Organizer Information

The S+T+ARTS Prize Buen-TEK is part of the S+T+ARTS initiative by the European Commission, which bridges science, technology, and the arts. It supports projects that combine artistic creativity with technological innovation to address societal and environmental challenges. The prize promotes collaboration between artists, scientists, and technologists to generate sustainable and socially engaged solutions.

Title & Description

S+T+ARTS Prize Buen-TEK 2026: Honouring Indigenous Technology and Forgotten Values
This prize invites artists to redefine innovation by drawing inspiration from Lo-TEK, Indigenous Technology, and the philosophy of Buen Vivir, which emphasizes living harmoniously with nature and community. Artists are encouraged to submit projects that propose creative, community-centred, and ecologically grounded approaches to technology, society, and economy. Selected projects will challenge the status quo and demonstrate how art can contribute to a sustainable, inclusive, and culturally rooted future.

Category

  • Visual Arts, Installation, Site-Specific and Public Art
  • Community Art, Immersive/Interactive (VR, AR, XR)
  • Sound Art, Experimental Music, Film, Video, Performance
  • Photography, Sculpture, Material Research
  • Fashion/Textile Practices, Bioart, Ecological/Biotechnological Experiments
  • Machine Learning, Robotics, Data-Driven Art, Citizen Science Projects, Workshops, Pedagogical Formats

Eligibility

  • Nationals or permanent residents of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, or Uruguay.
  • Individual artists or groups (at least 50% of group members must meet nationality/residency requirements).
  • Open to all forms of artistic practice that incorporate Indigenous knowledge, traditional technologies, or culturally rooted approaches to innovation.

Program Benefits & Awards

  • Total prize fund: €30,000, distributed among 2–6 projects depending on jury evaluation.
  • Winners showcased at IMPAKT Festival, Utrecht, The Netherlands, April 2026.
  • International dissemination via S+T+ARTS networks in Europe and South America.
  • Invitation to attend the award ceremony and exhibition opening.

Application Fee

No entry fee.

Application Requirements

  • Project proposal, detailed description of methodology and concept
  • Images, sketches, videos, or other documentation of the project
  • CV/Portfolio of the artist(s)
  • Any relevant team or institutional affiliations
  • Motivation letter (optional but recommended)

How to Apply

Online Application

Key Dates

  • Application Opens: 27 October 2025
  • Application Deadline: 22 December 2025
  • Exhibition & Award Ceremony: April 2026 (IMPAKT Festival)

Location

  • Applicants: South America (eligible countries listed above)
  • Exhibition: Utrecht, The Netherlands (IMPAKT Festival)

Additional Details

  • Projects should be original, socially engaged, and ecologically conscious.
  • Jury selection considers creativity, feasibility, impact, and integration of Indigenous knowledge.
  • Works may include collaborative, participatory, and cross-disciplinary approaches.

Website Link: https://starts.eu/what-we-do/starts-prize-south-america/

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