ITHAKA 2026: OPEN CALL FOR ARTISTS

Theme 2026: Human & Animal

This year’s theme delves into the universal and multifaceted relationship between humanity and the animal world. The concept explores both the intimate, personal bond we have with pets and broader societal questions regarding biodiversity, ethics, and the blurring lines between our world and theirs.

Thematic Angles

Ithaka is a festival rooted in the Leuven student context. To stimulate the dialogue between art and the diverse academic backgrounds of our audience, we are looking for artworks that approach the "Human & Animal" theme from broad, intellectual perspectives.

We encourage submissions that align with (but are not limited to) the following four directions:

1. Health & Care

Works that explore the complex ethical and physical entanglement between humans and animals in relation to health, disease, vulnerability, and the search for healing

2. Systems, Control & Value (STEM, Economy & Law)

Works that expose the systems humans have built to manage, control, and assign value to the animal world. This can explore scientific or technological control (like in industrial farming or labs) or the economic and legal frameworks that define animals as 'products', 'property', or 'resources'.

3. Design & Architecture

Works that visualize the (in)visible structures and spaces we design to separate our living environment from—or share it with—the animal world.

4. Humanities

Works that capture the deep, intimate, and often unspoken connection we form with animals. This angle is less about abstract theory and more about the personal, emotional, or aesthetic experience of sharing our lives with another species, blurring the lines between 'human' and 'animal' in our own homes.

What Do We Offer?

• A platform to exhibit your work to a large and broad audience.
• Curatorial and production support to help realize your concept.
• A production budget for your project.
• Promotion and visibility through the channels of LOKO and its cultural partners.

Who We Are Looking For?

• Young, emerging artists (students, recent graduates, self-taught artists).
• Creators from all disciplines (visual arts, installation, performance, audio-visual arts, digital arts, etc.).
• Artists with a clear vision on audience interaction and the ambition to help shape a layered and accessible festival experience.

How to Apply?

Artists can apply by filling out the online application form before the deadline of Sunday, December 7th, 2025, at 23:59 Central European Time (CET).

After an initial selection based on the submitted proposals, candidates will be invited for an interview in December 2025.

We look forward to receiving your proposal.

Sincerely,

The Ithaka Team | LOKO Culture