A creative technology course and exhibition for emerging artists and creatives interested in exploring interactive and digital processes in sound, art and performance!
ARTIST CALL-OUT
Ready to get hands-on, try out new tech, and make something bold together?
Room to Play is back for 2026 and we’re looking for emerging artists who want to dive into interactive sound, art and performance with a curious, playful spirit. If you’re excited by the idea of building something people can step into, we’d love you to join us.
Together we will create and install an exhibition at Hidden Door 3-7 June 2026, where you can expect a lively, welcoming space where people can get stuck in and experience your work up close,
What is Room to Play?
Room to play is a two‑month creative technology course and exhibition for artists aged 18–26 – and a space to explore ideas, learn new tools, and make something fresh with likemided artists.
In 2026, eight emerging artists will come together to experiment with interactive and immersive tools such as TouchDesigner, Max MSP, sensors, and other digital & electronic processes. Week by week, we’ll learn the tech, swap ideas, and build a shared installation for the public to experience.
We want to make something reactive, meaningful and full of energy – something people can step inside and play with. And as always, there may be opportunities to join forces with the Tinderbox Orchestra or other parts of our wider creative community.
Course Details
Where?
Most sessions will take place in Leith, Edinburgh.
The installation will be exhibited at Hidden Door (site to be announced) from 3 – 7 June – and we hope to arrange more exhibition opportunities throughout the year too.
When?
Workshops: Every Friday & Saturday from
17th April – 30th May, 3-6pm.
Installation: Sun 31 May – Tues 2 June
Exhibition: Wed 3 – Sun 7 June
Note:
Workshops are key sessions with lead artists Sam Healy & Brendan McCarthy (Ray Interactive) that selected artists will need to attend.
We will also schedule a video or phone call in early April with artists prior to the course starting, as an opportunity to go over any questions.
Application
Who is the course for?
You might be a musician, visual artist, poet, performer, animator, filmmaker, photographer, coder, game-maker, or someone who doesn’t fit neatly into any box – that’s perfect.
What matters most is that you’re:
• At an early stage in your creative career
• Keen to learn and experiment with interactive technologies
• Excited about working collaboratively
• Available for the course, installation and exhibition dates
• Aged 18–26
How to apply:
Fill out the online form, which includes sending your bio/CV and a short statement about why you’d like to join. If you’d like to share examples of your work, we’d love to see them – rough, unfinished or experimental is completely welcome.
We’re keen to hear from anyone who would like to join us. If you feel you have barriers in applying or taking part please let us know! We are keen to help if you are comfortable discussing options.
If you have any questions or need help accessing the form, drop us a line at:
admin@tinderboxcollective.org & luci@tinderboxcollective.org
Deadline: 11:59pm, Friday 27 March 2026
Successful artists will hear from us by 1st April 2026.
You don’t need experience with tech, just curiosity and a willingness to explore.
Everything is fully funded, and we’ll cover travel costs if you need support getting to sessions.
Hidden Door opens up forgotten urban spaces for the public to explore and discover incredible music, art, theatre, film, dance, spoken word and more. Through their festivals they reveal hidden parts of the city and showcase new and emerging artists, musicians, theatre and film makers. Previous festivals have attracted audiences upwards of 10000 people. ***** The Scotsman.
Background
Room to Play has been running since 2016, and over the years it’s welcomed visual artists, musicians, game makers, animators, circus performers, filmmakers and more.
Past installations have travelled to the V&A Dundee, Hidden Door, InSpace, Edinburgh Festival of Sound, Custom House, and other brilliant spaces.
For many artists, it’s been a launchpad – a place to learn creative electronics, try out new ideas, meet people from completely different backgrounds, and make work they’re proud of.
For more info about previous courses, please click here!