Organizer Information
Galerie Biesenbach is a contemporary art gallery founded in 2012 and directed by Stéphane Biesenbach in collaboration with Bettina Rogulla. Based in Cologne, Germany, the gallery focuses on international contemporary art, particularly painting and wall sculpture. Its program balances abstract and figurative practices, supporting both emerging and established artists through solo exhibitions, thematic group shows, art fairs, and collaborations with other cultural institutions. ART MATTERS extends this mission into the digital sphere, allowing the gallery to discover artists and present diverse artistic perspectives to a wider audience.
Title & Description
ART MATTERS 18: International Open Call for Artists
ART MATTERS 18 is the 18th edition of Galerie Biesenbach's recurring open-call exhibition program. Unlike themed editions, this round has no predefined artistic theme, giving artists greater freedom to submit work reflecting their individual practices and perspectives.
The gallery will select nine finalists for an online group exhibition, presenting their submitted artworks on its website and social media channels. At the conclusion of the online presentation, two winners will be announced and invited to participate in a physical group exhibition at the gallery in Cologne. The initiative encourages artistic diversity and creates dialogue between different approaches to contemporary art.
Categories
- Visual Art
- Contemporary Art
- Painting
- Sculpture and Wall Sculpture
- Mixed Media and other visual-art disciplines
The listed categories describe the gallery's artistic focus, not a confirmed exhaustive list of eligible media.
Eligibility
The opportunity is presented as a global call for artists, welcoming submissions from diverse artistic backgrounds. However, the current source does not specify detailed requirements concerning age, professional experience, nationality, or career stage. Applicants should consult the official call page for the complete eligibility criteria before submitting.
Program Benefits & Awards
- Online exhibition: Nine selected finalists receive exposure through the gallery's website and social media channels.
- Physical exhibition: Two winners are invited to participate in a group exhibition at Galerie Biesenbach in Cologne.
- Professional visibility: Selected artists gain an opportunity to introduce their work to an international audience through the gallery's established exhibition platform.
Cash prizes, travel funding, accommodation, and other financial awards are not confirmed in the available announcement.
Application Fee
None
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 31 October 2026
Location
Online and Cologne, Germany
Additional Details
ART MATTERS has operated since April 2020, developing a recurring platform for discovering artists and presenting contemporary art beyond conventional gallery exhibitions. Artists should verify the current edition's submission requirements, artwork specifications, and any associated costs directly with the organizer. Selection for the online exhibition does not guarantee an invitation to the physical group show.