Organizer Information:

ŠUM is a journal for art and theory-fiction based in Ljubljana, Slovenia. Published twice a year in print and online, it operates at the intersection of contemporary art, philosophy, and accelerationist theory. The journal is known for exploring how fiction and theory intertwine to produce new realities.

Title & Description:

Applications are open for ŠUM #26 & #27: The Cult.

This open call investigates the "Cult" as a critical figure for understanding how reality is produced, organized, and contested. Against the backdrop of a contemporary art world engaged with conspiracy, occultism, geopolitics, and memetic technologies, the editors seek to explore how minimal collectives produce epistemological shifts that later appear as naturalized worldviews.

The call invites contributions that examine the cult as an incubator of ideas—analyzing its role in shaping contemporary culture and its possible futures.

Category:

Writing / Visual Arts / Art Criticism.

  • Writers: Academic, theory-fictional, and literary texts (abstracts or full texts).

  • Artists: Projects in any medium related to the theme.

  • Art Critics: Writers interested in authoring commissioned essays on the selected art projects.

Eligibility:

  • Writers: Researchers in philosophy, media studies, sociology, theology, etc.

  • Artists: Emerging artists based in Europe and the UK.

  • Art Critics: Open to writers interested in the topic.

Program Benefits & Awards:

  • Writers/Critics: €300 fee and 2 printed copies of the issue.

  • Artists: Feature in the printed issue (4 pages, color) and online (up to 8 images + multimedia), accompanied by a commissioned text written by a theorist/curator about the work. Artists receive 3 printed copies.

  • Visibility: Promotion through ŠUM’s institutional distribution network and social media.

Application Fee:

Free.

Application Requirements:

All applications must be sent via email to info@sum.si with the specific subject line for your category (e.g., "Šum #26 Open Call for Writers").

  1. Writers: Completed application form (.doc) + Abstract or Full Text (English).

  2. Artists: Completed application form (.doc) + Proposal (PDF max 25MB) including title, technical info, statement, and visual documentation.

  3. Critics: Completed application form (.doc).

How to Apply?

Download the specific application form for your category from the website and email it to info@sum.si.

Key Dates:

  • Application Deadline: 21 February 2026 (23:59 CEST).

  • Results Notification: 1 March 2026 (Writers/Artists); 1 April 2026 (Critics).

  • First Drafts Due: April/June 2026 (depending on category).

Location:

Ljubljana, Slovenia / International (Print & Online).

Contact Information:

Email: info@sum.si

Website: Official Open Call