MEMPHIS CALLING: Open Call for a Curatorial Exhibition Concept 2027

MEMPHIS CALLING: International Open Call for Curatorial Exhibition Concepts Organizer Information Kunstraum Memphis is a contemporary art space in Linz, Austria, whose programme has been developed since 2014 through internal initiatives and collaborations with invited contributors. Its practice engages with the intersections of art, society, politics, economics, and technology, encouraging critical inquiry and transdisciplinary approaches. With MEMPHIS CALLING, the organization is opening its programme to external curatorial perspectives through an international open call for the first time. The initiative seeks to introduce independent ideas that complement, challenge, or expand the existing programme. Title & Description MEMPHIS CALLING: International Open Call for Curatorial Exhibition Concepts MEMPHIS CALLING invites curators, artists, and cultural practitioners to submit an original curatorial concept for a group exhibition scheduled for early 2027. Under the guiding question, “What haven’t we thought of yet?”, the open call encourages proposals that examine contemporary developments, conflicts, and emerging questions through experimental and interdisciplinary approaches. Submissions may address social, political, ecological, economic, or technological issues, including themes such as digital infrastructure, memory, resistance, community, exile, and alternative forms of knowledge and production. These subjects provide context rather than mandatory themes. Applicants are encouraged to develop independent perspectives that introduce questions or approaches not yet explored by Kunstraum Memphis. The proposed exhibition may incorporate spatial, performative, discursive, participatory, or other artistic formats. Applicants may identify participating artists and specific artworks in advance, although confirmed participants and works are not required at the submission stage. The Memphis Light Box, a 1 × 6-metre illuminated display on the building’s exterior façade, may also be incorporated into the concept. Categories Visual Art Curatorial Projects Contemporary Art Installation Art Performance Art Participatory Art Interdisciplinary and Transdisciplinary Art Discursive and Experimental Exhibition Formats Text-Based Art Eligibility The open call welcomes international applications from curators, artists, and other cultural practitioners with curatorial experience or practices. Applications may be submitted by individuals, duos, or collectives. There is no specified nationality or age restriction in the published guidelines. The opportunity is intended for applicants proposing exhibitions that bring together multiple artistic positions. Projects primarily focused on presenting the applicant’s own artistic work are not sought. Applicants should demonstrate the curatorial quality, coherence, and practical feasibility of their proposals. Program Benefits & Awards The selected proposal will receive a project budget of up to €7,500, depending on the requirements of the exhibition. The budget covers the curatorial fee, participating artists’ fees, and necessary travel, transportation, production, materials, and project-specific technical expenses. Fees are guided by the Fair Pay recommendations of Kulturrat Österreich, within the available budget. Additional support includes exhibition space and existing infrastructure at Kunstraum Memphis, organizational and technical assistance, design and production of standard printed and communication materials, press and public relations, support for the opening and related events, and documentation for the organization’s website and social media. The selected applicant may also undertake an optional working stay of up to ten days in Linz, with accommodation provided free of charge. Further publications, expanded documentation, and specialized communication formats are not automatically covered and must be budgeted separately or independently organized. Application Fee None How to Apply? Online Application Key Dates Application Deadline: 25 October 2026 Selection announcement: By 15 November 2026. Exhibition period: Mid-January to the end of February 2027. Location Kunstraum Memphis, Linz, Austria Additional Details Selection will be conducted by the Memphis team in collaboration with an external expert. Evaluation criteria include curatorial quality, conceptual coherence, and feasibility within the available space, timeframe, and budget. The selected concept will be developed further in collaboration with the Memphis team. Applicants should account for all anticipated production and communication expenses in their preliminary budgets, particularly if their proposals require additional documentation, publications, or specialized promotional formats. Website Link: https://www.memphismemph.is/program/memphis-calling Share this opportunity: Leave a Comment Opportunity Details Showing Visit Official Website Add to Calendar Start Date 2026/09/30 Deadline 2026/10/25 Location Austria Entry Fee Free Participate Fee Free Category Art Art writing Curatorial Installation Interdisciplinary arts Performance Visual Arts Type Exhibition Artist Fee exhibition fee Production budget Travel costs Eligibility International Sign in to save bookmarks. Related Opportunities You might also love these Opportunities LA Exhibition PR Public Presentation Free Entry LNR Art Vitrine 2027 Open Call Organizer Information Les Nouveaux Riches (LNR) is a contemporary art and culture platform and magazine focused on producing, publishing, and promoting contemporary art and cultural projects. Its activities include editorial content, artist interviews, exhibitions, events, and opportunities for artists. LNR also curates the annual “Kunst-Schaukasten” (Art Vitrine) in Seeboden am Millstätter See, Austria, a public […] Art writing Digital Illustration +4 more Austria Closes Dec 30 Details UE Project Artist Fee Production budget Travel costs Free Entry Urban Ecologies: Public Art Open Call 2027 Or