APE CAMP 2025: OPEN CALL for Overseas Artists, Producers, and Engineers

• SUBMISSION DEADLINE : Sunday, February 2, 2025, 11:59 PM KST
• MANDATORY SCHEDULE : Saturday, May 24, 2025 - Tuesday, May 27, 2025
  • Eve of the CAMP & International Conference : Friday, May 23, 2025 - Saturday, May 24, 2025
  • Main CAMP : Sunday, May 25, 2025 - Tuesday, May 27, 2025
    ※ Attendance on the second day of the Eve of the CAMP & International Conference (May 23, 2025) is optional.
• LOCATION : Seoul, Korea (*Specific venues will be announced later.)
• BENEFITS : Partial support for round-trip airfare, Accommodation, Meals
• PARTICIPATION FEES : Free of charge

1. Introduction

 The Arts Council Korea (ARKO) invites young Artists, Producers, and Engineers under the age of 39 from diverse fields worldwide to participate in APE CAMP 2025. This program is designed to nurture creative talent and activate sustainable networks for art & tech convergence. Through the CAMP, participants will have the opportunity to develop innovative ideas, build global partnerships and immerse themselves in Korea’s dynamic creative ecosystem.

 The selected participants, known as “Campers”, will convene in Seoul and be randomly grouped into 20 multidisciplinary teams. Each team will comprise individuals from various nationalities and disciplines, including artists, producers, and engineers. Together, they will refine collaborative concepts into feasible projects and present their final outcomes to an audience of peers and experts.

 As a highlight, the two outstanding overseas campers will be awarded a prestigious certificate of excellence by the Chairperson of the ARKO. The ARKO is a public organization founded in 1973 under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. As Korea's oldest cultural and arts support institution, this recognition, celebrated both locally and internationally, underscores the value of creativity and innovation.

 We are pleased to announce that we will be welcoming 100 creative talents from across the globe, including campers from Korea. In APE CAMP 2024, applicants from 43 countries expressed their enthusiasm for this experience. Campers will also receive mentorship from globally recognized professionals in both artistic and technological fields, such as Jason Bruges from Jason Bruges Studio and Anett Holzheid from Zentrum fur Kunst und Medien (ZKM).

 Awaken your aspirations, Pioneer new partnerships, and Elevate yourself through APE CAMP 2025. Join us for this enriching journey and become part of a vibrant, international art & tech network. We look forward to your innovative ideas and enthusiasm. Apply today to be part of this transformative experience!

2. Program Highlights

☞ APE CAMP 2024 Highlight Video

☞ APE CAMP 2024 Open Call Overview

☞ 2024 2nd ARKO Art & Tech International Conference Recap Video

3. Eligibility

General Requirements

• This open call is exclusively available for overseas applicants who are non-Korean nationals with foreign citizenship.
• Applications must be submitted as an individual only.
• Applicants must be available to attend the mandatory schedule starting from May 24 to May 27, 2025, which is the second day of the Eve of the CAMP & International Conference. Attendance on the first day (May 23, 2025) is optional.
  (※ Full attendance is mandatory to ensure effective participation.)
• Applicants must be able to communicate in English for effective communication.
• Applicants who are currently enrolled in a university are not eligible to apply.

For Artists & Producers

• Individuals under the age of 39 engaged in creative experience or planning activities that involve art & tech convergence.
• Fields include Creative Writing & Literature, Visual arts, Theater, Musical, Dance, Music, Traditional Arts, Multidisciplinary Arts, and others.

For Engineers

• Technical experts, researchers, or specialists in fields relevant to art & tech convergence projects. Preference will be given to individuals under the age of 39.
• Relevant fields include (but are not limited to):
  1. ①Stage Technologies: Stage lighting, Stage Sound, Stage Equipment, Stage Video, Immersive Sound, Kinetic Art, and others.
  2. ②Emerging Technologies: AI, Blockchain, Data Science and Technologies, Development (e.g., Web, Mobile Applications, Game), Metaverse, Motion Capture, Robotics, VR/AR/XR, and others.
  3. ③Core Sciences: Biotechnology, Chemistry, Geology, Life Science, Neuroscience, Physics, and others.
  4. ④Applied Engineering: Advanced Materials, Aerospace Engineering, Batteries, Energy, IoT, Mobility, Nanotechnology, New Materials Engineering, Quantum Computing, Wearable Technology, and others.

4. Benefits for Campers

For All Overseas Campers:

• Partial support for round-trip airfare based on regional caps determined by the camper’s region of travel
• Accommodation during the CAMP (shared, 2 campers per room)
• Meals during the CAMP

※ Only flights between the applicant’s international departure airport and a Korean international airport are covered. Local transportation expenses are not covered.

For Outstanding Overseas Campers:

• Certificates of Excellence awarded to the top two campers by the Chairperson of the Arts Council Korea
  • Awardee information will be distributed via Korean media outlets and the Arts Council Korea's official channels, providing significant recognition locally and internationally.

5. Our Partnerships in 2024

• HUB Montreal (Canada)
• SAT (Société des arts technologiques, Canada)
• World Creation Studio (Canada)
• IRCAM (Institut de Recherche et Coordination Acoustique/Musique, France)
• ZKM (Zentrum für Kunst und Medien, Germany)
• YCAM (Yamaguchi Center for Arts and Media, Japan)
• Jason Bruges Studio (UK)
• Gray Area (USA)

※ Partner institutions for 2025 are subject to change.

6. Key Dates (KST)

※ Overseas campers are required to attend the second day of the Eve of the CAMP & International Conference on May 24, 2025. Attendance on the first day (May 23, 2025) is optional but encouraged.

7. Application Process

Details

1. 1. Please submit the online application form and attach a portfolio of recent works (PDF, max 10MB) (※ All documents must be submitted in English.)

   Proceed to the Online Application Form

2. 2. Applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
   • A. Understanding of the field,
   • B. Capacity for collaboration and communication,
   • C. Enthusiasm for participation, and
   • D. Expected outcomes.
3. 3. The results will be announced in mid February 2025 via email.

Important Note

• All campers must attend the full program. Failure to do so will result in disqualification.
• All campers are responsible for the costs and responsibilities of obtaining a visa. In the event of visa-related issues preventing entry into the country, the selection will be terminated.
• Any falsehoods in the submission documents may result in the selection being canceled.
• Participants may be photographed during the course of this program, and any photos or videos taken may be used as promotional content for public interest purposes.
• Program schedules and details are subject to change depending on the operational conditions of the program.

8. Contact

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

자료담당자[기준일(2025.1.3.)] : Manager, Creative Talent Development Team
게시기간 : 25.1.3. ~