Organizer Information
Beam Center is a non-profit organization based in Brooklyn, NY, dedicated to youth development through creative, hands-on learning experiences. Its flagship program, Beam Camp, offers immersive summer experiences combining art, design, and engineering for young people aged 10–17. Beam Center fosters collaboration, problem-solving, and innovative thinking through large-scale projects, workshops, and community engagement.
Title & Description
2026 Beam Camp Project Open Call
Beam Center invites proposals for ambitious public artworks to be realized at Beam Camp 2026 in Strafford, NH. Selected projects will be collaboratively built by over 100 youth participants and 20+ staff during a 29-day summer session. The open call seeks creative professionals with “big ideas” in art, design, architecture, engineering, film, music, or technology. Projects should be technically challenging, visually striking, and provide meaningful engagement opportunities for youth in worldbuilding, fabrication, and creative problem-solving. Applicants should envision a project that leverages Beam Camp’s rural landscape, facilities, and collaborative environment.
Categories
- Visual Art / Public Art
- Design / Architecture
- Sculpture / Installation
- Engineering / Fabrication
- Interdisciplinary / Mixed Media
- Technology / Audio-Visual Art
Eligibility
- Creative individuals, teams, or organizations including artists, designers, engineers, architects, filmmakers, musicians, technologists, and builders.
- Proposals must be feasible to implement in collaboration with youth and staff at Beam Camp.
- International applicants accepted.
Program Benefits & Awards
- Award to proposer: $5,000
- Project fabrication budget: ~$15,000
- Access to Beam Camp facilities: wood and metal shops, welding, textile, ceramic, molding and casting, technology labs, audio equipment, commercial kitchen.
- Opportunity to work with over 100 youth participants and 20+ staff.
- Participation in project development meetings (bi-weekly starting six months before camp).
- Partial travel expenses to Beam Camp reimbursed.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Submit a single PDF including:
- Project title
- Detailed description
- Visuals: sketches, diagrams, renderings, video links
- Information for all co-designers: names, emails, resumes/CVs/portfolios, phone numbers
- Applications submitted online via the Beam Center form.
How to Apply
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 29 December 2025
- Project Realization: July 2026 (29-day camp session)
- Zoom Info Sessions: October 30, 2025, 2:00 PM EST; November 29, 2025, 2:00 PM EST
Location
Strafford, New Hampshire, United States
Additional Details
- Projects should challenge participants for approximately 50 hours.
- Designs should take advantage of the Beam Camp facilities, landscape, and rural setting.
- Collaboration with youth and staff is integral; projects must include engagement opportunities for campers.
- Selection is made by a committee of Beam Center staff, youth, past designers, and community members.
- Past projects include Theater of Giants (2025), Welcome Beacon (2023), and As Above, So Below (2022).
Website Link: https://www.beamcenter.org/events/2026-beam-camp-project-call
