Playful Obscura
Second Edition

Project Timeline:

• Open Call: 16 February – 13 March
• Q & A Session - All you need to know about Playful Obscura  (online): 04 March (prior registration required)
• Physical residency in Accra: 13 April – 1 May

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.

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 on their project. Outsourcing, and or getting support from your residency colleague or local community, is appreciated but involves no extra budget.


What the Residency Provides

Given the intensive three-week duration, the support is focused:

• Term: Three weeks, 13 April – 1 May.
• Location: Accra, Ghana.
• 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.
• 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 Accra, Ghana, 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.
• Leti Arts
• Goethe-Institut

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 March 13th for artists based in Africa working within playful media and arthouse game development disciplines. A Q&A Session will be held on March.

Former residents and programme organisers will be available to answer all open questions.
Registration is compulsory via link.

Successful candidates will be contacted latest by March 19. If you have not received any communication by March 19 consider your application unsuccessful. Project Timeline

• Open Call: 16 February – 13 March
• Q & A Session - All you need to know about Playful Obscura  (online): 04 March
• Internal Jury Selection: 17 March
• Residency: 13 April – 1 May