Studio Light Moves is an initiative of Light Moves Festival aimed at investing in and nurturing creative process and inquiry in dance, technology and screen-based dance practices.
Studio Light Moves: Open Futures 2026 takes the form of a residency-based lab space for dance artists and digital-media artists to explore and develop the intersection of dance across media, interaction design and screen-based practices.
Now in its fourth year, Open Futures continues its partnerships with Dance Limerick, Limerick City Gallery of Art and the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance at University of Limerick, and the newly established maker-space facilities at University of Limerick’s DMARC.
Open Futures 2026 invites collaborative submissions, consisting of one dance artist and one digital artist, to engage in a mentored exploration of interdisciplinary exchange within practices that consider stage, gallery, interaction, installation and outdoor settings. Three pairs of artists will be selected to participate in a two week residency period in Limerick, Ireland with an additional fund to support preparation time for each pair before the on-site residency periods. With an emphasis on pre-existing collaborations who are engaged in a process of creating new work/working methodologies, these mentored and technically supported residencies will facilitate experimentation and exploration that progress the rich collaborative potential between dance and technology.
Open Futures 2026 introduces a new Creative Lab, a day where residency artists can engage with expert practitioners working within the digital and choreographic arts. This event will open conversations and exchanges on interdisciplinary practice, and the challenges and opportunities of technology within theatre, dance and other performance contexts. As part of the Creative Lab all artists will make a presentation on their practice and how it explores the interdisciplinary exchange between dance and technology.
KEY POINTS
Open Futures 2026 aims to focus on collaborations between dance and digital media practices including: video mapping, real-time image capture and/or generation, motion sensing, cinematography, coding, immersive video, game engines, real-time/interactive sound, generative audio and moving image installation methods. Applicants should indicate the areas they wish to explore, what access to the related technologies and software they already have to hand, and to specify what may be additionally required for this research process. It is anticipated that media artists will have access to their own laptop and related software. All dance genres are welcomed. The open call welcomes submissions from both Irish-based and international artist pairs.
Open Futures 2026 supports three pairs of dance artists and media artists with time, space and equipment to work collaboratively, alongside peer exchange and facilitated discussions with practitioners working in dance and technology. Applicants must apply as a collaborating pair consisting of one dance artist and one artist working in the field of media and/or technology.
SUMMARY OFFER
A total €3,600 per pair financial support consisting of:
- 3 week paid residencies: 2 weeks in-person in Limerick in May 2026 for a dance artist and media artist (€750 per week per person), and an additional €300 per person for research and development days prior to this to be organised by the artists.
- Studio space in Dance Limerick, Limerick City Gallery of Art, DMARC and Irish World Academy of Music and Dance (tbc) with access to relevant technical equipment.
- Participation in a Creative Lab with experts in the area of dance and technology
- Accommodation provided in Limerick.
- Support for Travel Costs based on receipts. (Max amount for national travel €50 return per person / international travel €250 return per person).
HOW TO APPLY
Submissions should be made by one of the members of the collaborating pair (“the lead applicant”).
Please include in your application a Statement of Interest in the form of writing, audio or video recording (300-400 words max) including the below information:
- Why you are interested in this interdisciplinary research residency
- What are your artistic aims for the residency period and what technology/media area will be explored and why.
- What additional technical requirements you envisage as part of your research. Please provide as much detail as possible to help us facilitate you via technical support and advice.
- Include a possible outline of your suggested contribution to the Creative Lab day. This can be, for example, a practical demonstration, a discussion or work-in-progress sharing.
- Please outline any additional or access needs you have.
- Any additional information that you feel relevant and wish to include.
You should also include in the application:
- A written CV and Biog (max 150 word biog) for both artists.
- 2 examples of previous work (preferably video links) at the end of your CV, to demonstrate track record.
- High res headshot for each artist.
- Social Media accounts and website handles where relevant.
The Statement of Interest, CV and Biog and 2 examples of previous work should be included within one pdf document. If you are making an audio or video submission, please include the link at the end of your CV document. Video files are not acceptable for previous work samples, only links.
Please email your submission to Emer at lightmovescommunications@gmail.com with the subject line Open Futures 2026 Application. Closing date Thursday 12 February, 12pm.
KEY DATES
Wednesday 14 Jan 2026 | Call Out open for applications
Thursday 12 Feb 2026, 12pm | Open Futures Application Deadline
Monday 23 Feb 2026 | Announcement of selected artists
Date TBD | Online introduction session with Open Futures
Monday 18 – Friday 29 May 2026 (to include Saturday the 23rd of May) | Residency Lab and Creative Lab in Limerick
Friday 29th May 2026 | Sharing of work at Dance Limerick
Artists must be available in person for the specified residency periods.
PANEL
The panel will take the following into consideration when assessing applications:
- The artist’s commitment to engaging in a process of exploration of dance and technology through practice and research.
- Evidence of how the proposal benefits the artist at this point in their artistic practice either by consolidating existing experience in dance and technology or opening up new ground.
- How the proposal prioritises the development of practice, independent of existing commissioned projects or works.
- Feasibility of the proposal.
ACCESS
As an event providing equal opportunity and accessibility, we welcome applicants with additional needs or care responsibilities, and can help source and negotiate resources to support their attendance.
Download a PDF of the Open Call here.
Studio Light Moves – Open Futures is funded by The Arts Council | An Chomhairle Ealaíon and Limerick City and County Council. The programme is supported by partners Dance Limerick, Limerick City Gallery of Art, and the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance and DMARC at the University of Limerick.
