Recap of Mars 2026
Learnings from year 7 of Mars College and a look forward to 2027
The seventh edition of Mars College wrapped up a month ago and the land we call Mars is now barren again. For now.
This was the biggest Mars College ever, by all measures: five camps, almost eighty Martians, a doubled solar grid, and more activity than ever before.
A look back on some of the highlights, and a look forward to 2027.
Camps matured
Originally a single application pipeline, Mars College has evolved to a model where individual camps manage their own build process and admissions. This year we had 5 camps; Creative AI Camp, Freeside, Tool Camp, OG Camp, and CoLab. Over 30 new Martians joined nearly 50 returners this year.
Martian academics took a step forward
This was officially the 5th year of the Creative AI department. First formed in 2022, the AI major has been the heart of Martian academics since the beginning, and has progressed from early image generation and chatbots back then to AI agents this year. This term, we had a weekly Agent Lab and a series on vibecoding.
Besides for the AI, there were numerous one-off and recurring workshops including music, creative writing, drawing, journal practice, ceramics, yoga, dance, contact improv, strength training, breadmaking, camp skills, improv comedy, zines, chess, and more.
The Gallery returns
For the second year in a row, we built a gallery in our main building, with over 20 displays and vibe-coded our own “Channel Guide” software for shuffling through Martian homegrown art, and the Little Martians shrine.
Mars Electronica
Our annual closing festival, Mars Electronica, and its now two-year old sister event Painted Canyons were the spectacles of the year. At Mars Electronica, the gallery and main building are lit up with displays and interactive exhibitions, as well as live music, including an algorave.
For the second year, we also brought equipment to a nearby canyon and lit it up with projectors and music.
AI Film Festival
For the fourth consecutive year, we had an AI Film festival. One screening at Mars and one screening in town. The last two years of films can be found on our YouTube channel; this years’ version will be posted soon.
A look to next year
Every spring, the Mars College community disperses and Mars goes quiet, to bask in the afterglow of having survived another season. A new planning cycle will begin in the summer, along with an application for new Martians. Over the next few months, we’ll be writing more articles to reflect on this past year’s activities and look ahead to the next season.
Keep up with us by subscribing to our Substack, or following us on Instagram and Twitter. If you want to talk about next year early, e-mail us at info@mars.college.
Thanks to Ygor, Chebel, Vincent, and Gandala for photos.