Short Description
Extended Reality (XR) and the technological devices that enable XR open up inconceivable possibilities that we are only beginning to explore. Artistic approaches are very strong in exploring new avenues and breaking new ground for positive scenarios for the adaptation of new technologies, while at the same time identifying their potential risks. This is also true for Artificial Intelligence (AI). Both developments are intertwined, as AI can support the design of interactive elements, (3D) design processes and more within an XR setting. While AI and XR have and will have an impact on most aspects of human life, art regularly adapts these technological developments early on, thus taking an active role in shaping the pro
cess of adapting new technologies.
With the aim of creating space for such explorations, Mozarteum University is currently building the X-Reality-Lab. An infrastructure that opens up opportunities for students, researchers and developers to experiment with projection-based virtual reality and a new scope for interactive X-Reality. The 165m², 8-metre-high lab 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 currently under construction and expected to be fully operational in the fall of It is funded by FFG and co-funded by the European Union under the EFRE program. As part of this project, Mozarteum University also aims to set new standards and create a common software framework by providing a flexible, open-source wrapper software for multiscreen XR infrastructures, called mozXR.
What we look for
We are seeking for a media artist or artist collective 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 some one eager to contribute to the establishment of a new infrastructure for media art and set ting the stage with experimental artwork. As the X-Reality-Lab and its wrapper software are still in development, access will be limited to a select group of users, offering an exclusive opportunity to engage with cutting-edge technology in an innovative setting.
Eligibility
In this call, we are seeking media artists or artist collectives to realize their own artistic concepts using the X-Reality-Lab at Mozarteum University in Salzburg. Artists are invited to create a multi-user, hybrid, interactive art performance.
Submission Requirements
- Curriculum Vitae
Include contact information from all team members (max. 2 pages per person, see privacy information). - Proposal
A detailed proposal including the artistic concept, intended aesthetics, and a technical description of how the X-Reality-Lab components will be used (max. 10 pages). - Proposal Introduction Video
A short video (max. 5 minutes) presenting your project idea.
If the file is too large to send by email, please send it via a file sending service (the expiry date of the link must be at least 5 days) or send us a link to a video platform. - Budget
Budget plan for the estimated costs of the proposed project (artists fees, material costs, travel and accommodation, potential subcontracting) - Supplementary Materials
Images, videos (link), and/or descriptions of previous works involving media technologies. (max. 3 previous works)
How to Apply
Please send us your application in a single pdf file + one proposal introduction video to moz.xr@moz.ac.at
Program Benefits & Awards
- 40.000 EUR in available budget
The selected artist or artist collective is contracted by the Mozarteum University and will receive a fee of 40.000 EUR for the production and realization of the artwork. This budget should cover all costs including working hour, material costs, travel to and accommodation in Salzburg and potential subcontracts (e.g. developers, designers, actors, musicians) for both the production phase (of which a minimum of 3 weeks in Salzburg in January, February 2026) and the presentation in March 2026. - Access to mozXR
To support realizing the artwork at the X-Reality-Lab, selected artists will be provided with exclusive access to the mozXR framework to develop the project in Unreal Engine, Unity3D or Touchdesigner and to get easy and direct access to the available technical components. Tutorial videos and documentation for MozXR will be produced and as far as they are already available, these resources will be provided. Mozarteum University staff cannot give instructions on how to use the software. - On-site Support
The X-Reality-Lab team will support the artist in setting up the artwork in X-Reality Lab. This also includes access to the X-Reality Lab for testing.
Entry Fee
None
Location
Austria
Timeline
- Application Deadline: 13 July 2025
Website Link: https://www.moz.ac.at/en/news/2025/05/open-call-artist-in-residence-program
