European Media Art Platform (EMAP) 2026 — production residencies for media and digital artists in Europe
EMAP is not just another residency for experimentation, but an entry point into the European infrastructure of media art. The platform unites leading institutions, production centers, and potential host organizations. The program is designed for artists working with technology and seeking to develop projects within an institutional context — with access to resources, expertise, and professional networks.
Who the program is for
EMAP is open to media artists, digital, robotic, and bio-art practitioners, as well as artists working with AI, data, immersive environments, interactive installations, VR/AR, sound, photography, and audiovisual practices. The program supports projects that explore technology not only as a tool, but as a subject of artistic inquiry, critical analysis, and social reflection. It is intended for artists who already have a structured practice and a clear project idea.
Collaborative work and institutional support
The residency is organized in collaboration with EMAP host institutions and is built on close cooperation between artists and professional teams. The program provides technical support, production assistance, and expert mentorship, allowing projects to be developed to a professional, exhibition-ready level.
Where the residency takes place
Residencies are hosted by EMAP consortium institutions across Europe. The consortium includes leading organizations such as Ars Electronica (Linz), Chronus Art Center (Shanghai), iMAL (Brussels), IMPAKT (Utrecht), Kersnikova Institute (Ljubljana), Kontejner (Zagreb), LABoral Centro de Arte (Gijón), NeMe (Limassol), Onassis Stegi (Athens), RIXC (Riga), Werkleitz (Halle), and WRO Art Center (Wrocław).
Residency format
The residency is production-oriented. Participants receive access to laboratories, equipment, and professional workspaces. Project development takes place in close collaboration with curators, researchers, and technical teams. This is not an open-ended residency: artistic ideas are expected to take concrete form as finished works or prototypes suitable for exhibition and public presentation.
Financial support
The program provides a grant of €4,000 per artist, with an additional production grant of €2,000. Host institutions also cover production-related expenses and provide in-kind support. The total production budget for EMAP projects may reach up to €10,000. Selected projects are expected to be presented within the EMAP network.
Eligibility requirements
Applicants must be citizens or legal residents of EU or EEA countries. Students enrolled in bachelor’s or master’s programs are not eligible. Applications are open to artists working independently or within collectives.
Deadlines and application
Applications are submitted after mandatory registration on the EMAP platform. EMAP supports projects that have the potential to circulate within the European media art ecosystem and contribute to long-term professional development.
Application deadline: 3 March 2026
