APE CAMP 2025: Open call for artists interested in art & tech convergence

Call
Arts Council Korea (ARKO)

ARKO invites young artists, producers, and engineers under the age of 39 from diverse fields worldwide to participate in APE CAMP 2025. This program began in 2022 as a three-day journey to uncover APEs with convergence DNA. One hundred young artists (artists and producers) and technical experts (engineers) from various fields are grouped into 20 teams through random selection. Through the CAMP, participants will have the opportunity to develop innovative ideas, build global partnerships, and receive mentorship from global art and tech professionals. The two outstanding overseas campers will be awarded a prestigious certificate of excellence by the chairperson of the ARKO.

Awaken your aspirations, pioneer new partnerships, and elevate yourself through APE CAMP 2025. Join us for this enriching journey and become part of a vibrant, international art & tech network. We look forward to your innovative ideas and enthusiasm.

About ARKO

Arts Council Korea (ARKO) is a public institution operating under the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism. Since its inception in 1973, the core objective of ARKO has been to manage the Cultural and Arts Promotion Fund and support a diverse array of cultural and arts projects, thereby fostering the holistic development of culture and arts in South Korea. As Korea’s largest and oldest arts administration institution, ARKO’s mission is to foster innovation in the cultural and creative industries by supporting artists and promoting diverse cultural projects.

Practical summary

  • Location: Seoul, Korea (*specific venues to be announced later);
  • Schedule: Friday, May 23, 2025 – Tuesday, May 27, 2025;
  • Eve of the CAMP and International Conference: Friday, May 23, 2025 – Saturday, May 24, 2025;
  • Main CAMP: Sunday, May 25, 2025 – Tuesday, May 27, 2025

Main Program

  •  Random team matching
  • Generating and developing ideas
  • Tackling on creative missions
  • Pitching
  • Receiving mentorship
  • Creating a global network for the convergence of art and technology
  • International conference on trends and best practices in the convergence of art and technology

Eligibility

General Requirements

  • Exclusively open to non-Korean nationals with foreign citizenship
  • Individual applications only (no team applications)
  • Applicants must be able to attend all programs from May 24 to May 27, 2025. (※ Full attendance is mandatory to ensure effective participation.)
  • English proficiency for effective communication
  • University students currently enrolled are not eligible to apply

For Artists & Producers

  • Individuals under the age of 39 engaged in creative experience or planning activities related to art and tech convergence.
  • Fields include but are not limited to: Creative Writing & Literature, Visual arts, Theater, Musical, Dance, Music, Traditional Arts, Multidisciplinary Arts, etc.

Participation Fees

Free of charge

Benefits

For all overseas Campers

  • Partial support for round-trip airfare based on regional caps determined by the camper’s region of travel
  • Accommodation during the CAMP (shared, 2 campers per room)
  • Meals during the CAMP

※ Only flights between the applicant’s international departure airport and a Korean international airport are covered. Local transportation expenses are excluded.

For Outstanding overseas Campers

  • Certificates of Excellence awarded to the top two campers by the Chairperson of the Arts Council Korea
  • Awardee information will be distributed via Korean media outlets and the Arts Council Korea’s official channels, providing significant recognition locally and internationally.

Submission

Submission Deadline: Sunday, February 2, 2025, 11:59 PM KST via the link below.

Application form