Matsu International Biennial

The 3rd Matsu Biennial invites international artists and creators to submit proposals for site-specific or participatory works inspired by the unique cultural, historical, and ecological landscape of the Matsu Islands in Taiwan. Centered on the theme “Your Sea, My Land,” this open call encourages creative reflections on Matsu’s Cold War legacy, maritime identity, and sustainable cultural preservation. Selected projects will receive up to NT$1,000,000 in funding and be exhibited during the biennial, held from September 5 to November 16, 2025.

Information & Application Details:

● Deadline for Proposals: 17:00 (GMT+8), 24 January 2025 (Fri.)
● Announcement of Results: Before 17:00 (GMT+8), 31 March 2025 (Mon.) (contingent on the actual review situation)
● Completion of the Works: Before 20 August 2025 ● Event Period: From 5 September to 16 November 2025

Eligibility:

• Applicants: Open to individuals, collectives, and organizations worldwide. Both emerging and established artists, architects, designers, curators, and interdisciplinary practitioners are encouraged to apply.
• Project Scope: Proposals must be site-specific or participatory and resonate with the theme “Your Sea, My Land.” The projects should creatively engage with Matsu’s cultural, historical, or ecological context.
• Medium: All artistic disciplines and mediums are welcome, including visual arts, installation, performance, sound art, and digital media.

Theme:

“Your Sea, My Land”
Exploring Matsu’s history as a Cold War frontline island and its transformation into a cultural and ecological hub. Artists are invited to reinterpret its maritime heritage, military relics, and unique cultural identity.

Sub-themes:
● Cold War and New Cold War Culture
● Island Cultural Identity
● Maritime Cultural Sustainability (Determined at the artists’ discretion)

Proposal Submission:

Proposals should be submitted by email.
● Proposals should be emailed to “proposal.matsubiennial@gmail.com.”
● Email subject: “MB2025 proposal_ Artist name_ Project name”
● If you submit the files in the cloud, please make sure to give us access to them.
● Once the project proposal is submitted, no further changes or adjustments can be made to the content of the proposal.

Selection Process:

The selection process for the 3rd Matsu Biennial involves evaluating proposals based on their alignment with the biennial’s theme and vision, as well as the applicant’s experience and discourse. A jury of 5–7 members, including international curators, will ensure an objective and fair review process through preliminary eligibility checks, proposal reviews, and interviews. Up to four proposals will be chosen, with the final number subject to circumstances, and alternates selected if withdrawals occur. The final results will be announced by March 2025 on the official website, with successful applicants required to sign agreements by April 2025 and complete their works as planned.

Prizes:

Selected projects receive up to NT$1,000,000 (~USD $31,000) for production, including travel, accommodation, and materials.

Submission Requirements:

• Proposal:
  a. Title / Philosophy / Description / Production Process / Materials / Method / Dimensions / Schedule for Creation and Installation
  b. Visual materials, such as sketches, digital models, or 3D simulations
  c. Budget plan (incl. the costs of design, conceptualization, production, personnel, material, tool, freight, workshop, installation/dismantling, venue restoration, travel, as well as board and lodging)
  d. Project schedule
  Proposal Format:
  ● The total submission of the required documents should be set in A4 format for printing, maximum 10 pages.
  ● The electronic file format should be PDF, JPEG, or MP4, and the total file size should not exceed 1GB.
• ● All the submitted documents should be in Chinese or English.
• *Please feel free to write to us if you have any questions about the submission process.

• CV & Portfolio: Max 6 pages (A4 in PDF).
• Motivation Letter: Max 1 page (A4), explaining your alignment with the theme.

Contact and Resources:

For inquiries regarding “The 3rd Matsu Biennial Open Call for International Proposals,” contact the submission working group via email at proposal.matsubiennial@gmail.com. Updates and adjustments will be posted on the official website and fan page at https://matsubiennial.tw/. A Q&A will also be published online.

Website link: https://matsubiennial.tw/news/details/32