Open call: Future Imaginations Festival 2026/2027 in Uganda

The festival brings together artists, communities and innovators to reflect on the past year and explore future-facing ideas through creative and technological practice. The 2026 to 2027 theme is Shaping the Future.

Call for artists

Artists from around the world are invited to submit proposals for:

• Performances
• Installations
• Exhibitions

Submissions should demonstrate innovation at the intersection of art, technology and social change.

Priority artistic categories

The open call is particularly interested in proposals from:

• Digital artists: Graphic designers, 3D artists and digital painters
• New media artists: Practitioners working with VR, AR and interactive technologies
• Performance artists: Musicians, dancers and performers integrating technology into live work
• Installation artists: Creators of immersive and interactive environments
• Laser light artists: Specialists in laser-based installations and performances
• Multidisciplinary artists: Artists combining multiple disciplines such as music, dance, theatre and visual arts

Opportunities at the festival

Selected proposals may be presented through:

• Live performances: Concerts and shows exploring experimental and innovative formats
• Installations: Interactive works engaging audiences with emerging technologies
• Exhibitions: Showcases of projects addressing art, innovation and social themes

Submission guidelines

• Proposals may be submitted as solo or collaborative projects
• Submissions must include:
  • A clear description of the proposed work
  • Technical requirements
  • Visual material (images, videos or sketches)
• Applications will be reviewed by a panel of curators and industry professionals
• Selected artists will be notified by 15 November 2026

Key dates

• Application deadline: 31 August 2026
• Festival dates: 31 December 2026 to 2 January 2027

How to apply

Applicants should email their submission to future-imaginations@bayimba.org with the subject line: “Future Imaginations Festival Submission”

Submissions must include:

• Full name and contact details
• A brief artist statement
• Proposal document (PDF or Word format)

Artist support and benefits

• Exposure to an international and diverse audience
• Networking opportunities with artists and industry professionals
• Technical support and production resources for selected works
• Accommodation provided for selected artists
• A performance fee of $500

Participation requirements

• Selected artists are responsible for their own travel costs to and from the festival location

Further information can be obtained by contacting the organisers at future-imaginations@bayimba.org.

View the original call here.

Disclaimer: Opportunities published on this platform are provided by external organisers. While we aim to share accurate and current calls, Music In Africa is not responsible for the organisation, management or delivery of any related events or programmes.