Metagate launches Reality Perceptions, an open call addressed to students for the selection of project ideas aimed at the future development of mixed reality experiences.
The initiative was created on the occasion of the seventh edition of The New Atlas of Digital Art, the leading international event organized by MEET Digital Culture Center in Milan.
The concept of the selected ideas will be showcased within a mixed reality experience for Meta Quest 3, developed by Metagate for the upcoming Milan event in June.
The Theme: Culture Dome
The 2026 edition of The New Atlas of Digital Art revolves around the theme Culture Dome, understood not only as a physical space, but also as a context and dimension of creative, social, cultural, and economic experience.
An environment in which the ways of accessing culture, the relationship between audience and artwork, the languages of mediation, and the ways cultural experiences are lived, shared, and transformed are being redefined.
Starting from this reflection, Reality Perceptions invites students to imagine mixed reality projects capable of exploring the encounter between physical space and digital dimension.
Projects may investigate how digital elements enter physical space, modify it, animate it, or transform its perception.
Who the Call Is For
The call is open to students, individually or in groups, enrolled in the current academic year at fine arts academies, universities, design schools, and institutions focused on artistic, creative, and design education based in Italy and Canton Ticino.
Applications are accepted from fields including:
- visual arts;
- new media art;
- graphic design;
- interaction design;
- motion design;
- 3D and CGI;
- game art;
- architecture;
- visual communication;
- interdisciplinary and hybrid practices.
Participation is free of charge.
Each participant may submit only one project.
How to Participate
Participants are invited to submit their proposal through the official form.
The required materials include:
- project title;
- description of the project idea, maximum 300 characters including spaces;
- supporting materials in PNG, JPG, MP4, or GLB format;
- name and contact details of the participant or group;
- short bio of the participant or group, maximum 350 characters including spaces;
- name of the affiliated institution.
The following file requirements apply:
- PNG: maximum 2K, maximum 4 MB;
- JPG: maximum 2K, maximum 4 MB;
- MP4: H264 codec, maximum 50 MB;
- GLB: maximum 50K triangles, maximum 30K vertices, maximum 3 materials in 2K, maximum 20 MB.
If the GLB file contains animations, only the first animation will be considered.
Deadline
Applications are open until June 5, 2026 at 5:00 PM CET.
Selection and Final Exhibition
The supporting materials and the description of the project idea from the 3 finalists will be included in an immersive experience developed by Metagate in mixed reality, available on Meta Quest 3.
The experience will be presented during the seventh edition of The New Atlas of Digital Art at the MEET Digital Culture Center in Milan.
The selection process will be entrusted to a jury composed of professionals from the fields of art, culture, and digital production.
The selection criteria will include:
- consistency with the theme of the call;
- quality and originality of the proposal;
- the ability of the idea to engage with the mixed reality environment;
- the project’s socio-cultural and contemporary relevance.
Prizes for the Finalists
The first prize includes:
- project development with Metagate;
- access to the Unity workshop for mixed reality content development;
- access to the XR Operator video course;
- professional portfolio review;
- publication on MEET’s social channels;
- publication on Swapcard Atlas;
- upload of the selected project idea into Metagate’s digital spaces.
The second and third prizes include:
- feedback session with Metagate;
- professional portfolio review;
- publication on MEET’s social channels;
- publication on Swapcard Atlas;
- upload of the selected project idea into Metagate’s digital spaces.
If the awarded participants are unable to travel to Milan, the prizes may be adapted to an online format while still ensuring an experience consistent with the educational and professional nature of the recognition.
Metagate and MEET Digital Culture Center
Metagate is a Milan-based company specialized in the design and development of mixed reality experiences.
The company develops interactive solutions integrating 2D, 3D, IoT content, and innovative interaction tools for sectors such as events, cultural heritage, industry, and healthcare.
MEET Digital Culture Center is the first International Center for Digital Art and Culture in Italy.
Founded in Milan in 2018 with the support of Fondazione Cariplo, it is a physical and virtual space that promotes digital culture through exhibitions, events, education, and international projects, fostering dialogue between technological innovation, creativity, and cultural transformation.
Here the official document.
Contacts: atlas@themetagate.it
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