Creatives for Vienna – Making Spaces

We are looking for creative concepts that relate to a specific outdoor space in Vienna – such as public, semi-public areas, or brownfields – and design this space in such a way that people can come together, meet, and interact. Whether through design measures such as flexible furniture, greening, or lighting. Through content formats such as participatory activities, events, or performances. Or a combination of both: The aim is to rethink urban open spaces, make them accessible and bring them to life.

The concepts submitted must be well thought out and realistic in terms of content – both in terms of the resources available and the location already specified.

• Use and programming: How can open spaces be used creatively? What formats, installations, or temporary offerings encourage people to linger, participate, and come together? How can the location remain attractive and usable in the long term?
• Vacant spaces & typologies: Which unused or underused spaces offer potential for new ideas? How can brownfield sites or ground floor areas be made lively, inviting, and accessible to different target groups?
• Participation & community: How can a vacant space be turned into a lively, inclusive, and accessible meeting place? What measures promote social cohesion and coexistence in urban spaces? How can the location be activated for all city residents through new uses?
• Climate & sustainability: How can design and material choices contribute to improving the quality of life and climate protection in the long term—for example, through greening, shade, or environmentally friendly implementation?

The submission must be based on a specific open space in Vienna. A complete approval process is not required for submission. However, the submission should include information about initial contacts, e.g., with the district or owners. It should also be explained whether approvals have already been received or what steps are still necessary to get approval.

You can conveniently submit your project online. To do so, register on our website and create a profile. In your profile, select “My submissions” and “New application.” If you already have a profile, log in. In your profile, select “My submissions” and “New application.”

All required documents must be received by the Vienna Business Agency by the submission deadline on Monday, September 22, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. An independent jury will then evaluate the submissions. Selected applicants will be invited to presentations on October 14 and 15, 2025, to present their concepts. The jury's decision is expected to be announced in early November 2025.

The planning phase will last from November 2025 to March 2026. During this time, you will prepare the realization of your project with the support of our partners (Climate Biennale Vienna, Local Agenda 21, Creative Spaces Vienna, Museumsquartier Vienna, Funkhaus). The prize money of €15,000 will be paid out in January 2026. Selected winner projects will be presented during the Climate Biennale Vienna (April 9 to May 26, 2026) and should ideally remain visible in the urban space afterwards.

In accordance with the competition rules, the Vienna Business Agency will award prize money of €15,000 per project to submissions selected by the jury. The entrant is responsible for ensuring that the applicable tax is paid on the prize money (as well as payment of any social security contributions).