>OPEN CALL< UNPLUGGED?
We’re looking for 10 inspiring projects engaging with post-energy practices: What happens to our creativity when we switch from the infinite plug to a permacomputing perspective? For decades, we’ve built art and technology on the myth of a bottomless grid – hidden wires, invisible server farms, and the illusion of frictionless power.
Application form: https://forms.gle/F6bNbCxrfx91SXYF8
No bottomless grid. No next-gen batteries. No infinite growth.
UNPLUGGED? is a hybrid (online-offline) sharing practices and applied research framework for artists and technologists, facilitated by Marginal (RO) and V2_, Lab for the Unstable Media (NL), and supported by Projekt Atol (SI).
UNPLUGGED? is an invitation to question and ground our use of technology. As we move away from the Electric Utopia – solving the energy crisis through technological breakthroughs -, and toward a post-energy reality that challenges the socio-economic metabolism demanding infinite growth, we must ask: how can human consumption behaviours adapt to the natural metabolism of our planet?
The Challenge: Designing for the afterglow
We are seeking 10 research projects that operate within a finite energetic framework. Projects that stop dreaming of infinite energy and explore new ways of computing and implementing technology. Projects that question whether a smart city is really that intelligent if it cannot survive a power cut. Projects that explore how AI can remain functional while following permacomputing principles.
Apply until March 9th: https://forms.gle/mxS1ebKqUSyvm1hr9
We are currently preparing to apply to AFCN (the main national cultural funding program in Romania) to make the Unplugged? project plug into reality. Therefore, although we are optimistic about securing the necessary funding, we will be able to confirm the project for certain by mid-June (full timeline below).
Format
- 6 weekly online collective meetups;
- 1 week (September 2026) of sharing practices and co-creation in Bucharest, Romania, ending with a public showcase event;
- Everyone will be invited to give a mini-workshop to share knowledge with the other participants, write a short reflection paper on the topic, and participate in a podcast/ radio show while in Romania.
Financial support
- Stipend: 1500 Eur (before taxes) – pending financing of the project by Romanian grants (see timeline).
- Production budget – based on production plans discussed individually.
- Travel, accommodation, and per diem for the week in Romania.
Timeline
- March 9 – open call deadline
- March 20 – confirmation of pre-selected artists
- Mid June – confirmation of project funding
- End July – kick-off meeting (online)
- August – Online sessions (3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, and 31st)
- September 21-25 – in-person co-creation and practice sharing in Bucharest, Romania
- September 26 – public showcasing event in Bucharest
Who can apply?
The call is open to young/ emerging artists, technologists, and designers based in Europe who work at the intersection of art and technology.
Our goal is to assemble a diverse group consisting of both local and international participants.
Application & Procedure
Applications can be submitted via the linked Google form: https://forms.gle/8DYead9aDtjF6RCWA no later than March 9th. The application includes a short project proposal (max. 200 words), a 1-minute video about the project, and a CV & portfolio.
The selection committee consists of members from Marginal, V2_, and Projekt Atol.
Duos and groups can apply collectively, but they will receive 1 stipend, and we will cover travel costs for 1 person.
If you have questions about the call, please send an email to: change@marginal.ro
