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The latest technology for every artist
Open Call for Artists
Ariana Grande performs as avatar in Fornite, ABBA is a hologram show and Reinier Zonneveld plays back-to-back with his own AI software.
Are you an artist in The Netherlands who also wants to experiment with new technology? Are you curious about the possibilities of technology such as AI, avatars, live visuals, holograms, or mobile AR experiences for your live show?
Then sign up now for the Open Culture Tech (OCT) residency!
Submission Deadline
March 31 (2025)
Residencies
June 2025 – March 2026 *
Artist Fee
€ 2.500 (tax incl.)
Tech development
Paid by OCT
For the OCT residency, we are looking for six artists to join us in creating unique live performances with the latest technology.
During the residencies, you will be paired with a team of designers and developers to bring your vision to life — whether you want to create interactive live visuals, perform as a virtual avatar on stage, or explore entirely new sounds with AI.
The program includes an stipend of €2.500. Additionally, OCT will fully cover the development of your technology and the venue rental for your live show.
How to Sign Up?
You can submit a proposal for a live show concept in which you want to use new technology. Your submission should include:
• Biography: A brief introduction about yourself (text/video)
• Portfolio: A sample of your musical work (audio/video)
• Proposal: A proposal (concept) for working with new technology.
This can be based on:
• Exploration: “I want to explore the creative potential of generative AI music for my setlist.”
• Challenge: “My current performance lacks expressiveness. How can I elevate it into a more expressive and immersive experience?”
• Curiosity: “What if my audience could influence my live show?”
Submit your proposal via the link below:
Timeline
• Submit deadline: March 31 (2025)
• Selection announcement: April 25 (2025)
• Kick-off event: May 9 (2025)
• Residencies: between June (2025) and March (2026) *
• Live shows: between August (2025) and March (2026) *
* Each resident will receive a personalized program based on schedule, needs, and goals.
Criteria
A selection committee will assess your submission based on:
• Quality: Artistic quality of your portfolio (existing work and vision).
• Innovation: How new and creative is your proposal?
• Purpose: what message or experience do you want to convey?
• Feasibility: Is the proposal practically achievable within the program?
• Location: You are based in The Netherlands.
• Diversity: We aim for a diverse group in terms of musical genre, gender, ethnicity, age, and career stage.
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Process
The Open Culture Tech team, together with the involved designers, developers, and venues, will select the 12 artists who best meet the evaluation criteria. These 12 artists will be invited for an interview, after which 6 artists will be selected and paired with one of our design / development partners.
Once you are selected as an artist, you will collaborate with one of the partners. Together, you will develop and produce a live show and an accompanying technology-driven tool. Generative AI, 3D avatars or interactive visuals – everything is possible. During the residency, you can receive coaching from the Thunderboom team every 6 weeks, supporting your collaboration or the creative development of your plans.
An important requirement for the OCT residency is that your technology is built as open-source, so that other artists can also build upon it and use it in their own work
Your Role
• Creative Direction: You direct the artistic and conceptual development of the concept and live show.
• Production: You are in charge of the production of your live show.
• Self-organized: You work in a proactive and self-organizing manner.
• Available: You are available for the kick-off afternoon on May 2 (2025).
Partners
Designers and developers:
• Superposition – Experimental Digital Storytelling
A design studio focused on experimental digital storytelling through technology, art, and design.
• AIxDESIGN – Creative AI & Generative Art
A global collective focused on developing alternative, interdisciplinary, and critically constructive approaches to AI.
• Wij Doen Dingen – Mixed Reality & Storytelling
Specialized in interactive media and mixed reality applications to create immersive experiences.
• Bureau Moeilijke Dingen – Interactive Media
Transforms complex issues into accessible and innovative media applications.
• Wesley Hartogs / Bedrijf de Liefde – Art, Design & Tech
Focuses on multidisciplinary design with an emphasis on interactive technologies, one of the founders of the design collective Bedrijf de Liefde.
• Chagall – Motion Capture & Musical Interactivity
Experimental musician and artist, known for using haptic technology and interactive music performances.
Music venues:
• Cinetol – Amsterdam
A cultural breeding ground and music venue, offering space for innovative and experimental music performances.
• Effenaar – Eindhoven
A music venue with a strong focus on technological innovation and experimental live shows
• De Helling – Utrecht
A broad-oriented music venue that organizes innovative musical and cultural events.
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