The jury of the UNESCO Project Funding Program for Media Art reached its decision on this year’s grants on July 8, 2025. For the first time, media artists, creatives, and initiatives from across Baden-Württemberg were able to apply. The program aims to strengthen the diversity of media art in the region and foster exchange between different artistic scenes throughout the state. The funding is intended to increase the visibility of media art, enable experimental formats, and contribute to the sustainable development of the regional media art scene.
After thorough review and a multi-stage selection process, the jury decided to support seven projects out of nearly 40 submissions, with a total funding amount of €79,300. In times of general budget cuts, the city is thus sending a clear signal about the relevance of media art and reaffirming its commitment to supporting and showcasing this forward-looking art form, even under challenging financial conditions.
The selected projects address current issues ranging from ecological and urban transformation processes to digital and participatory formats. Key thematic focuses include:
- Nature and environmental observation: Projects that make ecological phenomena visible and use artistic means to respond to climate change, urban nature, or micro-ecosystems.
- Interactive urban spaces: Media installations and interventions that activate shop windows, surfaces, or public spaces in Karlsruhe and beyond, engaging the public directly.
- Global and social contexts: Artistic works that take up political and social issues, make use of international networks, and continue the dialogue between Baden-Württemberg and other UNESCO Cities of Media Arts.
With this program, the UNESCO City of Media Arts Karlsruhe is once again supporting the advancement of innovative media art and the regional anchoring of this dynamic scene. Further information about the selected projects will be announced soon.
The expert jury, chaired by Dr. Dominika Szope, included Daniela Burkhardt (UNESCO City of Media Arts, Department of Cultural Affairs), Anja Casser (Badischer Kunstverein Karlsruhe), Prof. Susanne Kriemann (Karlsruhe University of Arts and Design), Prof. Marijke van Warmerdam (State Academy of Fine Arts Karlsruhe), and Philipp Ziegler (ZKM | Center for Art and Media Karlsruhe).