Short Description
Since 2015, the SCHLOSSLICHTSPIELE Light Festival Karlsruhe has inspired artists to explore new creative paths in order to captivate audiences. For four weeks every evening between mid‑August and mid‑September, the over 170‑meter‑long façade of the Karlsruhe Baroque Palace transforms into a grand stage for artistic contributions in projection mapping. Since 2023, the dm‑Award connecting worlds has been honouring outstanding projects that connect the digital and analogue realms, extending the projections beyond the palace façade into the audience and the city centre.
As a UNESCO Creative City of Media Arts, Karlsruhe is committed to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, and we have found the perfect partner in dm‑drogerie markt — a sustainable and future‑oriented company from Karlsruhe.
Eligibility
With the dm‑Award connecting worlds, international artists and collectives are invited to submit innovative projects that connect the digital space of the SCHLOSSLICHTSPIELE projection mappings on the palace façade with the analog space in front of the palace and into the city. Concepts that go beyond the immediate event location—involving the city center or extending into it—are especially welcome.
Projects must therefore consist of two elements: A digital element on the palace façade (projection mapping) and an analogue element that can also function independently of the projection. Submitted projects must take place outdoors or be accessible in the urban public space, be freely available, and open to the public.
Possible formats and content include, but are not limited to:
- Interactive elements where the audience interacts with the façade
- Installations or media artworks relating to the palace
- Stagings of the square in front of the palace or other places, squares, or buildings in the city
- Combinations of other art forms with projection mapping (e.g., concerts or performances over multiple days)
- Interactive projects involving audience participation
- 3D experiences or immersive formats
- Integration of new technical possibilities
- Inclusion of dm‑markets as part of the project
- Creation of new spatial experiences and public interaction
Submission Requirements
- Details about the artist or group (name/company name, email address, postal address, phone number, nationality/residence, short biography)
- A concise but compelling project outline, including a storyboard, ideas for presenting the project (max. 1,500 characters including spaces), and a list of required materials, technical equipment, personnel (security, supervision, etc.), and usage rights.
- Visual material such as renderings, photos, illustrations, or video material: up to 5 images, 3 video clips, or audio examples (each max. 5 minutes) or up to 5 links.
- Text information must not be submitted as images, as this hinders further processing of applications.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted to: cityofmediaarts@kultur.karlsruhe.de.
Program Benefits & Awards
The winning project will be realized as part of the SCHLOSSLICHTSPIELE Light Festival and the exhibition Media art is here (mid‑August to mid‑September 2026). The prize is €10,000, with up to €20,000 additional production costs covered.
Entry Fee
None
Location
Karlsruhe, Germany
Timeline
- Application Deadline: 24 November 2025
Website Link: https://www.cityofmediaarts.de/en/homepage/
