Open calls
On this page, you will find an overview of art commissions, grants, work periods and art events in Groningen, The Netherlands and abroad.
OPEN CALL FOR ASPIRING CURATORS – TEXT ME 2027 – Leeuwarden
Are you an aspiring curator with an interest in media art and writing? Would you like to develop and collaborate with a small, intercultural group of peers? Then apply for the 2027 edition of TEXT ME, an intensive and international development program focused on writing, establishing intercultural connections, and fostering the talent of upcoming curators and art mediators. The nine-day onsite program takes place from late January to early February, during the LUNA Festival 2027 in Leeuwarden.
Deadline: August 28th 2026
More information: https://mediaartfriesland.nl/projecten-en/open-call-text-me-2027-2/
OPEN CALL – RESIDENCIES MONDRIAAN FUND
If you are an artist, curator or art observer interested in deepening your professional practice with a residency in the Netherlands or abroad, you may be eligible for one of the residencies offered by the Mondriaan Fund through the Residency grant.
The Mondriaan Fund offers the Residency grant to help boost the artistic development and practice of visual artists, curators and art observers, in both the Netherlands and abroad. Participants spend a period at a Dutch or international studio designated by the Fund, allowing for the exploration of new (inter)national contacts and markets. The aim is the creation of work that makes a valuable contribution to contemporary visual art and/or cultural heritage in the Netherlands and/or the Caribbean part of the Kingdom.
Deadline for submitting an application for a work period in 2027: 27 August 2026
More information: https://www.mondriaanfonds.nl/en/apply-for-a-grant/grants/residency/
Open Call – 100 Years of Stadspark Photography Competition – Groningen
IVN Groningen Haren is organising a photography competition to showcase the natural beauty of Stadspark. The winner will receive a €200 cash prize.
Deadline: 1 September 2026
More information & terms: https://www.ivn.nl/afdeling/groningen-haren/leren-over-de-natuur/ivn-fotowedstrijd-eeuwig-groen-stadspark/
Open Call – Exhibit at NOCKNOCK – Amsterdam
NOCKNOCK offers artists the opportunity to present their work directly to a broad and engaged audience, without the involvement of galleries. You’ll connect directly with art lovers and collectors, giving you the chance not only to sell your work but also to share the story behind it.
With strong visibility through social media, newsletters, PR and events, you’ll reach thousands of potential buyers before, during and after the fair. You’ll also exhibit alongside approximately 150–180 fellow artists, creating an inspiring environment to learn, collaborate and grow.
More information: https://nocknockart.com/artfair2027registration/
Open Call – Muzen van Morgen 2027 – AVROTROS & MUZE Magazine
Muzen van Morgen is a talent development programme for emerging visual artists, initiated by AVROTROS and MUZE Magazine. Each year, a professional jury selects four promising young artists. Throughout the year, these artists receive paid commissions and increased visibility.
Muzen van Morgen Programme 2027
As part of the 2027 programme, the four selected artists will receive a year of support and exposure, including:
- (Online) visibility through AVROTROS channels
- A feature interview in MUZE Magazine (the Netherlands’ largest art magazine)
- A joint final exhibition at the Van Abbehuis
- The opportunity to be represented at an art fair
Deadline: 31 August 2026
More information: https://www.avrotros.nl/article/open-call-muzen-van-morgen-2027/
Open Call – Symbio Art Prize 2026–2027 – Oerol Terschelling
For this fifth anniversary edition, Stichting Symbio and Oerol Festival once again invite visual artists to address the disrupted relationship between people and nature. They are looking for work that challenges, moves and inspires people towards a more sustainable future.
Can you make a world in transition tangible? The winning artwork will become part of the visual arts programme at Oerol Festival on Terschelling in June 2027, during an edition centred on small revolutions and collective action.
Application deadline: 1 September 2026
More information: https://www.stichtingsymbio.nu/open-call-25-26-en
Open Call – PRACHT IN DE GRACHT 2027 – Zaltbommel
For the tenth edition of Pracht in de Gracht, the organisers are seeking visual artists to participate in this unique biennial art route on and around the historic canals of Zaltbommel. Pracht in de Gracht presents contemporary art in the public space, with the canals and their surroundings serving as the backdrop for unexpected encounters between art, the city and its visitors.
For the anniversary edition, taking place from mid-June to mid-September 2027, approximately 15 to 20 artists will be selected, representing a mix of local, regional and national talent. At least one place will be reserved for an emerging young artist.
Submission deadline: 12 September 2026
More information: https://www.prachtindegracht.nl/opencall/
Open Call – Textile Biennale 2027 – Museum Rijswijk
For the upcoming edition of the Textile Biennale (8 July – 21 November 2027), Museum Rijswijk invites artists to reflect on the theme Colonial Patterns from their own artistic practice and perspective. The museum deliberately interprets the concept of patterns in a broad sense: as decorative motifs, repetitions, social or historical systems, visible structures and invisible legacies.
Your approach may be personal, social, political, poetic or speculative. The work may explore visible patterns in textiles, as well as the invisible structures that continue to shape our world today. Textiles take centre stage as a medium for stories, craftsmanship, symbolism and social change.
Application period: 1 September – 1 October 2026
More information: https://museumrijswijk.nl/tentoonstelling-open-call-textiel-biennale-2027–koloniale-patronen-373
OPEN CALL – HIGH VOLTAGE – KUNSTKANTINE – Groningen
This October, HIGH VOLTAGE transforms the Machinefabriek into a space charged with movement, sound and collective energy. They invite artists to submit work that explores energy in all its forms—not only as electricity or infrastructure, but as movement, rhythm, transformation, connection and collective experience.
Inspired by the building’s industrial history, The Current by Club Guy & Roni and the energy of rave and club culture, HIGH VOLTAGE brings together artists whose work resonates with themes of change, renewal, identity and freedom. We welcome submissions from artists working across all disciplines, including installation, sculpture, painting, photography, video, sound, performance and interdisciplinary practices.
Application period: 6 July – 30 August 2026
More information: https://www.kunstkantine.art/open-call
Open call The Royal Award of Modern Painting
Do you make visual art and are you younger than 35? One of the oldest art awards in the Netherlands: The Royal Award of Modern Painting, offers a stage and springboard for your career.
Submit your work from 1 July up to 31 August 2026 at the latest and who knows, you might soon receive this prestigious award from the hands of the King and your work might be exhibited between the historic chandeliers in the Royal Palace Amsterdam from February to March 2027.
For more information and the registration page: https://www.paleisamsterdam.nl/en/open-call-2027-eng/
Open Call – Treasures in Drenthe – Museum of Paper-Cutting Art in Westerbork and K&C
Cut (or carve) your own story
The Museum of Paper-Cutting Art in Westerbork and K&C are inviting professional artists from the Northern Netherlands to take part in Treasures in Drenthe.The organisations are looking for artists who draw inspiration from the art of cutting and carving – as a living, intangible heritage – and who can propose a new work. Whether you work with paper or other materials, with performance, movement or another visual art discipline; every perspective is welcome!
Selected artists will be given a space in the museum to develop their proposal and will receive a fee of €750 (incl. VAT). Material costs to be agreed.
The exhibition of the work will run from 1 October 2026 to 3 April 2027 (opening 1 October 2026).
What is required?
• Project proposal (max. 300 words)
• Statement of intent (max. 200 words)
• A portfolio or selection of relevant work (max. 10 images).
• Please submit all components in a single PDF, file name: Title_YourName.pdfDeadline: 30 August 2026
Deadline: 30 August 2026
Can you breathe new life into heritage?
Applications and further information: www.kunstencultuur.nl/schattenindrenthe
Questions? From 22 July 2026: cora.jongsma@kunstencultuur.nl
💰 Stichting Stokroos is offering 15 grants of €5,000 this autumn for emerging designers, makers, and craftspeople. This includes (landscape) architects, graphic designers, illustrators, fashion, jewelry or textile designers, product designers, animators, printers, mold makers, ceramicists, and goldsmiths.
Requirements
✅ You must have 3 to 8 years of professional practice
✅ Application includes portfolio, CV, a short plan, and budget
✅ The proposal must focus on development (research, experimentation, or production, e.g., a prototype)
❌ Not for exhibitions, publications, or residencies
✅ Selection based on quality and originality of portfolio, urgency of the plan, and geographic distribution
⏰ When to apply?
- 15 May to 30 June 2026 (full)
- 1 September to 31 October 2026
Stokroos considers a maximum of 60 applications per period.
ℹ️ For more info and application: Stichting Stokroos
📧 Questions: mail@stokroos.nl
Open Call – Impulse Grant – Kunstraad Groningen
The Impulse Grant by Kunstraad Groningen is for artists based in Groningen who want to boost their artistic development.
↗️ A low-threshold scheme designed to support your artistic growth—whether you’re just starting out or already established and exploring something new.
✅ Main criterion: the activity must contribute to your long-term artistic development
✅ The activity must take place within six months after the deadline
💰 Funding covers up to 100% of costs, with a maximum of €2,500 (including VAT if applicable)
💰 Annual budget: €75,000 (2025–2028), divided over four rounds per year
⏰ Next deadline: September 1, 2026
ℹ️ For info and application: Kunstraad Groningen – Impulsregeling
Open Call – Artist in Residence AnnAtopiA – Het Goordonk (North Brabant)
Professional artists, poets, and writers can apply for a residency at AnnAtopiA AiR. Work in the forest studio (Boshut) and stay in the forest house (Boshuis).
Disciplines
All visual and performing arts, creative writing
🗓️ Duration
From one week
📍 Location
AnnAtopiA
Het Goordonk 15
5111 GG Baarle-Nassau
💸 Cost
€250 per week (excluding living expenses)
Special rates available for students, emerging artists, and those with limited means
Application requirements
- Professional art education / CV / portfolio
- Motivation and outline of work plan
Program includes
- Introductory meeting
- Agreement signing
- Discussion of motivation and work plan
- Coaching sessions and press opportunities
- Final reflection report
Expected outcome
- Positive contribution to artistic development
- At least one completed work
📧 Apply via: AirAnnAtopiA@gmail.com
✉️ Or by post:
Stichting AnnAtopiA
Vondelinghof 2
4908 DV Oosterhout
ℹ️ For more info: AirAnnAtopiA@gmail.com
Open Call – Pakje Kunst – MOW / Museum Westerwolde
Since September 24, 2023, the MOW museum shop has featured a “Pakje Kunst” vending machine. These are small artworks, the size of a cigarette pack, sold through a vintage mechanical vending machine. Each box costs €6, and the proceeds go almost entirely to the participating artists.
The museum is always looking for artists from Westerwolde, Oldambt, Pekela, Veendam, and Stadskanaal who enjoy surprising, confusing, moving, or lightly provoking people with small-scale artworks.
For more information: Pakje Kunst | MOW
Apply via Anja Grijze