Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), in collaboration with Zayed University (ZU), has announced the open call for participation in the International Symposium on Electronic/Emerging Art 2026 (ISEA2026). Scheduled from 10 to 19 April 2026 across various venues in Dubai, the event will bring together global leaders in art, science, and technology to envision the future of digital creativity.
ISEA2026 supports the ambitions of Dubai’s Digital Arts Strategy, a core element of the Authority’s broader cultural roadmap aimed at empowering emerging talent, enhancing digital capabilities, and advancing education and innovation in the creative sector. The symposium also reflects Zayed University’s commitment to fostering academic and research excellence in the arts and interdisciplinary studies.
The event will unite artists, academics, and digital practitioners from around the world to engage in dialogue, exchange knowledge, and explore new artistic paradigms. Through this platform, Dubai Culture seeks to encourage innovation, sustainability, and creative collaboration while reinforcing Dubai’s global reputation as a dynamic cultural capital and hub for creative industries.
Dubai Culture has launched the open call under the unifying theme ‘ELYAH: Constellating Place, Data and Identity’. ISEA2026 will focus on four thematic pillars: ‘Charting Constellations’, ‘Celestial Dialogues’, ‘Eco–Tech Futures’, and ‘Starlinked Worlds’. In addition to its main programme, the symposium will offer a public series of workshops, exhibitions, panel talks, and live performances, activating key cultural venues and public spaces throughout Dubai.
Artists, researchers, and practitioners working across creative disciplines are invited to submit proposals in fields such as animation, video and experimental media, digital platforms, interactive installations, live art, film, and interdisciplinary projects. Submissions are also encouraged for the academic conference component, including papers, talks, and institutional presentations addressing the interplay between art, science, and technology.
ISEA2026 will accept both artistic and academic submissions until 24 November 2025. All applications will undergo review by a specialised curatorial committee of international experts and curators, who will evaluate entries based on artistic vision, originality, and technical excellence.
Participants are required to submit original and well-documented work that aligns with the symposium’s theme and pillars. All submissions must be in English and include detailed technical and logistical specifications, in accordance with UAE regulations and ISEA copyright policies. The application form is available at: https://isea-2026.isea-international.org/.
The event is expected to attract 500+ international participants, alongside a broad local audience of digital art enthusiasts and professionals.
