Playtopia Festival, a festival for creators, is set to return for a 2023 edition and is calling for artists, speakers and developers
Playtopia Festival is Africa’s first annual destination Indie Games & Immersive Arts festival & conference. It is a gathering of South African & global creators... where we celebrate the African scene
In June, the organisers of Playtopia Festival, a festival for creators, announced it will be returning for a 2023 edition after a three (3) years hiatus. Following this announcement, it is calling on artists, speakers and developers to show off their latest works and ideas at Playtopia 2023 set to take place from December 7 -10, 2023.
Playtopia Festival, founded in 2018, is Africa’s first annual destination Indie Games & Immersive Arts festival and conference. It is a gathering of South African and global creators and players, where we celebrate the African “scene”. The festival is regarded as “a place for people to come together to share ideas, connect across continents and disciplines, and exhibit work.”
For this year’s edition of Playtopia Festival, the open call for artists “invite interactive or immersive artwork submissions that explore and encourage playfulness.” Playful media includes all objects, spaces, and technologies that create, invite, or facilitate a playful or immersive experience for its participants.
The open call states that “Submissions may include, but are not limited to electronic new media and emerging artworks such as installations, online works, animation, video, audio, performances, and screenings.” It also added that “The Homecoming centre has theatre facilities, so staged performance artworks may also be considered.” Established and early career artists are encouraged to submit their work.
Additionally, it is seeking passionate individuals to deliver captivating and informative talks that explore various aspects of game development, design, storytelling, and the indie game industry as a whole. It stated that “Whether you have valuable insights to share, lessons learned from your own indie game projects, or expertise in a particular area, we encourage you to submit your proposal for consideration.”
The festival also invites indie game developers from all backgrounds and experience levels to submit their games for consideration. “Whether you have developed a captivating narrative-driven experience, an innovative puzzle game, a visually stunning adventure, or a unique gameplay mechanic, we want to see your creativity shine!” it stated.
How to participate
Submit your CV/Portfolio (PDF or link) with a proposal which may include the following:
Artist Bio
Artwork proposals
Images, sketches, drafts
Technical and logistical requirements
Budget
Links to video documentation online (if applicable)
Artwork proposals will be juried by the curators of the festival and included based on these reviews, alongside the overall feasibility of the proposed work, and how they fit within Playtopia’s exhibition program. Rejected proposals may be considered to be accepted as artist talks.
Call conditions
Artists, researchers and developers of any nationality can apply to participate in Playtopia 2023.
Artists have to be available to install their artworks between the 4th-6th December and be available to break down their exhibitions after the festival (10th December).
Playtopia will offer the following
Production budget: funding can be provided towards the creation and execution of the artwork
Volunteer manpower: to assist with installation and dismantling the piece, and to oversee the exhibition during the run of the festival as per requirements of the artist.
Application documents should be e-mailed to dom@playtopia.co.za by the 31st of August 2023.
Visit playtopiafestival.co.za to learn more about the festival.
