LACMA’s Art + Technology Lab: A Decade of Innovation and Future Opportunities
Since its relaunch in 2013, LACMA’s Art + Technology Lab has become a vital force in the intersection of creative expression and technological innovation. With support for 45 artist projects and over 121 public programs, this initiative has cultivated a rich environment for collaboration among artists, technologists, and researchers. By providing the resources and institutional backing necessary for exploration, the Lab has opened doors to new possibilities and critical dialogues regarding the roles of emerging technologies in cultural, social, and political contexts.
Invitation for Proposals: 2026 Art + Technology Lab
As the Lab looks forward to the future, LACMA is thrilled to announce the publication of the 2026 Art + Technology Lab Request for Proposals. This open call invites artists to submit innovative project proposals that engage with modern technologies in imaginative and experimental ways. The selected artists will be eligible for grants of up to $50,000, along with invaluable in-kind support from both the museum and its private technology and science partners. Applications can be submitted until April 22, 2026, by 11:59 pm PT.
Enhancing Artistic Collaboration
With renewed support from Hyundai Motor Company, the Lab is set to expand its scope and impact. The 2026 cycle will introduce a new programmatic structure aimed at fostering deeper collaboration and sustained artistic development.
Key Structural Changes
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New Grant Cycles: The Lab will introduce grant cycles every two years, which will create artist cohorts. This system will support 3 to 5 grant recipients selected through an open call, supplemented by up to two invitational projects. Invitational grants will allow for innovative responses to recent technological advancements or further exploration of successful past Lab projects.
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Biennial Symposium: Starting in 2027, the Lab will host a Symposium event where artists can demonstrate their work, share performances, and engage in discussions. This platform aims to provide insight into ongoing projects and the developmental processes behind them.
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Biennial Demo Day: In 2028, the Lab will introduce a Demo Day showcasing completed projects from the artist cohorts. This event will also host public programs to present fresh research and artistic strategies emerging from the Lab’s community of artists.
Celebrating Ten Years of Innovation
In conjunction with the upcoming proposal cycle, LACMA is also celebrating a significant milestone: the 10-year anniversary of the Art + Technology Lab. A special publication will be released that highlights the Lab’s first decade, featuring essays, thematic overviews, and notable project highlights from all 45 grant recipients. This volume will delve deep into how artists have engaged with and reinterpreted emerging technologies against the backdrop of rapidly changing cultural contexts.
By documenting its history, this publication not only celebrates past achievements but also reflects on the questions and possibilities that will guide the Lab’s next chapter.
Call to Action for Artists
Artists across various disciplines and technological approaches are encouraged to apply for this exciting opportunity. The Art + Technology Lab is dedicated to supporting proposals that are artist-led, research-driven, and resonate with the complexities of our current moment. This is a chance for creative minds to push the boundaries of what is possible and challenge the implications of technology in contemporary society.
The application deadline is April 22, 2026, at 11:59 pm PT.
Supporting Partners
The Art + Technology Lab is made possible through contributions from Snap Inc., Anthropic, and a long-term partnership with Hyundai Motor Company. Together, they aim to explore the evolving relationship between art and technology while fostering a vibrant community of creators and thinkers.
For those eager to pioneer their inventive projects in this dynamic environment, now is the time to make your voice heard. Apply now.
