European Media Art Festival (EMAF): Your Guide to the Event
The European Media Art Festival (EMAF) is an internationally regarded forum for media art that takes place each year in Osnabrück, Germany. It combines an exhibition, film programmes, talks, workshops, and performative formats to connect contemporary artistic practices with wider social discussions, as described on its official site.
Since its start in 1988, EMAF has grown into a key event for experimental film and media art. It is not limited to European artists; its open call welcomes media artists from around the world.
Whether you plan to attend a future edition, submit a work, or simply explore media art trends, this guide gives practical context and explains what makes EMAF unique.
EMAF's Structure: Film, Exhibition, and More
EMAF is more than a typical film festival; it combines an exhibition, film programmes, talks, workshops, and performative formats into a cohesive forum. This structure links contemporary artistic practices with social discourses, creating a space for deep engagement, as described on the festival's official pages.
The exhibition at Kunsthalle Osnabrück is a major highlight, curated around the festival's annual theme. Guest-curated projects and retrospectives offer in-depth looks at historical positions and contexts, complementing the new work shown.
The festival fosters a tight community of artists, curators, and audiences, with many returning year after year. For first-time visitors, the atmosphere is both welcoming and intellectually stimulating, a mix that keeps the event vibrant.
How to Plan for a Future Edition
The European Media Art Festival is an annual event, so the dates change each year. The 39th edition ran from 22 to 26 April 2026, with its exhibition extended until 25 May 2026, as documented in the festival's record. For the next edition, check the official EMAF website, which publishes confirmed dates well in advance.
Osnabrück is a mid-sized city in Lower Saxony, easily reached by train or car. For detailed transport tips and directions, you can check our guide on how to get to the European Media Art Festival.
Because details like exact dates and venues can shift, always verify the latest information on emaf.de before making travel plans.
How to Submit Work to EMAF
The call for entries for the 2026 edition opened in September 2025 and welcomed works in three categories: Film (experimental short and feature films), Installation (installative, interactive, spatial or sculptural works), and Expanded (performances, live events, or workshops). These categories are detailed in the official call for entries, which also confirms that entering is free of charge.
For the 2026 edition, submissions were free and had to be submitted via the online platform at emaf.filmchief.com by the deadline of 22 December 2025. Premiere status was not required, and artists whose works were selected received a fee.
An international curatorial team reviews all entries and compiles the festival programme. For detailed regulations and technical requirements, refer to the official website emaf.de, which hosts the full submission guidelines for each edition.
Thematic Focus and Curatorial Approach
The 2026 festival was built around the theme 'An Incomplete Assembly,' as announced in the festival's news section. This focus invited artists and audiences to consider ideas of gathering, fragmentation, and what remains unfinished in contemporary society.
The theme was reflected across the exhibition, film programmes, and talks, guiding curatorial choices. Each year's theme is announced months in advance, and for the 40th edition, the festival's website states that the focus will be on the archive as a tool for knowledge production and critical intervention.
Thematic focus drives programming, so checking the official site's news section helps you anticipate the festival's direction.
A Look Back: EMAF 39 Highlights and Legacy
The 39th EMAF, held in 2026, showcased the latest in a long lineage. Past editions have featured award ceremonies, artist spotlights, and interactive workshops, building a rich archive of experimental media.
While the COVID-19 pandemic forced adaptations, EMAF has consistently returned to in-person events, maintaining its role as a gathering point for the media art community. Its history is documented on its official website, which archives news and programme details from previous years.
Practical Tips for First-Time Visitors and Submitters
If you are planning your first EMAF, book accommodation in Osnabrück well in advance, since the festival draws international guests. Check the official website for the current programme, opening hours, and ticket information, as these are not provided here.
For submitters, register early on the submission platform to avoid last-minute issues. Double-check the deadline, and ensure your work meets the technical specs outlined in the regulations, which are published on the official site.
For a more in-depth orientation, you can read our European Media Art Festival for First-Timers guide.
Beyond the Festival: The EMAF Exhibition at Kunsthalle Osnabrück
The EMAF exhibition is a cornerstone of the festival and runs longer than the main event. For the 2026 edition, it opened on 22 April and closed on 25 May at Kunsthalle Osnabrück, giving visitors a wider window to see the works, as confirmed in the official call for entries.
Kunsthalle Osnabrück is a contemporary art venue in the city centre, easily accessible on foot or by local transport. The exhibition showcases large-scale installations and media art that require careful viewing.
Even if you miss the main festival, the exhibition is worth catching in the weeks after. The official EMAF website provides exhibition details and visitor information, including any special events.
Final Thoughts
EMAF is a crucial event for anyone interested in media art, offering a mix of film, exhibitions, and discussions you won't find elsewhere. The 39th edition ran from 22 to 26 April 2026, with its exhibition extended to 25 May, and the open call for that edition closed on 22 December 2025.
Because dates and details can shift, always verify the latest information on emaf.de before making plans or submissions. Whether you attend, submit, or follow from afar, EMAF's focus on experimental storytelling makes it a festival worth your attention.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the European Media Art Festival?
The European Media Art Festival (EMAF) is an annual event in Osnabrück, Germany, that brings together experimental film, media installations, performances, and discussions. It is regarded internationally as one of the most important forums for media art, blending an exhibition with a film programme and talks.
When did the European Media Art Festival 2026 take place?
The 39th EMAF took place from 22 to 26 April 2026 in Osnabrück. The exhibition at Kunsthalle Osnabrück continued until 25 May 2026. Future editions are announced on the official website.
How can I submit work to EMAF?
To submit, go to the official submission platform linked from emaf.de, which opens months in advance. You can enter works in Film, Installation, or Expanded categories, and submission is usually free. All selected artists receive a fee.
Is EMAF only for European artists?
No, EMAF is open worldwide. Its call for entries invites media artists from around the globe, and the programme often features international perspectives. The name emphasizes the festival's European home, but the focus is global.
What was the theme of EMAF 2026?
The theme for EMAF 2026 was 'An Incomplete Assembly.' This concept explored ideas of gathering, fragmentation, and the unfinished, influencing the exhibition and film selections. Past themes have engaged with social and artistic issues.