APE CAMP 2026
OPEN CALL for Overseas Artists, Producers, and Engineers
Application Deadline : Thursday, 12 March 2026, 23:59 KST
Dates : 12 June (Fri) - 16 June (Tue) 2026
Location : Seoul or Gyeonggi, Republic of Korea (specific venue to be announced)
Participation Fee : Free of charge
Arts Council Korea (ARKO) invites artists, producers (curators), and engineers aged 39 or under from around the world to APE CAMP 2026.
The programme aims to nurture creative talent and build sustainable networks at the intersection of art and technology. Participants are supported to develop new ideas and grow global connections.
Selected participants, referred to as “Campers,” will gather in the Seoul metropolitan area and be randomly assigned to 24 teams. Each team will bring together artists, producers, and engineers from diverse countries and fields. Teams will brainstorm innovative ideas, develop collaborative concepts into feasible projects, and pitch their outcomes to fellow participants.
ARKO looks forward to welcoming 120 creative practitioners from around the world. The APE CAMP 2025 Open Call received applications from more than 40 countries.
Campers selected through the APE CAMP 2026 Open Call will have the opportunity to meet leading global experts working across art and technology, and to become part of an international art-technology network.
Participation requirements
General (mandatory)
Applications must be submitted by individuals only.
This open call is for international participants who do not hold Korean nationality.
Participants must be able to attend the full camp programme from 12 to 16 June 2026.
Selection may be cancelled if a participant withdraws after being selected or attends only part of the programme.Applicants must be able to communicate in English.
Art category (artists and producers)
Young artists and producers aged 39 or under, actively engaged in creative practices related to art and technology convergence.
Fields of participation may include:
literature, visual arts, theatre and musical theatre, music, dance, traditional arts, interdisciplinary arts, and more.
Technology category
Professionals, researchers, and experts in technology fields with specialised knowledge applicable to creative practices at the intersection of art and technology. Eligible technology fields include, but are not limited to, the areas below. Applicants working in other relevant technology fields not listed may also apply.
Fields of participation may include:
Stage technologies: stage lighting, stage sound, stage equipment, stage video, immersive sound, kinetic art, and more.
Emerging technologies: artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, data science and technologies, development (for example web, mobile applications, games), metaverse, motion capture, robotics, VR, AR, XR, and more.
Core Sciences: Biotechnology, chemistry, geology, life sciences, neuroscience, physics, etc.
Applied Engineering : Advanced materials, aerospace engineering, batteries, energy, Internet of Things (loT), mobility, nanotechnology, new materials engineering, quantum computing, wearable technology, etc.
Note: Preference will be given to early-career technology professionals.
Support
Support for International Campers
Round-trip airfare (partial support)
Accommodation during the camp period (based on shared rooms for two
Meals during the camp period
* Airfare Support Details
Airfare support covers flights between the applicant's departure international airport and an international airport in the Republic of Korea only. Local transportation costs are not covered.
Flight dates may be extended by up to 4 days before and/or after the camp period (June 12-16). Airfare for flights exceeding this range will not be supported.
Round-trip airfare is provided as a fixed amount based on region. The exact amount will be communicated individually upon announcement of selection results.
Airfare support does not cover travel for activities unrelated to camp participation.
Opportunity to Apply for Follow-up Support Program (APE Lab)
APE Lab: A program that supports step-by-step experimentation of ideas developed during the camp and their development into tangible outcomes
Phase 1 (July-August 2026) :
Support for experimental activities (approximately 10 teams to be selected)Phase 2 (September-November 2026) :
Support for production and realisation (approximately 3 teams selected from Phase 1)
Partners (As of 2025)
SAT Québec (Société des arts technologiques), MUTEK, World Creation Studio, Xn Québec, Canada
IRCAM (Institut de Recherche et Coordination Acoustique/Musique), France
Jason Bruges Studio, United Kingdom
YCAM (Yamaguchi Center for Arts and Media), Japan
ZKM (Zentrum für Kunst und Medien), Germany
* Partner institutions for 2026 are subject to change.
Key Dates (Korea Standard Time)
Application Deadline: Thursday, 12 March 2026, 23:59 (KST) / Online
Pre-networking Camp: May 2026 (details to be announced) / Online
APE CAMP Associated Event and International Conference: Friday, 12 June 2026 / Seoul, Republic of Korea
APE CAMP Main Camp: Saturday, 13 June - Tuesday, 16 June 2026 / Seoul or Gyeonggi, Republic of Korea
APE Lab: July-November 2026
How to Apply
Application Deadline: Thursday, 12 March 2026, 23:59 (KST)
Submit the application via an online survey form and upload a portfolio including your professional experience and works (PDF format, maximum 10MB)
All application materials must be submitted in English.
Submitted applications will be reviewed by a panel of experts based on the following criteria :
Understanding of the field
Collaboration and communication skills
Level of commitment
Expected impact
* Selection results will be announced by email in late March 2026.
Important Notes
All application materials must be completed in English.
Selected campers must attend the entire camp schedule. If a participant becomes unable to attend after selection, or can attend only part of the program, the selection will be cancelled.
Cross-application between the Arts and Tech tracks is permitted for Main and Sub Roles.
However, duplicate applications (e.g., submitting separate applications for both tracks) are strictly prohibited.Participants are responsible for all costs and procedures related to visa issuance.
Selection will be cancelled if entry to Korea is not possible due to visa issues.Selection may be cancelled if false information is found in the submitted documents.
Photos and videos taken during the program may be used for public and promotional purposes.
Program schedules and contents are subject to change depending on operational circumstances.
Contact
For any inquiries, please contact: ape@arko.or.kr