Organizer Information:
Galerie Biesenbach, based in Cologne, Germany, is an internationally recognized contemporary art gallery presenting innovative works across disciplines. The gallery showcases both emerging and established artists, providing a platform for experimental and contemporary visual art through exhibitions, open calls, and curated projects. Its ART MATTERS series, launched in 2020, combines online exposure with physical exhibitions, connecting artists with audiences worldwide.
Title & Description:
ART MATTERS 15 Open Call invites visual artists from around the world to participate in a hybrid exhibition format. Artists submit one artwork to be featured in a curated online group exhibition from December 8–16, 2025, with nine finalists highlighted daily on Galerie Biesenbach’s website, online shop, and Instagram. Two winners from the finalists will be invited to take part in the second physical ART MATTERS group exhibition at the gallery in Cologne in December 2026. The open call is open in theme and medium, welcoming figurative, abstract, or experimental works that engage and surprise the audience. Additional artists will receive “Honorable Mentions,” featured in Instagram stories during the online exhibition.
Categories:
Visual Art, Painting, Sculpture, Mixed Media, Photography, Digital Art, Conceptual Art, Figurative Art, Abstract Art.
Eligibility:
- International open call, artists 18 years or older
- Open to all artistic disciplines
- Only original works available for sale, with copyright owned by the artist
Program Benefits & Awards:
- Inclusion in a curated online group exhibition
- Recognition through daily Instagram stories featuring Honorable Mentions
- Two winners invited to participate in the physical group exhibition at Galerie Biesenbach, Cologne
- Global exposure through online platforms and the gallery’s network
- Opportunity to sell submitted artwork via the gallery shop (50/50 commission split)
Application Fee:
€20 per application (non-refundable)
Application Requirements:
- One image of the artwork (max 2MB)
- Artist CV including exhibition history (max 1MB)
- Artist statement (max 1MB)
- Personal details: Name, Year of Birth, Email, Website/Instagram (optional)
- Confirmation of participation and copyright ownership
How to Apply:
Online Application
Key Dates:
- Application Deadline: 30 November 2025
- Online Exhibition: December 8–16, 2025
- Announcement of 9 Finalists & 27 Honorable Mentions: December 4–6, 2025
- Winner Announcement: 17 December 2025
- Physical Exhibition (Winners): December 2026
Location:
- Physical Exhibition: Galerie Biesenbach, Cologne, Germany
- Online Exhibition: Galerie Biesenbach website and Instagram
Additional Details:
- No restrictions on theme, style, or medium
- Artwork must be appropriate (no pornographic, violent, or racist content)
- Submitted works must be for sale; the gallery and artist split sales 50/50
- Payment confirmation serves as official registration
Website Link: https://www.galerie-biesenbach.de/en/art-matters-en
