(Linz/Vienna, August 6, 2024) For the second year in a row, Ars Electronica and the CultTech Association will present the CultTech x Ars Electronica Award. The award honors entrepreneurial projects and ideas that demonstrate in innovative ways how a responsible approach to technology can enrich the global cultural scene and facilitate access to it. The award comes with a cash prize of 10,000 euros and will be presented at the CultTech Summit (November 5-6, 2024) in Vienna. Submissions will be accepted from today until September 19, 2024.
Individuals, start-ups, cultural institutions, non-profit organizations, academic institutions, community-based organizations and collectives that make social challenges the starting point of their work and strive for sustainable economic solutions are eligible to apply. Their approaches should show how perspective thinking together with technological and artistic means can contribute to a positive change in culture and society. Promising business models that define new digital ways of connecting cultural practitioners and intermediaries with their audiences are sought.
Selection criteria of the expert jury
The Open Call is aimed at projects and project ideas at different stages of development. A well thought-out concept, a project with initial successes or an established project that is set to grow – all have an equal chance of winning the CultTech x Ars Electronica Award.
The expert jury assesses originality, the relevance of the approach for the cultural scene and creative industries, the clarity of the technological applications, potential impact, sustainability in terms of ecological, social and economic issues, the consideration of ethical principles and the realistic feasibility of the project.
CultTech Accelerator: Mentoring over six months
The winner of the competition will be given the opportunity to participate in the CultTech Accelerator program, if the requirements are met. The six-month mentoring program is aimed at tech start-ups in the cultural sector and promotes the exchange between founders, experienced entrepreneurs, industry partners and investors. If the submitted project is in the idea phase, participation in the CultTech Pre-Accelerator is possible in advance. The special coaching program consists of 10 sessions and supports business start-up and product conception.
About CultTech Association
The CultTech Association is a European non-profit organization dedicated to the intersection of culture (Cult) and technology (Tech). CultTech’s mission is to create a global platform for entrepreneurs and initiatives that embrace the transformative power of technology in the creative industries.
In addition to the CultTech x Ars Electronica Award, CultTech collaborates with other renowned cultural institutions such as the Salzburg Festival, Klangforum Wien and Viva Technology. The CultTech ecosystem also includes the early-stage fund “New Renaissance Ventures” and the CultTech Accelerator, which brings together expertise and networks from the fields of startups, technology, culture and the arts.
The CultTech x Ars Electronica Award is a collaborative project between the CultTech Association and Ars Electronica.
Hylozoic² Hotspot / Marlot Meyer (ZA/NL)
Picture showing: Marlot Meyer (artist)
Photo: vog.photo
