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 - 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.
More information: https://www.kunstkantine.art/open-call
Application period: 6 July – 30 August 2026
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
Open Call – AiR Dwingeloo – Galerie Dwingeloo (Dwingelderveld National Park)
Surrounded by a unique area of woodland and heathland, the Dwingelderveld National Park, Galerie Dwingeloo is situated next to Havezate Westrup. Since 2025, Galerie Dwingeloo has provided a space for local and regional (art) activities, whilst also aiming to be a stimulating place of residence for young, promising and talented artists. For half a year, the gallery space transforms into AIR Dwingeloo, where three residencies of approximately two months’ duration will take place. During each AIR period, two artists at a time can come here to reflect, find inspiration and experiment. They can also receive guidance.Who is it for?
- For talented and promising artists aged 35 and under.
- For artists living in the North or elsewhere, but who have a strong connection to the North or specifically to Drenthe.
- AIR Dwingeloo focuses specifically on painters and draughtsmen.
What we offer, amongst other things
- You can stay free of charge and make use of the fully equipped work and living space, including all new facilities.
- You will receive a financial contribution of €500 (for material costs, for example).
- If a work is sold during the closing presentation, the proceeds are yours.
- Additional guidance regarding your artistic development and/or entrepreneurship.
- You will be involved in various promotional activities.
What we expect from you
- You are present on a regular basis; at least four days a week.
- You work independently and bring your own materials.
- You are willing to share your process and your work with a diverse audience during the open studio weekend and the subsequent presentation.
- You enjoy working in a quiet environment and respect the house rules.
Selection
A selection committee will choose two residents from the applications. This will be based on the documents submitted. The selection process will take into account, amongst other things, the quality and development of your work or practice, as well as your cultural entrepreneurship. It will also consider how AIR Dwingeloo can support you in these areas.
Application deadline: 1 August
In your application, we ask you to explain why you wish to undertake a residency at this specific location and what you would like to achieve during this period. If you would like support with your artistic process or entrepreneurship, please indicate this as well.
Contact
For further information regarding the AIR, the house rules and the application form, please email kunstbureauarteria@outlook.com
💰 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