3D creators, visual artists and curators still have time to make submissions on this year's theme.
(Image credit: Decentraland )
Time is running out for artists and curators to apply for Decentraland’s dual open calls for Art Week 2025, with $32,000 in funding up for grabs. Submissions close this Sunday, 22 June, for the annual celebration of immersive creativity in the Decentraland virtual world.
Applicants can win $2,200 or $1,000 in MANA and showcase their work during the four-day art festival running September 24-27, 2025 (see our guides to the best 3D modelling software and the best laptops for 3D modelling if you need new tools for your work).
Image 1 of 2
(Image credit: Argent)
(Image credit: Argent)
This year’s theme 'Touch Grass' invites creators to reflect on the desire for presence and connection in an increasingly artificial world. From surreal biopunk dreamscapes to speculative ecosystems, selected works will question what it means to feel something real in virtual space.
“We’re awarding $32,000 to support visionary artists and curators pushing the boundaries of virtual expression,” said Bay Backner, Head Producer at the Decentraland Foundation. “In past years, we’ve had the privilege of exhibiting pioneers like Lauren Moffatt and Dev Harlan — creators working at the frontier of VR and immersive art.”
“What’s exciting this year is how accessible we’re making it. Alongside our open call for 3D creators, we’re pairing non-3D artists and curators with top studios experienced in building in Decentraland. This means even if you can’t code or model, you can still see your concept brought to life in the virtual world.”
Image 1 of 10
(Image credit: Carla Knopp)
(Image credit: Dev Harlan)
(Image credit: Negar Hekmati)
(Image credit: Lauren Moffatt)
(Image credit: Match Zimmerman)
(Image credit: OgiWorlds)
(Image credit: Leah Smithson)
(Image credit: Micah Alhadeff)
(Image credit: Sabato )
(Image credit: Sabato )
3D artists, immersive designers, and game and creative studios are invited to submit proposals for original interactive installations. Ten winners will be awarded $2,200 in MANA, a 2x2 LAND parcel (32m x 32m) for installation, 12 months of live exhibition time in Decentraland’s Genesis City and an official feature in the Decentraland Art Week 2025 programme.
A second track is designed for visual artists, curators and galleries who want to bring their creative vision to life without experience in 3D design. Ten concepts will receive $1,000 USD in MANA, full 3D production by leading virtual design studios via Decentraland’s Creator Connect programme and again, a LAND parcel, 12 months of live exhibition time and a feature in the Decentraland Art Week 2025 programme.
The final deadline for both open calls is Sunday, 22 June 2025. Winners will be announced later in June.
Joe is a regular freelance journalist and editor at Creative Bloq. He writes news, features and buying guides and keeps track of the best equipment and software for creatives, from video editing programs to monitors and accessories. A veteran news writer and photographer, he now works as a project manager at the London and Buenos Aires-based design, production and branding agency Hermana Creatives. There he manages a team of designers, photographers and video editors who specialise in producing visual content and design assets for the hospitality sector. He also dances Argentine tango.
You must confirm your public display name before commenting
Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.
