The International New Media Art competition is the central element of the New Media Week programme, providing a professional platform for presentation, production support, and audience engagement with the most innovative forms of contemporary media art.
The 2026 edition is guided by the theme 'Adaptive Breathing', which serves as an open conceptual framework rather than a strict brief. Artists are encouraged to engage with the theme through their own creative approaches, exploring personal narratives, experimental methods, and emerging artistic possibilities.
Artists selected for the final shortlist will be invited to Katowice, Poland, to present their works as part of the Competition Exhibition.
Funding
Three cash prizes are awarded, ranging from €5,000 to €10,000, recognising outstanding work across the competition's five submission areas.
Submission areas
Submissions may address any of the following five areas:
Installations, Systems and Environments – including immersive and interactive works, sensor-based projects, generative visual environments, and site-specific installations.
Moving Image and Visual Narratives – such as video art, animation, motion design, experimental film, and artistic projection works.
Media Performance and Live Acts – including live coding, technology-driven performances, and audiovisual presentations with a strong visual component.
Technological Objects and Media Sculptures – featuring robotics, kinetic media, electronics, light-based works, and mechatronic installations.
Research Projects and Tool Prototypes – encompassing experimental technologies, interfaces, hardware and software prototypes, and creative tools that expand artistic practice.
What to submit
Applicants must submit comprehensive documentation of their project, including:
A curatorial or artistic description
Photographic and/or video documentation
Technical and technological specifications
Presentation requirements, where applicable
Established as part of New Media Week, the competition aims to support artistic production, foster innovation in contemporary media art, and create opportunities for audiences to engage with groundbreaking creative practices.
Eligibility
The competition is open to professional artists and practitioners from around the world. There are no nationality or residency restrictions, and applicants do not need to be based in Poland or Europe to participate.
Application information
Deadline: 30 June 2026
For more information and to apply, click here.
Your funding experts
InterArts Funding offers its expertise to assist you in applying for grant opportunities (including this one), leveraging our extensive experience to enhance your chances of securing the grant. It is important to clarify that InterArts Funding is an independent entity and is not affiliated with any specific funding organisation. While we have a commendable track record of success, we cannot guarantee the approval of your application. Grant outcomes depend on various factors beyond our control.