The transdisciplinary symposium ‘IMPACT26 – Friction Energy’ addresses the current times of rupture and is dedicated to transformative practices of coexistence in an era in which our relationships are deeply shaped by competition, exploitation, the ideology of progress, power, and social recognition.
IMPACT brings together practices and blueprints from the arts, sciences, urban space, architecture and other fields of research in Essen, Germany, from 30 October to 2 November 2026.
This year’s edition unfolds in two phases: the first two days will be open to the public, inter alia with brief presentations of the selected invited projects, followed by two days of closed sessions devoted to the exchange of ideas.
This Call for Proposals welcomes projects that are rooted in artistic, scientific, social, activist or technological fields of work and whose authors would like to engage in open exchange with other international participants regarding their respective approaches. Artistic formats that incorporate, for example, performative or audiovisual elements are accepted as alternatives to a spoken presentation, up to the 15-minute time limit.
An invitation to IMPACT is generally extended to individuals or up to two representatives of a project or group.
Selected contributors share and discuss their work with other international contributors during IMPACT26’s assembly (with remuneration). Travel costs will be reimbursed and local accommodation will be provided.
