The city of Karlsruhe (Germany), which holds the title of UNESCO Creative City of Media Arts, invites artists and creatives to apply for two international open calls designed for individuals and collectives working in the field of digital art and projection mapping. Find more details about participation below.

BBBank-Award in Projection Mapping

To apply for the BBBank-Award 2026, submit a concept for a projection mapping on the 170-meter-wide façade of the baroque palace. A jury will select three concepts from all submissions. Each selected project will receive a production grant of €15,000 and be presented throughout the entire festival. On the opening night of the SCHLOSSLICHTSPIELE, the audience will vote for their favorite among these three works. The winning project will receive an additional prize of €5,000.

In 2026, the SCHLOSSLICHTSPIELE Karlsruhe will focus on visions of urban communities.

Entries are open until November 18, 2025 at 1 p.m. CET. Further information and the exact conditions of participation can be found here.

dm-Award connecting worlds

With the dm‑Award connecting worlds, international artists and collectives are invited to submit innovative projects that connect the digital space of the SCHLOSSLICHTSPIELE projection mappings on the palace façade with the analogue space in front of the palace and into the city. Concepts that go beyond the immediate event location—involving the city centre or extending into it—are especially welcome. The prize is endowed with €10,000. In addition to the prize, the production costs of the winning project will also be financially subsidized of up to €20,000 net. Curatorial support and technical assistance by KME and ZKM are included in the prize.

The application period ends on November 24, 2025 at 1 p.m. CET. Further information and the exact conditions of participation can be found here.