STREET GAMES FESTIVAL
Tartu, Estonia
27-29.09.2024
Street Games Festival strikes back! This time we will run, jump, hide, seek and explore in the beautiful city of Tartu – European Capital of Culture 2024.
Phenomenon of street games (urban games, pervasive games) became interesting for many players across the globe in the last 20 years. Yet, it is still fresh and inspiring to play games in public spaces.
Playing is the first activity that humans experience. In adult life we become focused on “serious things” and tend to forget how to play. However – playing brings benefits that are hard to achieve in other way – connection with other people and generations, spirit of adventure, pleasure of exploring new places and joy of winning. Street games are focused on playing in the public spaces as well using its elements in the games’ stories and mechanics.
We invite you to join our celebration of play – Street Games Festival in September 2024 in Tartu. Experience a really unique urban adventure with us!
ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
The topic of the Street Games Festival in Tartu is:
interpersonal intergenerational interdisciplinary interplaces
What does it mean for us?
interpersonal
Games that are simply connecting people. After the pandemic, during the war in Ukraine our communities (especially in eastern Europe) need connection with others. No matter how many tools for remote work and digital connections we have, we still have needs to meet people face to face, to look into each other’s eyes, to maintain physical contact.
intergenerational
Connection between generations is something difficult to achieve and valuable at the same time. It is not always easy to find a common language for communication between generations. We believe (and we know it from our experience) that games are a great way to connect different people – from different cultures, backgrounds, also at different ages.
interdisciplinary
Another magical feature of street games is that they can mix and blend various activities, diverse cultural and art practices. We’ve seen musical games, we’ve played games using elements of the theatre, some of them are using approaches known from sports or traditional folklore. We are inviting games that can surprise us with an unexpected blend of ingredients.
interplaces
Last but not least – urban space is what interests us most. We’re looking for games that will show hidden, new, unexpected places – or places well known, but now used in a new, unique way, with fresh glance – a new meaning.
ABOUT TARTU
Tartu
Tartu, the second-largest city in Estonia, has a rich history dating back to the 5th century AD when the area was first settled. Over the centuries, Tartu has been ruled by various powers, including the Teutonic Knights, the Swedes, the Russians, and briefly by the Germans.
One of the defining moments in Tartu’s history was the founding of the University of Tartu in 1632, which has since become one of the oldest and most reputable universities in Northern Europe. The university has played a crucial role in shaping Tartu into a center of learning, culture, and intellectual discourse.
Throughout its history, Tartu has also been a key player in Estonia’s struggle for independence, particularly during the Estonian War of Independence in 1918-1920. Despite facing challenges such as occupation and war, Tartu has emerged as a vibrant city known for its academic excellence, historical landmarks, and lively cultural scene.
In 2024 Tartu holds the title of Euroean Capital Of Culture writing annother chapter in city’s history.
Playgrounds – where will we play?
Festival center will be located in historical center of Tartu (Tartu raekoja plats). It would be best if games are organized (or launched) near this area.
There are some areas and exact places that we would like to use during games (you can check them on the map) but feel free to explore and discover other places if you like.
HOW TO APPLY
Application deadline
The call ends on 20.05.2024
Information about the open call and the festival:
You will find all the info you need below, however, if you have any further question, please write us at
play@streetgames.ee
Selection process
Selection will be led by Departament Gier (Polish game designers group) and representatives of Tartu 2024 Foundation. Firstly we will evaluate applications and than meet online with selected designers. We expect the selection process to be finished until 15th of June 2024.
YOUR GAME
Who can submit a proposal?
Basically anyone – Professional game designers, artists, cultural associations, foundations, companies, informal groups or individuals.
Budget
We cover the costs of the game up to 700 euro. This should cover costs of your transport and preparing the game.
We provide accommodation and food in Tartu.
How long should be your game?
Our standard “game slot” is 90 minutes. If your games last for 90 minutes (including the gathering of participants, explaining rules) it perfectly fits into this slot. If your game lasts for half an hour – you can make three rounds of it. If your game is longer – takes 3 hours – (and it is worth it!) – you can take 2 game slots.
What game should you prepare?
We believe in your experience and creativity. You can submit any game that you think will fit the festival.
We will have to choose games, and main criteria for selecting games would be:
- how does game cover the main topics of the festival
- the overall concept of the game
- how does this game fit Tartu – we prefer games that are strongly connected with the sites of game – using their history, urban legends, city plan and so on
- the readiness of the game – is it playtested (as a whole game or some elements), have you done something like this before
- experience of game designer/team
- innovation of the proposal
When you should come?
Festival starts on 27 September (Friday). We invite you to come to Tartu from 24 September – there will be time to prepare your game and meet other designers before whole Tartu will come to play your games.
How should I prepare the game before the festival and during the festival?
It is better to prepare as much as you can before the festival. We will help you with research on festival places and assist you with preparing materials/translations etc. We will be in touch with you, asking if you need any help, checking if everything is ok.
We plan to cooperate with local activists who can help you with understanding local context as well as preparing some things in Tartu before the festival.
On the festival ground, you will work with a special agent from our team who will provide you with everything you need.
To the end of open call:
To the festival:
Partner
Project Street Games Festival is a part of the European Capital of Culture Tartu 2024 main programme.
Organizer
