Organizer Information

The Prix Ars Electronica is the world’s longest-running media art competition. With the award-winning works of international artists as a trend barometer, it offers an inspiring, current and forward-looking insight into the interface between art, technology and society. The winners can look forward to the coveted Golden Nicas, up to 10,000 euros per category and a prominent appearance at the renowned Ars Electronica Festival in Linz (Austria). Submit your project to the Prix Ars Electronica by March 4, 2026, and win the Golden Nica, €10,000, and a prominent appearance at the Ars Electronica Festival 2026!   Categories: New Animation Art Computer animation has been part of the Prix Ars Electronica since its inception in 1987, and it continues to evolve in an extremely dynamic way. This category focuses on works that explore and experiment with visual expression at the intersection of animation, art, and technology. Digital Humanity This category highlights artistic and social projects that actively shape our digital societies. It honors initiatives that use digital technologies to create social benefit, strengthen community, enable cultural exchange, and foster an open and inclusive civil society. Interactive Art + The “Interactive Art +” category is dedicated to artistic research and exploration in all forms and formats, from installations and performances to emerging models of engagement. At its core are interaction methods that drive transformative paradigms—approaches that influence people, reshape behaviors, and spark meaningful change. u19 – create your world u19 — create your world is the Prix Ars Electronica’s category for young people. It gives kids and youngsters up to age 19 (with residence in Austria) the opportunity to have a say about the world of tomorrow and to produce and present their concepts of and ideas for it.

Program Benefits

2026: One submission, three prizes

When submitting to the Prix Ars Electronica, participants also have the opportunity to submit to additional Open Calls that ran in parallel – free of charge!
  • AI for Social Impact Initiative highlights projects that explore how artificial intelligence can contribute to tangible, positive change in social, environmental, and humanitarian contexts. Hosted by CARE Austria in collaboration with Ars Electronica, the initiative supports practice-oriented ideas that combine artistic imagination, technological innovation, and development expertise.
  • S+T+ARTS Prize: Every submission can be additionally submitted to the European Comission’s S+T+ARTS Prize 2026. The two S+T+ARTS prizewinners each receive €20,000.
Each main winner of these competitions will be prominently featured at the upcoming 2026 Ars Electronica Festival.

How to Apply?

Online Application

Location

Linz, Austria Deadline: March 4, 2026 Website: https://ars.electronica.art/prix/en/opencall/