INTERWEAVE AWARD 2026 Open Call


The Interweave Award invites submissions from practitioners whose work critically and creatively explores the relationships between technology, human experience and society.

We welcome projects across disciplines, formats and stages of development, with a particular interest in practices that use technology not as an end in itself, but as a means of engaging with cultural and social questions.

Who Can Apply

01

Artists, designers, researchers, and technologists

02

Individual practitioners as well as collaborative teams

03

Projects engaging with the social, cultural or ethical implications of technology

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Students, emerging and established practitioners

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Open to international applicants

What We Are Looking For

We encourage proposals that are speculative, critical, research-driven, participatory or experimental.

There are no restrictions on medium. We are interested in installations, digital works, performances, films, publications, live formats, hybrid practices, and works in development.

Projects should demonstrate a strong conceptual direction, particularly in how technology engages with human experience rather than serving as an end in itself.

What You Get

01

Opportunity to be presented within EAST2046

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Public visibility through award and festival channels

03

Exchange with interdisciplinary practitioners and audiences

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Potential inclusion in talks, panels, or public discussions

05

One selected project will receive a £1,000 development grant to support the further development or realisation of the work

Categories

Grand Prize

For an outstanding project that demonstrates conceptual strength, originality, and relevance.

Emerging / Young Practitioner

For promising early-career artists, designers, technologists, or researchers. New voices with distinctive perspectives and strong future potential.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

For projects created through meaningful collaboration across disciplines. Work that combines multiple fields in a way that deepens both process and outcome.

Public Impact

For projects that engage public audiences and reflect on urgent social questions. Accessible, relevant, and socially responsive practices.

Submission Requirements

A concise project description

Supporting materials, including images or visual documentation

Selected images / visual documentation

A primary project link (Vimeo, website, or equivalent)

In-progress work is accepted

English submissions preferred / required

Timeline

Open Call Launch: 25 April 2026

Submission Deadline: 10-15 June 2026

Jury Review Period: June - July 2026

Award Announcement: During EAST2046 Festival (9–17 July 2026)

FAQ

Is there an application fee?

Yes. A submission fee applies: Standard submission - £25.

Please note that this is a strictly non-profit initiative. Submission fees contribute to the operational costs of the award and the development of the programme.

Do applicants need to attend the festival in person?

No. Participation is not required in person.

However, selected projects may be invited to take part in exhibitions or public programming as part of EAST2046. A public announcement of the award will also take place during the festival. While attendance is not required, we would be delighted to welcome selected participants in person.

Is production support available?

During the submission and selection process, applicants are expected to independently develop and present their work to ensure fairness.

Following selection, support may be provided where relevant to the exhibition or presentation of the work within the EAST2046 festival context.

In addition, one selected project across all categories will receive a £1,000 development grant, supporting the further development or realisation of the work.

Selected projects may also be considered for exhibition and presentation opportunities within the festival.

Can I submit more than one project?

Each applicant may submit one project.

Interweave is conceived as a curated selection rather than an open repository. We encourage applicants to submit the work that most strongly reflects their practice and direction.

Can unfinished or research-stage work be submitted?

Yes. We welcome in-progress, experimental and research-led practices. We are particularly interested in projects that explore how technology engages with human experience, rather than as an end in itself.

How will submissions be reviewed?

Submissions will be reviewed by an interdisciplinary jury based on the following criteria:

Human relevance

Critical and creative use of technology

Interdisciplinary approach

Public and social potential

A shortlist will be selected for final discussion and decision.

Ready to submit?

Applications should be submitted through the official submission form. Please prepare your PDF and supporting links before starting your submission.

Apply Now