Information+ 2025 Call for Exhibition Proposals

Northeastern University + Massachusetts Institute of Technology
MIT Media Lab East Lobby, November 11/14 to 11/16, 2025

The Information+ 2025 Conference invites artists, designers, researchers, and practitioners to submit proposals for an exhibition exploring the theme of energy transition and its intersection with information technologies. Submissions may address topics such as sustainability, climate justice, energy inclusion, digital tools for energy, and visualizations of energy flows and data. The exhibition aims to inspire and advance conversations around innovative approaches to energy generation, consumption, distribution, policy, and the digital systems shaping a more sustainable future.

We welcome diverse approaches, from visualizations of energy flows and data, to projects addressing energy equity and inclusion, to artistic and conceptual interpretations of energy in digital tools and beyond.

Submit here

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Exhibition Theme

The exhibition will explore intersections between energy and information technologies, engaging with questions about sustainability, climate justice, energy inclusion, digital tools for energy, and visualizations of energy flows and data. We are looking for multiple, diverse definitions of energy.

Energy is often discussed in the contexts of sustainability, climate justice, and technological systems, but how do you define energy? How does it feature in your work? What does energy mean to you? We welcome diverse approaches, from visualizations of energy flows and data to creative interpretations of energy’s role in shaping our shared future.

To help you conceptualize and prepare your proposal, here are several diverse definitions of energy and illustrative exhibition examples.

Example Definitions of Energy

1. Physical Science: Energy is the capacity to do work, existing in various forms such as kinetic, potential, thermal, chemical, electrical, and nuclear.
2. Environmental Science: Energy refers to natural resources (e.g., solar, wind, fossil fuels) harnessed for human use.
3. Sociocultural Context: Energy can symbolize vitality, effort, or momentum within a community, project, or system.
4. Information Technology: Energy may describe computational power, data processing efficiency, or the energy consumption of digital systems.
5. Artistic/Metaphorical: Energy might represent movement, transformation, or emotional resonance in creative expressions.

Exhibition Examples

1. Renewable Energy Installations: exhibits that showcase solar panel usage or wind turbine energy conversion in real-time.
2. Data-Driven Art: A digital installation visualizing global CO₂ emissions or energy inequities across regions.
3. Policy and Access: Projects addressing energy inclusion, such as mapping underserved communities' access to sustainable energy sources.
4. Digital Energy Tools: Simulations or applications that model future energy scenarios based on current consumption and renewable adoption rates.
5. Cultural Practices: Artistic representations of energy as a cultural force, such as indigenous approaches to land and energy stewardship.

Funding and Support

The Information+ 2025 Exhibition offers funding to support a range of innovative and impactful projects, tailored to different formats and scales:

1. Physical Installation

• Funding Amount: One project up to $3,000
• This installation can be proposed either in the Media Lab Building, Killian Court in MIT, Court East to Walker Memorial at MIT, or an open space at Northeastern University.
• Description:
  • Designed for immersive, physical exhibits that require significant material, labor, or technical resources.
  • Must involve interdisciplinary collaboration between multiple individuals or groups.
  • Ideal for projects that transform the space and engage audiences through physical interaction.
• Space Dimensions: 12′ × 12′ × 10′ height.

2. Digital Exhibition

• Funding Amount: Up to $500 each (five projects)
• Description:
  • Focused on digital or screen-based works utilizing devices provided by MIT and Northeastern.
  • Suitable for dynamic visualizations, audio-visual presentations, or interactive experiences.
• Space Dimensions: 5′ × 5′ × 6′ height.

3. Two-Dimensional Works

• Funding Amount: Printing costs for up to 10 A1 works
• Description:
  • Platform for visually compelling visualizations, drawings, collages, etc.
  • Posters should engage viewers through clarity, creativity, and thought-provoking content.

Physical Installation and Digital exhibition project teams will participate in a panel at the Information+ Conference during the exhibition's opening. All projects will receive installation support and guidance from the exhibition team.

Key Dates

• Proposal Submission Deadline: May 30, 2025
• Notification of Selection: Mid June 2025
• Fabrication (off-site): June–October 2025
• Installation Period: Early November 2025
• Exhibition Opening: November 14, 2025

Submission Guidelines

We invite innovative and compelling proposals that engage with the conference theme and are suitable for installation within the MIT Media Lab East Lobby. Submissions should demonstrate a strong conceptual foundation, technical feasibility, and alignment with MIT and Media Lab guidelines.

1. Relevance to the Conference Theme

• Proposals must reflect the intersection of energy transition and information technology, considering topics such as energy inclusion, climate justice, visualization of energy flows, and digital tools.
• Projects should offer fresh perspectives, challenge conventional approaches, or provide practical solutions.

2. Suitability for Installation at the MIT Media Lab East Lobby

• Designs must fit spatial constraints and leverage provided digital infrastructure.
• All projects must comply with ADA guidelines and ensure visitor safety.

3. Compliance with MIT and Media Lab Guidelines

• Adhere to fire safety codes, energy efficiency standards, and ethical considerations in the use of technology and data.
• Consult with MIT staff during fabrication to ensure compliance.

4. Submission Package

Each proposal must include the following in a single A1 digital PDF (two A1 PDFs for physical/digital projects):

• Project Title and Brief Description (max. 300 words)
• Visuals, Sketches, and Diagrams (labeled and annotated)
• Budget Breakdown (not required for posters)
• Timeline for Production and Installation (with specific dates)
• Material Circularity Statement (sustainable practices)
• Contact Information and Team Bios

5. Additional Requirements for Selected Proposals

• Detailed Fabrication Drawings (technical drawings, multiple views)
• Spreadsheet with Equipment Requirements (screens, power/networking, tools)

Selection Criteria

1. Relevance to the Theme

• Alignment with conference objectives and sub-themes.
• Depth of exploration and contribution to the discourse.

2. Feasibility within Budget and Timeline

• Realistic budget and efficient use of resources.
• Achievable timeline with contingency plans.

3. Suitability for the Exhibition Space

• Fits spatial constraints and engages the audience.
• Accessible, inclusive, and safe design.

4. Material Circularity and Sustainability

• Eco-friendly materials and clear end-of-life strategies.
• Minimized energy consumption and innovative energy use.

5. Collaborative and Interdisciplinary Potential

• Interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Submission Procedure

All submissions must be through the platform: https://submissions.infoplus.team/

Submit here

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Selection Committee

The Selection Committee will be announced on May 15th.

Provided documents:

1. DWGs and PDF files of the MIT East Lobby Space.
2. 3dm Model of the MIT East Lobby Space.
3. General information of the MIT East Lobby Space.
4. Locations of Kilian Court, Court East to Walker Memorial, MIT, and Northeastern University.
5. Photos of the MIT East Lobby Space.

All questions should be addressed to exhibition@infoplus.team.

Information+ 2025 is made possible through the help and support of many people and partnering organizations.