Organizer Information
The Ars Electronica is one of the world’s leading platforms for media art, digital culture, and critical engagement with emerging technologies. Founded in 1979 and based in Linz, the organization operates internationally through its festival, museum, research labs, and prestigious award programs. Ars Electronica is widely recognized for bridging artistic experimentation, scientific research, and technological innovation.
Among its most renowned initiatives is the Prix Ars Electronica, an internationally respected award that honors groundbreaking projects at the intersection of art, technology, and society. Through its award categories and special initiatives, the Prix supports artists, technologists, researchers, and interdisciplinary teams who critically engage with contemporary global challenges.
The AI for Social Impact Initiative is part of this broader mission, reflecting Ars Electronica’s commitment to responsible innovation, ethical AI development, and socially engaged digital practices.
Title & Description
AI for Social Impact Initiative – Prix Ars Electronica
The AI for Social Impact Initiative invites artists, researchers, technologists, and interdisciplinary teams to submit projects that leverage artificial intelligence to address urgent social, environmental, humanitarian, or cultural challenges.
The initiative focuses on AI-driven works that go beyond technical innovation and instead foreground ethical awareness, inclusivity, and tangible societal benefit. Submissions may include artistic projects, research-based interventions, applied AI tools, community-driven platforms, or speculative prototypes that demonstrate how artificial intelligence can be deployed responsibly and equitably.
Rather than celebrating AI as a purely technological advancement, this initiative emphasizes critical engagement—questioning power structures, data bias, sustainability, governance, and the societal implications of machine intelligence. Selected projects gain international exposure within the framework of the Prix Ars Electronica and may be presented during the Ars Electronica Festival in Linz.
The program encourages works that are already realized or in advanced stages of development, particularly those demonstrating measurable impact or strong public engagement.
Categories
- Media Art
- Artificial Intelligence
- Digital & Interactive Art
- Data Art
- Creative Technology
- Research-Based Projects
- Social Innovation & Civic Technology
- Interdisciplinary Practices
Projects may combine artistic production with scientific research, activism, software development, community engagement, or policy-oriented experimentation.
Eligibility
- Open to international applicants
- Individual artists, collectives, researchers, technologists, NGOs, and interdisciplinary teams may apply
- No strict age limitation specified
- Projects must focus on AI and demonstrate a clear socialimpact dimension
- Both independent practitioners and institutional collaborations are eligible
Applicants from diverse geographic, cultural, and disciplinary backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. There are no restrictions based on nationality or professional status.
Program Benefits & Awards
Selected and awarded projects may receive:
- International recognition through the Prix Ars Electronica platform
- Financial awards (depending on category distinctions and jury decisions)
- Exhibition opportunities during the Ars Electronica Festival in Linz
- Presentation and visibility within Ars Electronica’s global network
- Media exposure and documentation
- Potential inclusion in long-term Ars Electronica programming
Winning projects benefit from being associated with one of the most respected awards in the field of media art and digital culture, significantly increasing professional visibility and future collaboration opportunities.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Completed online application form
- Project description (concept, objectives, and AI methodology)
- Documentation of the project (images, videos, links, technical specifications)
- Explanation of social impact and implementation
- CV(s) or biography of applicant(s)
- Contact information
- Supporting materials demonstrating functionality or real-world application (if applicable)
All materials must be submitted in English via the official platform.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 4 March 2026
- Jury Review Period: Spring
- Notification of Results: Early Summer
- Festival & Exhibition Period: During the Ars Electronica Festival (usually September) in Linz, Austria
Applicants are strongly advised to verify the exact timeline on the official website, as dates may vary annually.
Location
Linz, Austria
Additional Details
- Projects should clearly articulate the societal relevance of AI use.
- Ethical considerations, sustainability, accessibility, and diversity are key evaluation criteria.
- Collaborative, cross-sector approaches are highly encouraged.
- Jury members are international experts in media art, AI research, and digital culture.
- Submitted projects must comply with technical guidelines provided in the submission portal.
The initiative particularly values projects that demonstrate long-term impact rather than speculative prototypes without real-world grounding.