Organizer Information:

Error 417 Expectation Failed. Error 417 Expectation Failed is an independent foundation supporting radically contemporary Internet art and net-based arts practices. We encourage open-ended formats, risky projects and explorative artworks that engage critically with contemporary technology. Our focus lies on art that addresses the frictions between technology, aesthetics, politics and social relations to challenge power structures — one hack, glitch, fail, error, process and experiment at a time.

Title & Description:

Applications are open for Error 406: [Netstalgia] Not Acceptable.

The organizers are looking for projects that push back against forms of "netstalgia" that soften structural critique and reinforce existing platform capitalism. They seek projects that take a clear-eyed view of the past while exploring how internet histories can open pathways toward equitable futures. Submissions should ask: what protocols, networks, archives, and shared conditions are needed to build the internet we actually want?

Category:

Digital Art, Technology, & New Media (Open to artists, curators, collectives, exhibition spaces, online platforms, and software/hardware developers).

Eligibility:

  • Who: Open worldwide to anyone exploring the possibilities of contemporary, networked technologies. (Proposals from historically underrepresented people are strongly encouraged).
  • Submission Limit: Individuals are strictly limited to one proposal. (Note: You may submit one individual application and one separate application as part of a collective).
  • Project Status: Projects do not need to begin/finish within a specific timeframe, but they strictly MUST NOT be already fully finished at the time of application.

Program Benefits & Awards:

  • Grant Funding: Sliding scale awards ranging from €1,500 to €7,000. (Note: The organizers do not require final financial reports, receipts, or accounting).
  • Mentorship: Selected projects will receive mentoring from the jury (Chia Amisola, Olia Lialina, Vladan Joler, Peter Sunde, and Error 417).
  • Exhibition: An online exhibition of the completed works will take place at the end of 2026.

Application Fee & Program Costs:

  • Application Fee: Free to apply.

Application Requirements:

  • System Warning: The application portal will NOT send a confirmation email, nor can you view the completed form after submitting. Applicants MUST save a PDF of their application using their browser's print command before hitting submit.
  • Required Contents:
    1. Project description detailing engagement with the theme (Max 250 words).
    2. Methodology and timeline.
    3. Exhibition concept (how it manifests online and physically).
    4. Grant amount requested (€1,500 to €7,000).
    5. (Optional but encouraged): CV and Portfolio to provide additional context.

How to Apply?

Submit your answers via the official online application form.

Key Dates:

  • Application Deadline: May 4, 2026, at 23:59 (CEST).
  • Jury Decision Notification: Mid-June 2026.
  • Deadline for Completed Work: October 30, 2026.
  • Online Exhibition: End of 2026.

Location:

Global / Online.

Contact Information:

Inquiries Email: error417@expectation.fail

Website & Application Link: https://error417.expectation.fail/406/netstalgia-not-acceptable/open-call