Organizer Information
Aarhus Billedkunstcenter (AaBKC) is a leading contemporary art institution based in Aarhus, Denmark, dedicated to supporting professional visual artists through exhibitions, advisory services, networking, and development programs. As a central hub within the Danish art ecosystem, AaBKC actively collaborates with national and international partners, including institutions such as Sound Art Lab and the Jutland Academy of Fine Arts. The organization plays a key role in fostering experimental and site-specific artistic practices, particularly within urban contexts. Through its initiatives, AaBKC aims to integrate contemporary art into public spaces and contribute to the cultural development of Aarhus’ evolving districts, including Sydhavnen—a former industrial harbor area now transformed into a vibrant creative and cultural neighborhood.
Title & Description
Platform for Sound Art 2027 – Public Space Exhibition Program in Aarhus
The Platform for Sound Art 2027 open call invites professional artists to develop innovative sound-based artworks for a unique public art platform located in Sydhavnen, Aarhus. This initiative is part of a broader exhibition program that integrates contemporary art into urban development, positioning artistic practice as a co-creator of public space.
Artists are encouraged to explore the relationship between sound and the urban environment, investigating how sonic experiences can shape perception, influence movement, and transform spatial awareness. The 2027 program is conceptually centered on the city as a “living organism,” emphasizing constant transformation, collective experience, and sensory interaction beyond physical infrastructure.
Selected artists will create site-specific sound works designed for a quadraphonic speaker system installed beneath an elevated railway. This distinctive technical setup enables immersive auditory experiences, challenging traditional exhibition formats and engaging audiences in a dynamic public setting.
Categories
- Sound Art
- Media Art
- Installation
- Public Art
- Multimedia
Eligibility
- Open to professional artists from all backgrounds
- Applicants must demonstrate an interest in site-specific practice and public space engagement
- No nationality restriction (international applicants eligible)
- Suitable for emerging and established artists working with sound and interdisciplinary practices
Program Benefits & Awards
- Exhibition Fee: DKK 25,000 per project
- Opportunity to present work within a high-visibility public art platform
- Inclusion in a curated exhibition program for 2027
- Additional fees for participation in public events
- Professional exposure through collaboration with Aarhus Billedkunstcenter and partners
- Institutional support and guidance in applying for production funding
- Integration into a broader network of curators, institutions, and cultural actors
This program provides a significant platform for artists interested in expanding their practice into urban, public, and experimental contexts.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- A motivation statement (max 1 page) explaining the artistic approach and relation to the site
- Up to 3 examples of previous work (audio files submitted as a ZIP if applicable)
- A short CV (max 1 page per artist)
- All materials compiled into a single PDF file
How to Apply?
Submit your application via email to: coordinator@aabkc.dk
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 15 April 2026
- Notification of Results: Early May 2026
Location
Aarhus, Denmark
Additional Details
- The platform consists of a quadraphonic sound system (four speakers arranged spatially), enabling immersive sound compositions
- Artists must submit final works in four-channel audio format (mono MP3 files)
- Projects should actively engage with the social and physical context of the site
- The program is curated in collaboration with Sound Art Lab and the Jutland Academy of Fine Arts
- The initiative is part of a broader effort to integrate contemporary art into urban transformation processes
This open call is particularly suited for artists exploring experimental sound practices, spatial audio, and interdisciplinary approaches within public environments.