Last Chance! Apply Now for the 2026 Playful Obscura Arthouse Games Residency in Ghana

As part of the Goethe-Institut commissioned project GamesConnect AFRICA, A MAZE., the Goethe-Institut, and Leti Arts are pleased to announce the open call for PLAYFUL OBSCURA – Arthouse Games Residency. This three-week artist residency will take place 13 April to 1 May 2026 in Accra, Ghana. The programme is designed to support artists working in the field of arthouse games and playful media.

Goethe-Institut Open Call Playful Obscura | What's on in Joburg

About the Playful Obscura Residency

Playful Obscura recognises the growing artistic relevance of playful media and arthouse games—particularly within the rapidly evolving African creative and digital arts landscape. The residency aims to support innovative, experimental practices that push the boundaries of traditional art forms, while highlighting the dynamic relationship between art, technology, and interactive experiences.

Two artists will be hosted simultaneously.

Who Should Apply?

The programme invites artists based in Africa who work within:

Playful media
Arthouse game development
Digital art
Interactive installations
Other creative practices exploring the intersection of games and art

Applications are welcome from both emerging and midcareer artists. Participants should be skilled enough to work independently in a solo-creator capacity. While collaboration, peer support, and local engagement are encouraged, no additional budget is available for outsourcing.

Residency Support

Due to the intensive three-week timeframe, support is focused and targeted:

Term

13 April – 1 May (three weeks) in Accra, Ghana

Artists

Two resident artists

Living Space

Clean, comfortable accommodation (private or shared)
Designed to encourage community, discussion, and informal exchange

Workspace

A dedicated shared studio or work area for ideation and project development

Production Cost

Up to €1000 per participant for materials and project-related expenses
Disbursed upon approval of the project concept

Stipend

€300 per participant to cover meals and personal necessities during the residency

Programme Structure

Peer-to-peer learning and skill exchange
Feedback sessions between the two resident artists
Possible workshops and open studio engagements with the local community

Community Engagement

Artists are encouraged to explore Accra as a source of inspiration and cultural research

Selection Process

Applications will be assessed by an advisory panel from partner organisations, based on:

Artistic merit
Alignment with the residency’s focus
Feasibility of development within three weeks

Jury

A MAZE.
Leti Arts
Goethe-Institut

Goethe-Institut Open Call Playful Obscura

How to Apply

Applicants must prepare materials that best demonstrate their practice in playful media and/or arthouse games. This may include:

Portfolio
Project proposal
Links to previous work
Any other relevant documentation

Successful candidates will be notified no later than 19 March. If you have not received communication by this date, kindly consider your application unsuccessful.

Cost: Free entry. Apply online