Organizer Information
IMPAKT Centre for Media Culture, based in Utrecht, Netherlands, is a leading organization dedicated to exploring the intersection of media, technology, and contemporary culture. Established to foster critical discourse on the societal implications of new media, IMPAKT supports artists, researchers, and creative professionals working with digital and interactive practices. Through exhibitions, festivals, residencies, and collaborative projects, IMPAKT promotes experimentation and cross-disciplinary exchange in areas including digital rights, privacy, technology, and Visual Arts. In partnership with institutions such as Werktank in Leuven and Privacy Salon/CPDP in Brussels, IMPAKT facilitates international collaborations and public engagement initiatives, empowering participants to address contemporary challenges in the digital realm.
Title & Description
CODE 2026 Open Call – Reclaiming Digital Agency
The CODE 2026 program invites artists, designers, researchers, software developers, and professionals from technology, policy, and law to participate in a co-creation project examining digital rights and agency. Participants will engage in collaborative Interdisciplinary Arts and technology-focused projects that explore the influence of online platforms, government, and big tech on digital autonomy. The program spans five months, from April to July 2026, culminating in a three-day hackathon. Selected participants work in cross-disciplinary teams, guided by mentors, to produce group projects that will be presented at international festivals and events. The open call is designed to include both professionals and non-professionals motivated by human rights, equality, and digital justice, fostering creative approaches that challenge and reimagine online agency.
Categories
Visual Arts, Interdisciplinary Arts, Multimedia, Digital, Technology, Design
Eligibility
Applicants must reside in the Netherlands or Belgium. There are no restrictions on prior experience; artists, researchers, and concerned citizens across disciplines are encouraged to apply. Applicants must be available for all scheduled program activities, including on-site sessions and remote mentoring. Proficiency in English is required for collaboration and presentation.
Program Benefits & Awards
- Participation in a five-month co-creation programme with cross-disciplinary mentorship
- Inclusion in international exhibitions and festival presentations (e.g., Ars Electronica, transmediale, Dutch Design Week, MozFest House)
- Stipend of €200 per participant
- Production budget of €200 per group project
- Travel cost reimbursement for on-site sessions and hackathon
- Networking with professionals, policymakers, and other creatives in the field of digital rights
- Guidance through workshops, feedback sessions, and final hackathon presentations
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Completed application form via online platform
- Motivation statement explaining interest and commitment to digital rights
- CV or portfolio demonstrating relevant skills or experience
- Availability confirmation for all sessions and the final hackathon
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 6 March 2026
- Notification of Results: 13 March 2026
- Programme Dates: 25 April – 12 July 2026 (includes on-site sessions, remote mentoring, and final hackathon)
- Presentations & Exhibitions: September – December 2026
Location
Primarily Utrecht, Netherlands, with some sessions in Brussels, Belgium, and the final hackathon in Dreumel, Netherlands
Additional Details
- Active participation in all sessions is mandatory to receive the stipend
- Final projects are featured on CODE’s website and promoted at international events
- Participants are encouraged to explore creative solutions addressing digital rights, privacy, and online agency
- Mentorship and collaboration are core components, supporting both professional and non-professional participants