ProjectPlayaround (Pp) is returning for its second edition this year and continuing its mission of bridging the gap between media arts and performing arts. Focusing on the intersection of arts, technology, and cross-disciplinary collaboration, the Pp platform provides an open playaround for artists to research, develop, discuss, negotiate, and produce new works, propelling the local arts and technology scene forward.
2026 OPEN CALL FOR ARTISTS (GROUPS)
We now invite talented creators, artists and designers from Hong Kong to participate in the upcoming second cohort. The open call is open to groups (collectives/teams) from all artistic disciplines - including but not limited to media art, dance, theatre, music, sound design, and interactive programming. We aim to recruit three teams, each to produce one new artwork by the end of the project.
# KEY ITEMS OF PP2026
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THREE (3) intensive workshops led by project mentors (Workshop fees are exempt for artists participating in PP2026.)
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Designated mentors for artwork development, mentorship, and consultation
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Public work-in-progress sharing opportunity
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Final presentation (installation/performance/mixed)
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Overseas opportunities
# CATEGORIES
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Team A
Category: Visual Focus
Project Outcome: Live audiovisual performance/installation
Mentor: Kohui (Seoul)
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Team B
Category: Interactive Focus
Project Outcome: Arts & Technology installation/performance
Mentor：pepepepebrick (Taipei)
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Team C
Category: Movement Focus
Project Outcome: Performance/installation
Mentor: Hiroaki Umeda (Toyko)
# WORKSHOP TUTORS & PROJECT MENTORS
- Kohui (Seoul) – A rising star in new media art, known for his unique and avant-garde audiovisual creations featured at MUTEK and the WeSA Festival.
- pepepepebrick (Taipei) – A visionary interactive programming and creative coding specialist who bridges digital systems with dynamic human motion.
- Hiroaki Umeda (Tokyo) – A globally renowned choreographer and multidisciplinary artist whose profound work integrates dance with intense optical, sound, and digital installations.
# ADVISORY PANEL
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Joel Kwong, independent media art curator & producer
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Orlean Lai, independent multi-disciplinary curator & creative producer
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Keith Lam, media artist & curator
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Fung Lam, composer, educator & arts curator
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Bobo Lee, Senior Producer for Performing Arts at WKCDA
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Kenneth Lee, Associate Programme Director at HK Arts Festival
# SCHEDULE
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13.05.2026 - 14.06.2026: Application Period
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05-07.06.2026: Audiovisual Workshop by Kohui (selected PP2026 artist could receive a workshop fee refund)
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07.2026: Final selection notified
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07.2026 - Final presentation: Monthly update with mentor(s)
- 20-22.08.2026: Interactive Programming Workshop by Pepepepebrick
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Late 10.2026: Creative Workshop by Kiroaki Umeda
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Early 12.2026: Work-in-progress Sharing
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04.2027: Final Presentation
# SUPPORT
- Each selected team will receive HK$ 70,000 (per team) as the total project grant. The project grant must cover all expenses related to project development, rehearsals, production and realisation.
- The copyright for the creation and production of the final work belongs to the selected team.
- The following will be supported by the Pp team
- Marketing, publicity and ticketing (if any)
- Venue for the work-in-progress sharing - Venue for the final presentation (The venue’s technical equipment use is subject to availability and prior discussion)
- Technical consultation and coordination for the final presentation
- - Professional photo and video documentation of the final presentation
# PARTICIPATING ARTISTS' RESPONSIBILITIES
- Attend all the mentoring sessions, scheduled to be mutually agreed upon.
- Present at the Public work-in-progress sharing.
- Present the final work at the final presentation.
- All members of the selected teams must attend all Pp workshops—or, if attendance is not possible for every workshop, at least one team member must attend each workshop.
- Submit a final report & financial report after completion of the project.
- Work closely and maintain a professional, cooperative relationship with the project team, mentors, production team, and any other assigned personnel.
# APPLICATION ELIGIBILITY
- Open to emerging, mid-career, and established artists from Hong Kong.
- Each team may include 2–4 members.
- Applicants must be able to commit to the full lifecycle of the project, including the workshops, work-in-progress sharing and the final presentation.
- Artists who participated in Pp2023 are welcome to apply.
# SUBMISSION MATERIALS
- Application Form (Online form)
- CV & Portfolio for all team members
- Project Proposal (designated format provided by the Officials)
# REVIEW PROCESS & TIMELINE
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Application Period: 20 May 2026 - 14 Jun 2026
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Application Deadline: 23:59, 14 June 2026
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Online Interview: End of June 2026
- Final selection notified: Early July 2026
# ENQUIRY
- Email：info@projectplayaround.org