Playful Obscura
Third Edition
This residency is designed as a framework to support artists working within the field of arthouse games and playful media.
PLAYFUL OBSCURA: Arthouse Games Residency Africa 2027
Project Timeline:
- Open Call: 16th October 2026 until 1st November 2026
- Q & A Session - All you need to know about Playful Obscura (online): 22 October 2026 - 13:00 Germany & SAST | 11:00 GMT (prior registration required)
- Physical residency in Ethiopia: 25 Jan 2027- 14 Feb 2027
About the Residency
The residency reflects a recognition of the growing importance and artistic potential of playful media and arthouse games within the broader art world, with a specific focus on the emerging African scene. It aims to support innovative and experimental art practices that push the boundaries of traditional forms and acknowledge the increasing interconnection between art, technology, and interactive experiences. The residency will host two artists simultaneously.
Curator’s Statement
“Playful Obscura is a residency that gives artists from the African continent the space and time to experiment with local stories and identity through games.
We call it arthouse games. We welcome games and playful media projects that help us understand ourselves and allow players to encounter different cultures, perspectives, and positions. There are no limits. It could be a playable poem or essay, a statement, or a digital moment that leaves a lasting impression on us as players.
The residency is for artists who want to explore the artistic potential of the medium, creating unique and offbeat experiences in which artistic vision takes center stage.
The works created during the residency will be exhibited at A MAZE. / Berlin 2027.
We look forward to your proposals. Good luck!”
Who Should Apply?
We are seeking artists based in Africa working within playful media and arthouse game development disciplines. This could include game designers, digital artists, interactive installation artists, and those who explore the intersection of games and art in innovative ways.
A consideration is given to artists at various career stages, aiming for a mix of emerging and mid-career artists to foster dialogue and exchange.
Artists should be skilled enough to be able to work independently in the manner of a solo artist/game creator/developer on their project. Outsourcing, and or getting support from your residency colleague or local community, is appreciated but involves no extra budget and included in the 1000 EUR production budget.
What the Residency Provides
Given the intensive three-week duration, the support is focused on:
Term: Three weeks, 25 Jan - 14 Feb 2027
Location: Addis Abeba and surrounding locations, Ethiopie.
Number of Artists: The residency will host two artists.
Living Space: A Dedicated living space will be provided for both artists, ideally to foster a sense of community and allow for informal interaction. Spaces are intended to be clean and comfortable, which may be private or shared.
Travels: Return flights from country of origin and ground transport when arriving in Ethiopie fully covered.
Work Space: A dedicated shared workspace will be provided, for ideation and development of the project(s).
Production Cost: A production cost of up to a 1000 euros per participant will be provided. This will cover material cost and any other cost necessary to realise the proposed project upon approval of proof of concept.
Stipend: A stipend of 300 euro will be provided for each participant which covers meals and other personal necessities for the entire duration of the residency.
Program: There will be opportunities for sharing and feedback between the two resident artists, peer-to-peer learning and exchange is encouraged, potentially including workshops and open studio visits with the local community.
Engagement: Exploration of the local environment in Ethipie, as a potential source of inspiration and community engagement is encouraged.
Selection Process
Playful Obscura is aimed at identifying applicants whose practice aligns with the residency's focus on playful media and arthouse game development. Selection would be determined by an advisory panel consisting of project partners.
The selection criteria will consider the artistic merit and the potential for development within the three-week timeframe.
Jury:
- A MAZE.,
- Creative HUB Ethiopia,
- Alliance Ethio-Française,
- Goethe-Institut,
- British Council
How to Apply
Please prepare materials that best demonstrate your practice in playful media and/or arthouse games including portfolio, project proposal, links, etc. The open call will be open until November 1st 2026 for artists based in Africa working within playful media and arthouse game development disciplines. A Q&A Session will be held on October.
Former residents and programme organisers will be available to answer all open questions.
Registration to Info-Session/Q&A Session: 22nd October (1pm SAST/Germany – 11am GMT is compulsory via link.
APPLY FOR THE RESIDENCY HERE: APPLICATION FORM
Successful candidates will be contacted latest by March 19. If you have not received any communication by 11th November 2026 consider your application unsuccessful.
Project Timeline
Open Call: 16th October 2026 until 1st November 2026
Q & A Session - All you need to know about Playful Obscura (online): 22nd October (1pm SAST/Germany – 11am GMT)
Internal Jury Selection: 4th November 2026 (1pm SAST/Germany – 11am GMT)
Residency: 25 Jan 2027- 14 Feb 2027
Code of Conduct / Inclusiveness Policy
