Mozarteum University in Salzburg, Austria, invites media artists and artist collectives to apply for a funded residency to create an interactive, multi-user XR performance in the newly built X-Reality-Lab.
The selected artist(s) will receive up to € 40,000 in funding to develop and realize an interactive, multi-user XR performance, which will be shown at the inaugural X-Reality-Lab festival in March 2026. This funded residency offers access to a high-end XR facility and the opportunity to experiment with projection-based virtual reality and interactive XR. It is an opportunity to shape the very foundation of how XR technologies can be used to tell stories, engage audiences and do performances in general.
Currently under construction and set to open in winter 2025, the X-Reality-Lab is a 165m², 8-metre-high Lab that creates an immersive XR experience with 3D projections on the front and side walls as well as the floor and 3D sound from more than 80 speakers and subwoofers. Optical motion tracking systems capture movement. In addition, LiDAR lasers create a touch-floor tracking contact with the floor. The Lab is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2025. It is funded by FFG and co-funded by the European Union under the EFRE program.
In collaboration with the Ars Electronica Futurelab, Mozarteum University also aims to set new standards by developing a common software framework and providing a flexible open-source wrapper software for multiscreen XR infrastructures, called mozXR. It enables complex projects to be implemented with ease and reduces technical barriers for creative professionals. Artists will be given exclusive early access to this framework, compatible with Unreal Engine, Unity3D, and TouchDesigner.
Media artists or artist collectives are invited to create an artwork – ideally, though not exclusively, within the realm of performing arts – that explores the boundaries of the X-Reality-Lab and its technical options in an innovative way. This residency is ideal for someone eager to contribute to establishing a new infrastructure for media art and setting the stage with experimental artwork.
Program Benefits & Awards
For the realisation of the artwork, the artist receives up to 40,000 EUR that should cover artists fees, material costs, travel and accommodation costs and potential subcontracting (e.g. developers, designers, musicians, actors etc.) costs. Further, the artist shall receive on-site support from Mozarteum University staff for setting up the work in the X-Reality-Lab. The core development of the project, however, must be carried out by the artist(s) or collective themselves.
How to Apply
Detailed information on the call, the application process and requirements and the assessment criteria is available here.
The Technical Rider for X-Reality-Lab & mozXR Open-Source Framework is available here.
Please consider the Privacy Information here.
If you have any questions to the open call, please contact us on moz.xr@moz.ac.at
Entry Fee
Free
Location
Salzburg, Austria
Applications are open until July 13, 2025.
Website link: https://www.moz.ac.at/en/news/2025/05/open-call-artist-in-residence-program
