Get Paid to Create in Decentraland: Awards of Up to $2.2K for Virtual Art Installations
By Decentraland, , in Announcements
Art Week returns to Genesis City in Decentraland from September 24–27, and this year’s theme—"TOUCH GRASS"—is an invitation to pause, to feel, and to reconnect. It’s a nod to the meme, yes, but also a challenge: in a world built from pixels and protocols, what does it really mean to “touch grass”?
This year, selected installations will be awarded to $2,200 USD in MANA and exhibited for at least 12 months across underused parcels of LAND in Genesis City—transforming quiet corners into long-lasting destinations.
Whether you're a visual artist with a powerful concept or a 3D builder ready to realize your own creation, this is your chance to leave a mark. Two open calls are now live, offering awards, visibility, and the opportunity to shape what digital presence can feel like.
Image: “COSMIC PORTAL” (detail) by Argent for Decentraland Art Week 2024
What does it mean to “touch grass”?
“Touch grass” isn’t just a meme—it’s a sign of the times. A reminder to reconnect with something beyond the blur of notifications and noise. In a world shaped by algorithms, automation, and infinite scroll, the phrase taps into a very human need: to feel something real.
But what does that look like in a virtual world?
This Art Week, we’re asking creators to explore how digital experiences can still spark presence, emotion, and connection. Whether your response is nostalgic, raw, surreal, or grounded in nature, the question remains: Can virtual art make us feel more human?
And if so—how do we design for that feeling?
Open Call #1: Visual Artists & Curators (No 3D skills required)
Are you a visual artist, curator, or gallery with a strong concept—but no experience building in 3D? This track is for you.
Ten selected proposals will be paired with leading 3D studios through Decentraland’s Creator Connect program to turn the concepts into a fully realized virtual installation in Decentraland.
Selected applicants will receive:
$1,000 USD in MANA
A collaboration with a professional 3D studio, funded by Decentraland
A featured location in Art Week 2025
12 months of live exhibition time in Decentraland’s Genesis City
Promotion across Decentraland’s social and editorial channels
The chance to host an official live event, artist talk, or tour
You’ll retain creative direction while the studio handles the technical side of things. No 3D files or code needed—just your clearest vision, expressed through text and visuals.
Important Dates
Submission deadline: Sunday, June 22
Selected proposals announced: Wednesday, June 25
Final build files submitted by studio: Friday, September 5
See the full open call details and apply now.
Image: "Flesh…Bone…Skin…Soul: Fortress" (detail) by Leah Smithson for Decentraland Art Week 2024
Open Call #2: 3D Creators
For those who build worlds as easily as others write sentences, this track is yours.
If you're a 3D artist, studio, or digital designer ready to bring your own immersive installation to life, you don’t need to build anything yet—just send in your proposal and portfolio to be considered for a direct commission. You’ll handle the final build yourself and get paid to do it.
Selected applicants will receive:
$2,200 USD in MANA
A 2x2 LAND parcel to build on (32m x 32m)
Featured placement and promotion during Art Week 2025
12 months of exhibition time in Genesis City
Whether your build explores sensory illusion, rituals of connection, or dreamlike environments, we’re looking for ideas that use Decentraland in new and meaningful ways. You can build using the Creator Hub or submit a scene built in Blender that meets platform specs.
Important Dates
Submission deadline: Sunday, June 22
Selected proposals announced: Wednesday, June 25
Final build files submitted: Friday, September 5
See the full open call details and apply.
Image: "OFF+ON Pavilion" (detail) by Match Zimmerman for Decentraland Art Week 2024
Ready to Build What You Want to Feel?
Art Week is a chance to shape the emotional texture of Genesis City for the year ahead. Whether you're submitting a concept or building your own scene, this is your opportunity to create something that lingers long after the celebration ends.
Explore the world, walk the LAND, and let the theme take root in your imagination.
Then—submit your vision by June 22.
Let’s see what it means to touch grass—even when it’s made of code.
→ Go to Artists & Curators Open Call
Image: Decentraland Art Week 2024 visitors in the installation “Parasol” by Carla Knopp