Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), in partnership with Zayed University (ZU), has announced the open call for participation in the International Symposium on Electronic/Emerging Art 2026 (ISEA2026). The event, set to take place across Dubai from 10 to 19 April 2026, represents a major milestone in advancing dialogue at the intersection of art, science, and technology.
ISEA2026 aligns closely with the goals of Dubai’s Digital Arts Strategy – a key part of Dubai Culture’s long-term vision to empower creative talent, strengthen digital infrastructure, and advance education and training in the field of digital arts. The initiative also underscores Zayed University’s dedication to enhancing research and educational excellence in creative and interdisciplinary practice.
This global symposium will convene artists, researchers, and specialists in digital arts to exchange perspectives, share innovations, and shape a collective vision for the future of creative expression. It seeks to promote artistic experimentation, foster technological sustainability, and reinforce Dubai’s reputation as a world-leading hub for culture, innovation, and creative talent.
Dubai Culture has officially launched the open call for ISEA2026 under the central theme ‘ELYAH: Constellating Place, Data and Identity’. The programme will revolve around four main thematic pillars: ‘Charting Constellations’, ‘Celestial Dialogues’, ‘Eco–Tech Futures’, and ‘Starlinked Worlds’. Alongside curated and ticketed events, ISEA2026 will feature an extensive public programme of workshops, panels, networking opportunities, and creative showcases hosted at leading cultural venues across Dubai.
The Authority invites artists, storytellers, technologists, and scholars working at the intersection of art, science, and technology to submit their work in diverse categories including animation, video art, photography, new media, live performance, public art, and interdisciplinary collaborations. Additionally, contributors are encouraged to propose conference sessions, workshops, or talks exploring artistic, scientific, and societal intersections tied to the symposium’s theme.
Submissions for artistic works and academic papers will remain open until 24 November 2025. All entries will be reviewed by a curatorial committee comprising regional and international experts, curators, and practitioners, who will assess each proposal based on creativity, innovation, and technical merit.
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.