Since 2015, the SCHLOSSLICHTSPIELE Light Festival Karlsruhe has inspired artists to explore new creative paths in order to captivate audiences. For four weeks every evening between mid‑August and mid‑September, the over 170‑meter‑long façade of the Karlsruhe Baroque Palace transforms into a grand stage for artistic contributions in projection mapping. Since 2023, the dm‑Award connecting worlds has been honouring outstanding projects that connect the digital and analogue realms, extending the projections beyond the palace façade into the audience and the city centre.
As a UNESCO Creative City of Media Arts, Karlsruhe is committed to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, and we have found the perfect partner in dm‑drogerie markt — a sustainable and future‑oriented company from Karlsruhe.
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 analog space in front of the palace and into the city. Concepts that go beyond the immediate event location—involving the city center or extending into it—are especially welcome.
Projects must therefore consist of two elements: A digital element on the palace façade (projection mapping) and an analogue element that can also function independently of the projection. Submitted projects must take place outdoors or be accessible in the urban public space, be freely available, and open to the public.
Possible formats and content include, but are not limited to:
- Interactive elements where the audience interacts with the façade
- Installations or media artworks relating to the palace
- Stagings of the square in front of the palace or other places, squares, or buildings in the city
- Combinations of other art forms with projection mapping (e.g., concerts or performances over multiple days)
- Interactive projects involving audience participation
- 3D experiences or immersive formats
- Integration of new technical possibilities
- Inclusion of dm‑markets as part of the project
- Creation of new spatial experiences and public interaction
The winning project will be realized as part of the SCHLOSSLICHTSPIELE Light Festival and the exhibition Media art is here (mid‑August to mid‑September 2026). The prize is €10,000, with up to €20,000 additional production costs covered.
PARTICIPATION CONDITIONS
The application period ends on 24 November 2025 at 1 p.m. CET.
Production guidelines: https://cloud.zkm.de/s/NLW8YmXWcifLZyr
Model data and photos: https://cloud.zkm.de/s/LC3gZaeMbwSafjW
Applications must be submitted as a single document in German or English and include:
- Details about the artist or group (name/company name, email address, postal address, phone number, nationality/residence, short biography)
- A concise but compelling project outline, including a storyboard, ideas for presenting the project (max. 1,500 characters including spaces), and a list of required materials, technical equipment, personnel (security, supervision, etc.), and usage rights.
- Visual material such as renderings, photos, illustrations, or video material: up to 5 images, 3 video clips, or audio examples (each max. 5 minutes) or up to 5 links.
- Text information must not be submitted as images, as this hinders further processing of applications.
Important notes:
- Already implemented projects are excluded.
- Employees of the organizing institutions, sponsors, and the awarding partner of the prize, as well as jury members, are not eligible to participate.
- Applications must be submitted to: cityofmediaarts@kultur.karlsruhe.de.
- Due to file size, applications must be sent via download link.
- The project must be completed by 11 July 2026 to allow timely installation and planning for the SCHLOSSLICHTSPIELE Light Festival.
- Submissions that do not meet the above requirements will not be admitted to the competition and will not be presented to the jury.
We welcome applications from all people, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, cultural, ethnic, or social background.
IMPORTANT DATES
- October 9, 2025: Start of application period
- November 24, 2025, 13:00 CET: Application deadline
- Mid‑December 2025: Notification of applicants
- January 2026: Public announcement of winners
- Mid‑August to mid‑September 2026: SCHLOSSLICHTSPIELE Light Festival 2026
Art in public space is no longer purely physical or purely digital. The future—and the greatest potential—lies in strong concepts that equally integrate both spheres. Take your chance and apply now for the dm‑Award connecting worlds!
Further information and full call for submissions here.