As part of the Goethe-Institut commissioned project, GamesConnect AFRICA, A MAZE., Goethe-Institut Addis Abeba, Creative HUB Ethiopia, British Council and Alliance Ethio-Française are pleased to announce an open call for the PLAYFUL OBSCURA - Arthouse Games Residency, a three-week artist residency will take place from 25 Jan 2027 - 14 Feb 2027 in Addis Abeba, Ethiopia.
This residency is designed as a framework to support artists working within the field of arthouse games and playful media.
APPLY FOR THE RESIDENCY HERE: APPLICATION FORM
Open Call: 16th October 2026 until 1st November 2026
Q & A Session - All you need to know about Playful Obscura (online): 22nd October (1pm SAST/Germany – 11am GMT)
Who Should Apply?
We are seeking artists based in Africa working within playful media and arthouse game development disciplines. This could include game designers, digital artists, interactive installation artists, and those who explore the intersection of games and art in innovative ways.
A consideration is given to artists at various career stages, aiming for a mix of emerging and mid-career artists to foster dialogue and exchange.
Artists should be skilled enough to be able to work independently in the manner of a solo artist/game creator/developer on their project. Outsourcing, and or getting support from your residency colleague or local community, is appreciated but involves no extra budget and included in the 1000 EUR production budget.
What the Residency Provides
Given the intensive three-week duration, the support is focused on:
Term: Three weeks, 25 Jan - 14 Feb 2027
Location: Addis Abeba and surrounding locations, Ethiopie.
Number of Artists: The residency will host two artists.
Living Space: A dedicated living space will be provided for both artists, ideally to foster a sense of community and allow for informal interaction. Spaces are intended to be clean and comfortable, which may be private or shared.
Travels: Return flights from country of origin and ground transport when arriving in Ethiopie fully covered.
Work Space: A dedicated shared workspace will be provided, for ideation and development of the project(s).
Production Cost: A production cost of up to a 1000 euros per participant will be provided. This will cover material cost and any other cost necessary to realise the proposed project upon approval of proof of concept.
Stipend: A stipend of 300 euro will be provided for each participant which covers meals and other personal necessities for the entire duration of the residency.
Program: There will be opportunities for sharing and feedback between the two resident artists, peer-to-peer learning and exchange is encouraged, potentially including workshops and open studio visits with the local community.
Engagement: Exploration of the local environment in Ethipie, as a potential source of inspiration and community engagement is encouraged.
Selection Process
Playful Obscura is aimed at identifying applicants whose practice aligns with the residency’s focus on playful media and arthouse game development. Selection would be determined by an advisory panel consisting of project partners.
The selection criteria will consider the artistic merit and the potential for development within the three-week timeframe.
Jury:
- A MAZE.,
- Creative HUB Ethiopia,
- Alliance Ethio-Française,
- Goethe-Institut,
- British Council
How to Apply
Please prepare materials that best demonstrate your practice in playful media and/or arthouse games including portfolio, project proposal, links, etc. The open call will be open until November 1st 2026 for artists based in Africa working within playful media and arthouse game development disciplines. A Q&A Session will be held on October.
Former residents and programme organisers will be available to answer all open questions.
Registration to Info-Session/Q&A Session: 22nd October (1pm SAST/Germany – 11am GMT is compulsory via link.
APPLY FOR THE RESIDENCY HERE: APPLICATION FORM
Successful candidates will be contacted latest by March 19. If you have not received any communication by 11th November 2026 consider your application unsuccessful.
Project Timeline
Open Call: 16th October 2026 until 1st November 2026
Q & A Session - All you need to know about Playful Obscura (online): 22nd October (1pm SAST/Germany – 11am GMT)
Internal Jury Selection: 4th November 2026 (1pm SAST/Germany – 11am GMT)
Residency: 25 Jan 2027- 14 Feb 2027
Code of Conduct / Inclusiveness Policy
