APE CAMP 2025: Open Call for Overseas Artists, Producers and Engineers

Deadline: 2 February 2025

The Arts Council Korea (ARKO) is inviting young Artists, Producers and Engineers under the age of 39 from diverse fields worldwide to participate in its APE CAMP 2025.

This program is designed to nurture creative talent and activate sustainable networks for art & tech convergence. Through the Camp, participants will have the opportunity to develop innovative ideas, build global partnerships and immerse themselves in Korea’s dynamic creative ecosystem.

The selected participants, known as “Campers”, will convene in Seoul and be randomly grouped into 20 multidisciplinary teams. Each team will comprise individuals from various nationalities and disciplines, including artists, producers, and engineers. Together, they will refine collaborative concepts into feasible projects and present their final outcomes to an audience of peers and experts.

During pitching sessions, participants will seize the opportunity to broaden their networks on a global scale. Outstanding campers will be selected to receive support for an international research trip, where they visit leading institutions specializing in art and technology convergence across the globe. This invaluable experience promises to offer fresh perspectives from the global scene, nurturing creative depth and advancing advancement in their respective fields.

Aim

APE CAMP aims to serve as a vibrant hub for young artists, producers and engineers, where they embark on a journey to explore the convergent DNA of APEs. Over the course of three days, 100 participants will be organized into teams based on their respective artistic and technical roles. Together, they will collaborate to generate innovative ideas for art and technology convergence.

Program Specifications

A two-day, three-night camp for 50 young artists and producers and 50 engineers to compete for ideas under the theme of Convergence of Art and Technology:
- Random team matching
- Generating and developing ideas
- Pitching
- Creating a global network for the convergence of art and technology
International conference on trends and best practices in the convergence of art and technology
(Benefit to Top 25 Campers) International research trip opportunities to institutions

Benefits

For All Overseas Campers:
- Partial support for round-trip airfare based on regional caps determined by the camper’s region of travel
- Accommodation during the CAMP (shared, 2 campers per room)
- Meals during the CAMP
- Only flights between the applicant’s international departure airport and a Korean international airport are covered. Local transportation expenses are not covered.
For Outstanding Overseas Campers:
- Certificates of Excellence awarded to the top two campers by the Chairperson of the Arts Council Korea:
  - Awardee information will be distributed via Korean media outlets and the Arts Council Korea’s official channels, providing significant recognition locally and internationally.

Expected Outcomes

Collaboration and exchange with international players in art and technology convergence.
(For Top 25 Campers) A research trip and networking opportunities to leading organizations in the field of art and technology convergence.

Eligibility Criteria

This open call is exclusively available for overseas applicants who are non-Korean nationals with foreign citizenship.
Applications must be submitted as an individual only.
Applicants must be available to attend the mandatory schedule starting from May 24 to May 27, 2025, which is the second day of the Eve of the CAMP & International Conference. Attendance on the first day (May 23, 2025) is optional.
Applicants must be able to communicate in English for effective communication.
Applicants who are currently enrolled in a university are not eligible to apply.
For Artists & Producers:
- Individuals under the age of 39 engaged in creative experience or planning activities that involve art & tech convergence.
- Fields include Creative Writing & Literature, Visual arts, Theater, Musical, Dance, Music, Traditional Arts, Multidisciplinary Arts, and others.
For Engineers:
- Technical experts, researchers, or specialists in fields relevant to art & tech convergence projects. Preference will be given to individuals under the age of 39.
- Relevant fields include (but are not limited to):
  - Stage Technologies: Stage lighting, Stage Sound, Stage Equipment, Stage Video, Immersive Sound, Kinetic Art, and others.
  - Emerging Technologies: AI, Blockchain, Data Science and Technologies, Development (eg, Web, Mobile Applications, Game), Metaverse, Motion Capture, Robotics, VR/AR/XR, and others.
  - Core Sciences: Biotechnology, Chemistry, Geology, Life Science, Neuroscience, Physics, and others.
  - Applied Engineering: Advanced Materials, Aerospace Engineering, Batteries, Energy, IoT, Mobility, Nanotechnology, New Materials Engineering, Quantum Computing, Wearable Technology, and others.