1. INTRODUCTION
Following the experiment carried out by Fundación Cotec para la Innovación at the main Sónar 2026 venue in Fira Gran Via, the collaboration between Cotec and Sónar+D continues, with an open call to occupy Cotec’s KNOWCASE space in Madrid.
Cotec is a private non-profit organisation whose aim is to promote innovation as a driver of economic and social development. Its headquarters are in the heart of Madrid’s Chamberí neighbourhood, next to Teatros del Canal. Visible from the street 24 hours a day, KNOWCASE is a dedicated space that offers the public a view into the foundation’s work, focused on art, knowledge and public participation.
Organised jointly by Sónar+D and Cotec this Open Call is an invitation for artists, researchers, designers, technologists, collectives and organisations to imagine an installation to occupy this space from 2027 onwards.
2. PURPOSE
The purpose of this open call is to select an original proposal for the conceptualisation, design, production, installation and maintenance of a work for the KNOWCASE exhibition space, an innovation showcase located at street level at the headquarters of Fundación Cotec (C/ Cea Bermúdez, 3, Madrid).
3. WHO CAN APPLY
We accept applications from artists, collectives, designers, technologists, universities, research centres, startups, companies, creative agencies, production companies, cultural institutions and multidisciplinary teams. Applicants, whether individuals, organisations or teams, must demonstrate solid experience in the field and submit, together with the required documentation, a portfolio of previous work relevant to the purpose of this open call. International applicants are welcome.
4. WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR
Original, new proposals (that have not been exhibited before) in the field of digital culture that combine knowledge, research, science and data with art, technology and social impact. The proposals must generate interaction with the public, encourage critical reflection, and be viable to exhibit throughout the entire exhibition period (minimum 24 months).
5. PROJECT SCOPE
The general framework for proposals covers art, science, culture, technology and society. Areas of interest to Cotec include the transition from an analogue to a digital society, from a linear to circular model of production and consumption, and from a tangible to intangible economy. Topics on which Cotec produces knowledge include the R&D&I ecosystem, the climate crisis, the future of work, new forms of learning, social and territorial divides, citizen participation, the health of democracy, and innovation in the public sector.
6. FUNDING
The selected proposal will receive a maximum budget of €100,000 (+ VAT), which must cover all costs associated with the project: conceptualisation, design, technical development, production, installation, maintenance, documentation of the proposal; as well as any artist fees. This also includes travel, accommodation, insurance and anything else required for the delivery and presentation of the project.
7. EXHIBITION SPACE CONDITIONS
To ensure technical viability, all proposals must comply with the KNOWCASE Technical Dossier , which includes essential information about the exhibition space, its technical specifications and available resources.
8. DEADLINES AND REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Application are accepted until midnight on 7th September. Applications received after the deadline will not be accepted for consideration.
DOCUMENT:
All applications must be submitted through the application portal.
Proposals may be submitted in any of the official languages of Spain, or in English. The proposal must be attached as a single PDF document of no more than 15 pages (not including the cover and contents page), featuring, where necessary, text, images, diagrams, technical drawings and renders.
This document must include, as a minimum, the following sections:
Executive summary: A clear summary of the proposal, its objectives, the main concept and how it suits the KNOWCASE space.
Concept document: A description of the project, the research framework, the theme addressed, the audience experience for the public and how it relates to the aims of the open call.
Technical proposal: A description of the physical, digital, audiovisual, interactive or technological elements needed to create the installation, as well as its main production, installation and operating requirements.
Visual material: Sketches, renders, diagrams, visual references or any other material that helps to understand the proposal and how it fits into the space.
Preliminary budget: An itemised estimate of the costs related to the conceptualisation, design, production, installation, maintenance, artist fees and any other item required to deliver the project properly.
Timeline: An estimated schedule for the development, production, installation, testing, launch and maintenance of the installation.
Team and portfolio: An introduction to the team taking part, covering their roles within the project as well as relevant previous experience and a portfolio of past work that demonstrating their ability to deliver the projecy.
Declaration of responsibility: A document signed by the applicant (individual, organisation or team) declaring authorship of the proposal, acceptance of these terms and conditions and the veracity of all information submitted.
Proposals that do not meet the requirements set out in these terms and conditions, or do not include the full documentation specified in this section, will be automatically disqualified.
Proposals sent by email, or via WeTransfer links, external download services or any other method apart from the application portalwill not be accepted for consideration.
9. SELECTION CRITERIA
Cotec and Sónar+D will draw up a shortlist of finalists, before a professional jury will select the winning proposal. The selected proposal will be the one best able to translate knowledge and innovation into a memorable, accessible and sustainable public experience for the coming years.
The selection criteria are as follows:
Conceptual quality, innovation and originality (40% of the total): Does this proposal feature a strong idea that speaks to the present moment? We will assess:
Strength of concept and artistry.
Originality of the proposal.
Relevance to the areas of interest of the open call.
Ability to generate reflection and knowledge.
Contribution to the field of digital cultur
Interactivity, audience experience and impact on public (25% of the total): Will it engage and connect with a wide range of people who come across the project during their day?
We will assess:
Ability to catch people’s attention from the street.
Interactive and participative elements.
Accessibility and clarity of the message.
Potential to spark curiosity, conversation and learning.
Ability to hold people’s interest over time.
Resources for measuring impact and results.
Technical, financial and operational viability (20% of the total): Can it be built, maintained and run successfully throughout the whole exhibition period?
We will assess:
Technical soundness of the proposal.
Feasibility of production and installation.
Maintenance plan and ability to update.
Suitability of the budget.
Durability and long-term operational sustainability.
Specific suitability for the KNOWCASE space (15% of the total): Is the proposal right for this space and specific context?
We will assess:
Ability to activate a space visible from the street.
Relationship with the architecture and features of the space.
Quality of the visual experience both by day and by night (must be in compliance with municipal regulations).
Clarity and appeal for diverse range of audiences.
Use of the unique environment of KNOWCASE.
10. TIMELINE
Open Call launc: 21st July 2026
Deadline: midnight on 7th September 2026
Contact with shortlisted projects to answer questions: 5th October 2026
Finalists announced: 13th October 2026
Selected project announced: 14th October 2026
Production and installation: November 2026 – February 2027
Launch: last week of February 2027 (exact date to be confirmed)
Exhibition period: the installation will remain on display for a minimum of 24 and a maximum of 36 months, extendable by agreement with the selected artist.
11. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Intellectual property right for all proposals will be held by their authors. The selected proposal will assign exploitation rights for the knowledge, content, results and materials generated as part of the funded project to Fundación Cotec .
Authorship of the proposal will be credited at all times. Likewise, any exhibition, reproduction, distribution or public communication of the work must expressly credit Fundación Cotec as the organisation behind the project and the holder of the exploitation rights.
Fundación Cotec and Sónar+D may use these materials for promotional and communication purposes, always crediting the relevant author.
12. DATA PROTECTION
The personal data and information provided in applications will be processed by Fundación Cotec para la Innovación and Fundación Sónar (Sónar+D) in order to manage, assess, decide on and follow up this open call. To this end, applications and applicants’ contact details may be shared between the two organisations.
This processing will be carried out in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (GDPR) and Spanish Organic Law 3/2018 (LOPDGDD). You can exercise your rights of access, rectification, erasure, objection or restriction of processing by getting in touch at privacy@sonar.es.
13. ENQUIRIES
If you have any questions or queries about this open call, write to us at opencalls2026@sonar.es
14. ACCEPTANCE OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS
By applying to this open call, applicants automatically accept these terms and conditions.