applicable to art–technology convergence–based creative practices. The eligible technology fields include, but are not limited to, the areas listed below. Applicants working in other relevant technology fields not listed may also apply.
    • Stage Technologies
      Stage lighting, stage sound, stage equipment, stage video, immersive sound, kinetic art, etc.
    • Emerging Technologies
      Artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, data science and technologies, development (e.g. web, mobile applications, games), metaverse, motion capture, robotics, VR/AR/XR, etc.
    • Core Sciences
      Biotechnology, chemistry, geology, life sciences, neuroscience, physics, etc.
    • Applied Engineering
      Advanced materials, aerospace engineering, batteries, energy, Internet of Things (IoT), mobility, nanotechnology, new materials engineering, quantum computing, wearable technology, etc.
• - (Note) Preference will be given to early-career technology professionals.

２. Support

Support for International Campers

• Round-trip airfare (partial support)
• Accommodation during the camp period (based on shared rooms for two)
• Meals during the camp period
• ※ Airfare Support Details
  • 1) Airfare support covers flights between the applicant's departure international airport and an international airport in the Republic of Korea only. Local transportation costs are not covered.
  • 2) Flight dates may be extended by up to 4 days before and/or after the camp period (June 12–16). Airfare for flights exceeding this range will not be supported.
  • 3) Round-trip airfare is provided as a fixed amount based on region. The exact amount will be communicated individually upon announcement of selection results.
  • 4) Airfare support does not cover travel for activities unrelated to camp participation. 

Opportunity to Apply for Follow-up Support Program (APE Lab)

• APE Lab: A program that supports step-by-step experimentation of ideas developed during the camp and their development into tangible outcomes
• - Phase 1 (July–August 2026): Support for experimental activities (approximately 10 teams to be selected)
• - Phase 2 (September–November 2026): Support for production and realisation (approximately 3 teams selected from Phase 1)

３. Partners (As of 2025)

• ㅇ SAT Québec (Société des arts technologiques), MUTEK, World Creation Studio, Xn Québec, Canada
• ㅇ IRCAM (Institut de Recherche et Coordination Acoustique/Musique), France
• ㅇ Jason Bruges Studio, United Kingdom
• ㅇ YCAM (Yamaguchi Center for Arts and Media), Japan
• ㅇ ZKM (Zentrum für Kunst und Medien), Germany
  ※ Partner institutions for 2026 are subject to change.

４. Key Dates (Korea Standard Time)

• 1) Application Deadline : Thursday, 12 March 2026 23:59 (KST) / Online
• 2) Pre-networking Camp: May 2026 (details to be announced) / Online
• 3) APE CAMP Associated Event and International Conference: Friday, 12 June 2026 / Seoul, Republic of Korea
• 4) APE CAMP Main Camp: Saturday, 13 June – Tuesday, 16 June 2026 / Seoul or Gyeonggi, Republic of Korea
• 5) APE Lab: July–November 2026

５. How to Apply

Details

• ㅇ Application Deadline : Thursday, 12 March 2026, 23:59 (KST)
  • - Submit the application via an online survey form and upload a portfolio including your professional experience and works (PDF format, maximum 10MB)
  • ※ All application materials must be submitted in English.
• ㅇ Submitted applications will be reviewed by a panel of experts based on the following criteria:
  • 1.Understanding of the field
  • 2.Collaboration and communication skills
  • 3.Level of commitment
  • 4. Expected impact
  • ※ Selection results will be announced by email in late March 2026.

Important Notes

• All application materials must be completed in English.
• Selected campers must attend the entire camp schedule. If a participant becomes unable to attend after selection, or can attend only part of the program, the selection will be cancelled.
• Cross-application between the Arts and Tech tracks is permitted for Main and Sub Roles. However, duplicate applications (e.g., submitting separate applications for both tracks) are strictly prohibited.
• Participants are responsible for all costs and procedures related to visa issuance. Selection will be cancelled if entry to Korea is not possible due to visa issues.
• Selection may be cancelled if false information is found in the submitted documents.
• Photos and videos taken during the program may be used for public and promotional purposes.
• Program schedules and contents are subject to change depending on operational circumstances.

６. Contact

For any inquiries, please contact : ape@arko.or.kr