Open Call: Exoplanetary Voices

We are thrilled to continue the Global Sonic Research Residency 2026 at ZKM | Hertzlab, partnering with Arts Council Korea (ARKO) and the European Center for the Arts HELLERAU. This year, we select one Korean artist/researcher in addition to an already chosen artist/researcher roster, working at the frontiers of sonic arts to craft an immersive spatial sound experience probing the theme »Exoplanetary Voices«. This residency spans two premier European hubs for spatial sound and performance: ZKM | Hertzlab in Karlsruhe and HELLERAU in Dresden. Proposals should harness spatial audio to speculate on alien listening, extraterrestrial longings and human-exophonic entanglements.

EXOPLANETARY VOICES invites explorations of voice beyond the human larynx, modulated by exoplanetary atmospheres, speculative sciences, AI vocal hybrids, or interstellar signal processing. How might laryngeal tremors resonate with distant worlds? We encourage practices that intend to explore spatialization for extraterrestrial vocality.

Subthemes to Consider:

• Vocal chords and cosmic sounds
• Decolonial perspectives on space
• Laryngeal mutations in exoplanetary environments
• Theories on sounds of universe
• Extraterrestrial signal decoding as sonic ritual
• Reclaiming voice from technocolonial archives
• Cross-species exophonies: earthly animals as alien choruses

• Development Phase (May–June): Research and creation at ZKM | Hertzlab, with a field trip to HELLERAU in mid-June for spatial testing.
• Mid-Residency Presentation: Informal showing at ZKM.
• Culmination: Full performance at ZKM Kubus (1st August), with potential HELLERAU showcase of fixed media version.

• Open to one ARKO-supported Korean artist/researcher (individual) with expertise in spatial sound, voice, and speculative practices.
• Prior experience in immersive audio/voice art preferred.

• Accommodation: Free housing provided / flat-share
• Travel Expenses: will be taken to and from Germany
• Stipend: 1,500 EUR per month
• Material Budget: up to 1,500 EUR
• Facilities: Access to cutting-edge sound systems at ZKM’s KUBUS (Sound Dome) and HELLERAU’s new 3D Audio Workspace
• Mentoring: Curatorial support from ZKM | Hertzlab and HELLERAU
• Networking: Opportunities to connect with international artists and researchers