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, taking place from 10 to 19 April 2026 across Dubai, will celebrate the convergence of art, science, and technology, envisioning the future of digital creativity through a global lens.

ISEA2026 forms a key part of Dubai's Digital Arts Strategy, which supports the city's ambition to strengthen digital infrastructure, nurture creative talent, and enhance learning and professional development in the digital arts. The initiative also reflects Zayed University's commitment to advancing its research and teaching excellence in creative and interdisciplinary practices.

Bringing together artists, innovators, researchers, and thought leaders, ISEA2026 aims to serve as a collaborative space for dialogue and discovery. Participants will exchange ideas, explore emerging artistic methodologies, and help define a shared global agenda for creativity. The event further supports Dubai's mission to position itself as a global centre for culture, an incubator for creativity, and a thriving destination for artistic and technological innovation.

The open call, launched by Dubai Culture, invites submissions under the central theme 'ELYAH: Constellating Place, Data and Identity'. The symposium will be structured around four main thematic pillars: 'Charting Constellations', 'Celestial Dialogues', 'Eco–Tech Futures', and 'Starlinked Worlds'. Alongside its academic and artistic sessions, the programme will include public workshops, talks, panel discussions, and exhibitions hosted across Dubai's leading cultural venues.

Dubai Culture encourages artists, academics, technologists, and creative practitioners to submit their works across diverse disciplines, including animation, video art, digital media, photography, live performances, interactive installations, and interdisciplinary collaborations. The call also welcomes proposals for academic presentations, workshops, and discussions exploring the intersections of art, science, and society in alignment with the symposium's overarching theme.

The deadline for all artistic and academic submissions is 24 November 2025. Proposals will be reviewed by a curatorial committee of experts, curators, and specialists who will assess submissions based on creative innovation, conceptual depth, and technical execution.

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.

source:newsreleases.co.uk