Beam Camp 2027 Project Open Call

Beam Camp is a specialised summer camp for building and collaboration in Strafford, New Hampshire, USA, run by Beam Center. Every summer, campers and staff build one ambitious project together, designed by an artist or architect chosen through an international open call. For 2027, selected proposers receive a $5,000 award and a fabrication budget of about $15,000, and work with the camp's Project Team to turn their design into a real structure with 100 campers and more than 20 staff. The deadline is 30 November 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EST.

The build is a shared project: young people learn real making skills while turning a professional design into a finished structure.

Who Can Apply to Beam Camp?

Artists and architects from anywhere in the world and of any age. Proposals can include co-designers. It is particularly relevant to:

• Sculptors and installation artists who love making things at scale
• Architects and designers interested in participatory building
• Artists working with education and community

What Can You Propose?

A design for a large public artwork or structure that campers can build together over the summer. The project must be ambitious but buildable by young people with guidance from experienced staff, within the fabrication budget.

Entry Fees

The official call page does not mention an application fee.

What Do Selected Proposers Receive?

• $5,000 award
• About $15,000 fabrication budget
• Reimbursement of reasonable travel expenses for time spent at camp
• A built project, made with 100 campers and 20+ staff

Submission Requirements

A single PDF with:

• The project title
• A detailed description of the project
• Visuals: sketches, diagrams, renderings or a video link
• Information on all co-designers: names, emails, experience and phone numbers

Why Apply?

Few open calls let you see your design built at full scale, and fewer still involve young people as builders. A realised Beam project is a strong portfolio piece for artists and architects interested in public, participatory and educational work.

How to Write a Strong Proposal

Design for the builders. The best proposals break into many tasks that campers can share, use materials they can learn to work with, and create a moment of wonder when finished. Show the structure clearly, explain how it could be built in stages, and keep the budget realistic. Attend an info session to ask questions about tools and materials.

What Makes a Good Beam Project?

The best projects are ambitious, physical and open to many hands. They often combine several making techniques, such as woodwork, metalwork, ropes or textiles, so that every camper can find a role. They also have a clear idea behind them that young people can understand and feel proud of. Think about how the finished project will be experienced: can people climb it, enter it, move it or watch it change?

Working With the Project Team

Beam's Project Team helps selected designers adapt their proposal to the camp's tools, safety rules and schedule. Expect your design to evolve. Designers who stay flexible and enjoy teaching tend to have the best experience, and the regular meetings before summer are where most of the problems are solved.

Things to Consider

• Built with campers: design for collaboration.
• Budget: about $15,000 for fabrication.
• Commitment: bi-weekly meetings for six months before completion.
• Deadline: 30 November 2026, 11:59 p.m. EST.

Apply to the Open Call

Ready to propose a project?

Apply to Beam Camp

For the full call and submission details, visit the official Beam Center website.

Looking for more open calls? Browse all competitions and opportunities on Good Stuff Weekly.

Last verified: October 28, 2026