Organizer Information
The ZKM | Center for Art and Media Karlsruhe is a world-leading institution at the intersection of Art, Technology, and society. Founded as a digital Bauhaus, it serves as a platform where classical art forms meet New Media, code, and Performance. The program is organized in cooperation with ruestungsschmie.de, an internationally renowned media art team specializing in the transformation of historic architecture into stages for Audiovisual art.
Title & Description
TIME³ Summer School 2026: Architectural Projection Mapping at ZKM Karlsruhe.
This edition offers a professional-level opportunity to produce a collaborative masterpiece on the 170-meter-long facade of Karlsruhe Palace. Participants will progress through a crash course in Motion design, Visual Programming, and sound to develop a festival-ready projection. The final work will be a key part of the 2026 Schlosslichtspiele (Palace Light Festival), presented to thousands of visitors each night. The program acts as a catalyst for personal development, preparing participants to manage the complexity of large-scale Media Arts productions.
This is a three-week intensive Project and Workshop taking place in Germany. While the participation is Free, it is a Self Fund opportunity regarding personal expenses. Mentorship is provided by the architects and designers of ruestungsschmie.de.
Participants will work in a multidisciplinary team to conceive and execute a high-resolution 11K projection mapping. Tasks include initial conceptualizing, 2D and 3D Animation, Sound Design, and technical execution using Game Engines and Visual Programming. The team will handle the pressure of a festival deadline, resulting in a Public Presentation of the artwork on a global stage.
Categories
Media Arts, Digital, Sound/Music, Architecture, Animation, Technology, Projection Mapping, and Motion.
Eligibility
- The call is open to International emerging creatives, including visual designers, sound designers, and media artists.
- While previous experience in projection mapping is not required, applicants must have strong prior knowledge in 2D and 3D Animation, Visual Programming, video editing, or game engines.
- We welcome participants of all backgrounds, ages, and origins.
Program Benefits
- Participants gain access to professional-grade hardware, specialized tools, and a massive festival stage.
- The program offers high-level Mentorship and professional Networking with international experts.
- Successful completion serves as a powerful portfolio builder, with previous participants receiving major awards and commissions.
Application Fee
Free to apply and participate.
Application Requirements
Interested applicants should prepare a Portfolio showcasing their skills in animation, sound, or programming, along with a Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a motivation statement reflecting their ability to work in a high-pressure, collaborative team environment.
How to Apply?
Applications must be submitted through the ZKM digital portal by the specified deadline. Apply via ZKM Official Website
Key Dates
- The Application Deadline is May 6, 2026, at 1 pm CEST.
- Feedback will be provided by early June.
- The Residency and Summer School period runs from August 17 to September 6, 2026.
Location
Germany, Karlsruhe.
Additional Details
Participants are responsible for their own travel, Accommodation, and Living Costs. The ZKM provides the necessary computer hardware, projectors for testing, and a physical model of the palace for experimenting.