Apply to Digital on Stage’s mobility program!

Date of the program:

Week 1: 29.06.2025 – 05.07.2025

Week 2: 06.07.2025 – 12.07.2025

Location: Multimedia Center KIBLA, Maribor, Slovenia

Deadline to apply: April 4, 2025

Link to the application

What is Digital on Stage?

The Digital on Stage (DOS) project is a Creative Europe project involving artists, venues, production houses, digital developers and cultural experts from across Europe. The aim is to renew the performing arts in Europe by promoting digital performances and supporting artists and venues in the use of new technologies.

The COVID-19 pandemic changed the performing arts sector as a whole, prompting many artists to turn to new technologies and tools to continue their work and connect with audiences. These tools range from Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality and Artificial Intelligence to the increased use of streaming platforms, robots and drones. Within the DOS project, a series of activities are planned to raise the skills of representatives of the performing arts sector, including workshops, artistic residencies and mobility activities, as well as support for small-scale stage productions. Read more about the project here: http://www.digitalonstage.eu

The organizations that are project partners in DOS are:

Intercult – Sweden, Cultuurconnect – Belgium, KIBLA – Belgium

Slovenia, CapoTrave/Kilowatt – Italy, MMMAD – Spain, CUBE – Greece.

About KIBLA

KIBLA is a national and international non-governmental institution in the segmented fields of creative industries, interdisciplinary, intermedia and multimedia arts, visual arts, AV, music, culture and informal education.It is an organization that presents, organizes, produces, co-produces, documents and archives artistic projects but also printed publications in the TOX series (since 1995) and FOLIO magazine (since 2009). The Multimedia Center MMC KIBLA was founded on July 4, 1996, and has been operating since 1998 as the Association for culture and education ACE KIBLA in Maribor. In the 30 years the organization has been operating, with its three locations, it has developed into a main event point in the city, region, country and beyond as a place of contemporary art and culture, informal education, creative use of innovative interdisciplinary practices in ICT (Information and Communication Technologies). The three different spaces are the artKIT gallery which is the smallest one at the main square of the city, KiBela which is a slightly larger gallery and the main space of the institution and KIBLA PORTAL which is an old industrial hall of over 500㎡. These venues host exhibitions, musicals, audiovisual and other forms of artistic performances. The public can attend literary evenings, debates, contemporary art, musical and literary festivals, as well as get in touch with issues related to areas such as culture, humanity, modern technology and informal educational activities.

About the Mobility Program

DOS partners are organizing a mobility programme to foster international cooperation, knowledge exchange, cultural and creative ideas to generate innovative projects that can be co-produced and co-created by multiple partners in the digital performing arts. Participants will collaborate with each other and work with experienced workshop mentors. The program offers contacts from actors from the performing arts sector and support to facilitate artistic production during the program.

The mobility program consists of 1 working week per participant, with a duration of 5 days (+2 travel days), and you can choose the week that best suits you.

What kind of activities are planned?

During the program, participants will have the opportunity to work with experienced mentors to explore different aspects of performing arts where digital tools can be useful and enhance artistic value. The program will be held in English and provide cross-disciplinary perspectives through various activities: lectures, workshops, panel discussions, design sessions, peer-review sessions and much more. Through these activities, we hope to combine theory and practice, ideas and solutions, and experiences from mentors with the energy and curiosity of the participants.

Here are some of the topics that the program will highlight:

1. Mixed reality in the performing arts

Through a theoretical hands-on approach, participants will experiment with blending physical, digital and fictional realities to create immersive and innovative theater experiences. Using the power of virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and other multimedia technologies, this topic will encourage participants to push the boundaries of traditional stage design and storytelling:

• How can performing arts combine the real world with virtual, augmented and fictional dimensions? We will explore how we seamlessly connect different layers of reality to enhance emotional impact and audience engagement.
• Introduction to VR, AR and other technologies that enhance live performance and give participants a practical understanding of how these technologies can transform traditional sets into a multi-dimensional experience.
• Presentation of how to design environments, characters and scenes that navigate these varied realities and create a rich and dynamic storytelling experience.

2. How does AI enhance and enrich performing arts production?

We will dive into the transformative role of AI in modern performing arts, offering participants an in-depth insight into how AI can revolutionize production processes and artistic expression. From automating technical aspects to inspiring new forms of creativity, AI is fast becoming an integral tool for artists, designers, directors and technicians.

In this session we will:

• Learn how AI can assist in generating new choreography, music, compositions, visual design, robotics, and more. We will discuss AI tools that can work alongside human creativity and improve decision-making and experimentation.
• Discover how AI is being used to achieve incredible effects with precision and ease and explore the role of AI in performance itself, from creating characters to facilitating live performances
• Discuss ethical implications of AI in the performing arts, including ownership, copyright, originality and the role of human artists in an AI-driven world.

3. Is the 3D world a new reality?

As technology rapidly evolves, we can also see a rise in 3D worlds that blur the lines between physical and digital realities. We will talk about the concept of a 3D world as “the new real” and explore how virtual environments reshape our interpretation, definition and interaction with the real and the fictional. Through a mix of theory and practice we will:

• Gain an understanding of the evolution of 3D worlds, from early virtual spaces to fully immersive environments in VR, AR and mixed reality experiences. We will discuss how these technologies are changing industries from entertainment and art to education and social interaction – how could immersive technologies redefine our concept of reality, space and presence in the years to come?
• Learn how to create and navigate virtual worlds, from designing virtual stages for performances to creating interactive environments for digital storytelling. Participants will use tools that allow the construction of rich, interactive worlds where audiences can experience, create and participate.

4. Performative multimedia installations

We will explore multimedia installations as an innovative and transformative medium in the performing arts sector. By blending image, sound and interactive elements, multimedia installations have the power to engage audiences on a deeper more comprehensive level, enhancing the experience of live performance and expanding artistic boundaries. Through a combination of theory, field studies and practical means, participants will:

• Learn the techniques and tools involved in creating multimedia installations to complement or enhance live performances. We will explore how to integrate video projections, spatial sound, light, and interactivity into a coherent installation that functions as an integral part of the performance.
• Explore the possibilities of interactive multimedia, where the audience becomes part of the experience. Participants will learn how sensors, mobility, tracking and digital interfaces can allow audiences to influence or participate in the narrative, thus blurring the lines between actor and spectator.
• In collaborative groups, participants will have the opportunity to design and prototype a multimedia installation concept that can be integrated into a live performance. This hands-on experience will give participants a clear understanding of how to approach conceptualization, design and execution.

5. Web platforms/streaming as tools for creators/artists

In an age where digital connectivity is more important than ever, web platforms and streaming technologies can offer incredible opportunities for creators and artists to access international audiences, engage in real-time collaboration and creation, and push the boundaries of live performance. Through a mix of discussion, theoretical cases and light work, participants will:

• Discover how to use online platforms for remote collaboration with other artists and creators (rehearsal rooms, digital art, creation, creative cohesion in virtual environments).
• Get hands-on experience in how to set up a live stream, both in how to set up camera, lights, sound and streaming software. Learn practical tips to ensure a smooth and professional presentation to avoid common technical issues and engage your online audience in the best way.
• We will explore the powerful potential of digital platforms for creators, providing practical insights and strategies on how to use web-based tools to enhance artistic expression and broaden audiences
• Explore the future of web platforms in the performing arts. How can cutting-edge technologies like VR, AR and AI shape the next wave of online performance? What innovations are on the horizon for digital creators?

What do we offer?

• Technical/production assistance and PR support (public presentations of the results of the mobility programme will be organized in KIBLA premises.
• Cost coverage: A grant of EUR 1 000 will be paid to the selected artists, including all costs (such as travel, accommodation and food) incurred in connection with the program. The grant will be paid after a contract with each participant is signed.

Who are we looking for?

• We are looking for professional artists in the performing arts with a strong interest in sharing and receiving knowledge.
• Background in using digital tools in the field is a plus.
• Each partner country selects a total of 10 artists (5 for each program period)

Application and selection procedure:

• You can only apply for one of the two weeks of the program:
  • first week: 30.06.2025 – 06.07.2025 or
  • second week: 07.07.2025 – 13.07.2025
• You must fill in the application form, where you indicate the necessary information (contact details, or short CV, cover letter, portfolio)
• Participants are asked to bring their own computers to Slovenia
• All applications will be reviewed by a selection committee and all applicants will be informed of the outcome by April 14, 2025.

NOTE! Applications not containing the requested information and/or exceeding the deadline will not be considered. A detailed schedule with the required information will be communicated to all applicants at a later stage.

For questions related to the application: contact: info@intercult.se For questions about the activities and content of the mobility program, contact: peter.lubej@kibla.org

*The final amount paid to the artist will be subject to deductions based on the national tax rules of the country where the artist resides, as well as the national legislation of the organizing body.