Organizer Information
State of Fashion is a dynamic international platform dedicated to challenging and reimagining the conventional fashion system by linking it directly to pressing societal issues and global challenges. With a core mission encapsulated in the question, "How can fashion and textiles contribute to a better world?", the organization curates thought-provoking exhibitions, discussions, and collaborations that explore sustainable, ethical, and innovative practices in fashion. Founded to foster dialogue between creators, communities, and the environment, State of Fashion has become a beacon for progressive design, emphasizing inclusivity, cultural exchange, and systemic change. This particular open call is a collaborative effort with FDFA (Fashion Design Festival Arnhem), a vibrant initiative that celebrates local and international talent through events, workshops, and activations in the Netherlands. Additional partners include Mode Partners 025—a consortium comprising Museum Arnhem, ArtEZ University of the Arts, Rijn IJssel vocational college, State of Fashion, and FDFA—along with Rozet, a multifunctional cultural hub in Arnhem. The curatorial team for the upcoming Biennale, consisting of Anne Zhou, Anouchka van Driel, and Shanu Walpita, brings diverse expertise in fashion curation, ensuring a multifaceted approach. Together, these entities create a supportive ecosystem for artists to engage with Arnhem's rich creative heritage, blending education, public space interventions, and global narratives to amplify voices that promise transformative futures through fashion.
Title & Description
Open Call in Collaboration with FDFA
This invitation calls upon fashion designers, makers, and professionals to develop groundbreaking new works for the State of Fashion Biennale 2026, themed Available to Promise: Hidden Systems, Shared Futures. Running from 14 May to 28 June 2026 in Arnhem, the Biennale probes the foundational "promises" embedded in fashion systems—what commitments can we make to each other, the land, and tomorrow, and what remains viable amid hidden infrastructures? Participants will craft a single new piece aligned with one of five sub-themes: Develop (shaping ideas into tangible forms and materials); Distribute (the journeys of fashion across global supply chains); Hype (the algorithmic and trend-driven spectacle of desire); Experience (garments as lived stories and encounters); or Transform (reimagining practices for equity and sustainability). Selected works will be showcased in Rozet's immersive spaces, with a dedicated activation—such as a performance, runway show, or interactive installation—in Arnhem's evocative Historic City Cellars. This opportunity empowers creators to interrogate fashion's hidden mechanics, weaving personal and collective narratives that envision shared, hopeful futures, all while immersing in a festival atmosphere of cross-cultural inspiration and public engagement.
Categories
Fashion design and textiles (encompassing conceptual fashion, material innovation, wearable art, performance-based activations, and interdisciplinary practices that critique or reframe fashion systems).
Eligibility
Open to all designers, makers, and fashion professionals worldwide, with a preference for those holding a creative connection to Arnhem—such as alumni of ArtEZ University of the Arts or Rijn IJssel, local practitioners, or self-taught artists inspired by the city's ecosystem. No formal educational qualifications are required; emerging and established talents from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply, provided their work resonates with fashion as a discipline and the Biennale's thematic depth.
Program Benefits & Awards
Five artists will be selected, each receiving a production fee of €2,500 (excluding VAT) to support development, plus a €1,000 working budget (excluding VAT) for materials like fabrics, tools, or activation elements (e.g., staging a one-time performance). Participants gain prime exhibition space in Rozet during the Biennale, reaching thousands of international visitors, alongside high-profile promotion through State of Fashion's global channels, including digital campaigns, catalogues, and media partnerships. Additional perks include personalized coaching from FDFA's Sjaak Hullekes throughout the creation process, fostering skill-building and conceptual refinement. This exposure often catalyses further opportunities, such as commissions, residencies, or collaborations, while contributing to a permanent dialogue on ethical fashion. No travel or accommodation stipends are specified, but the platform's prestige enhances professional networks in Europe's vibrant design scene.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- A concise project plan in English (maximum one A4 page), which can include text, sketches, diagrams, or visuals to describe the proposed new work and its activation (e.g., a show, performance, or installation).
- The plan must explicitly connect to the overarching theme Available to Promise and one of the five sub-themes, demonstrating how the work translates these ideas into fashion practice.
No CV, portfolio, or personal details are explicitly required, allowing focus on the idea's potential; however, applicants should ensure clarity in conveying feasibility and thematic alignment.
How to Apply?
Submit your project plan via email to info@fdfarnhem.nl.
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 23 December 2025
- Notification Date: End of January 2026
Location
Arnhem, Netherlands
Additional Details
A jury comprising representatives from Mode Partners 025, Rozet, and the Biennale curators (Anne Zhou, Anouchka van Driel, Shanu Walpita) will evaluate submissions based on thematic relevance, originality, and execution potential—expect holistic reviews prioritising diverse perspectives. While the call welcomes global applicants, the Arnhem connection adds contextual depth, celebrating the city's role as a fashion innovation hub. Artists are responsible for their own travel and lodging, but FDFA coaching ensures practical support during realisation. The Biennale emphasises accessibility and sustainability, with works encouraged to incorporate eco-conscious materials or narratives. For inspiration, explore past editions on the State of Fashion website; updates or queries can be directed to the submission email. This call not only spotlights individual creativity but also builds collective momentum toward fashion's regenerative possibilities, inviting bold promises for a more equitable world.