7-11 December 2026 | Online
Connecting Games, Film, Animation and Literacy
Games, film, animation and other screen media are no longer only forms of entertainment. They are where young Europeans play, watch, learn, create, and increasingly take part in public life. They are also industries undergoing profound transformation, shaped by digitalisation, artificial intelligence, sustainability imperatives, shifting audience practices, technological innovation and evolving geopolitical priorities. Across film, animation, video games, video-on-demand platforms and cultural education, new challenges are emerging around competitiveness, inclusion, environmental responsibility, cultural diversity, governance and international cooperation. At the same time, these transformations offer new opportunities for creativity, innovation and civic engagement.
From Play to Policy asks how research on games, screen media and their audiences can inform the governance of Europe’s cultural and creative ecosystems. The Winter School brings together current research from the European collaborative projects GAMEHEARTS (Grant Agreement No. 101132543) , REBOOT (Grant Agreement No.101094769), ANIMA MUNDI (Grant Agreement No. 101178027) and EuroCivic (Erasmus+ grant 2024-1-HU01-KA220-SCH-000251467), in which the Media Governance and Industries Research Lab of the University of Vienna is a partner, and is organised in cooperation with Webster Vienna Private University. Over five days of panel discussions, paper presentations and collaborative work, participants will engage with themes including digital platforms and sustainability, innovation in the audiovisual and video game industries, cultural policy and international cultural relations, youth engagement and audiences, European identity and citizenship, and the role of culture in advancing democratic values.
We invite applications from Master’s and Doctoral students from all relevant disciplines who wish to take part in the Winter School, contribute to discussions and, optionally, present a 15-minute paper based on their research. Participation is free of charge. We particularly welcome applications that engage with one or more of the following themes:
1. Games and Democracy
2. Film Industry, Creative Labour, and Fair Work
3. Animation and Sustainability
4. Digital Creativity
5. AI Governance
6. Cultural Diversity
7. Youth Participation
8. Audience Engagement
Please read the participant guidelines before applying.
Applications are submitted through the online form
Applications should include:
1. A brief CV (up to two pages);
2. A statement of purpose (up to 500 words) describing your research, its connection to one or more of the Winter School themes, and what you hope to gain from and contribute to the Winter School;
3. For those who wish to present a paper, an abstract of the proposed paper (up to 500 words).
Deadline for submission of applications and abstracts: 16 October 2026.
Applicants will be notified of the outcome by October 29th, 2026. The Winter School takes place online LIVE from 7 to 11 December 2026, and the 8th is a public holiday. Participants who complete the programme receive a certificate of attendance from the University of Vienna.
Questions?
gamehearts.research@gmail.com
gentiana.ramadani@univie.ac.at
The Winter School is organised as part of the GAMEHEARTS project, funded by the European Union under the Horizon Europe programme (Grant Agreement No. 101132543). Views and opinions expressed are however, those of the organisers only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or [the granting authority]. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.