MEMPHIS CALLING: Open Call for a Curatorial Exhibition Concept

About this call

Kunstraum Memphis in Linz, Austria, has developed its programme internally and with invited contributors since 2014; with MEMPHIS CALLING it opens the programme to external curatorial perspectives through an international open call for the first time. It is looking for a curatorial concept for an exhibition bringing together several artistic positions, to be realised in early 2027 (mid-January to the end of February), with an independent perspective that complements, shifts or challenges its existing programme. The curatorial question may take spatial, performative, discursive, participatory or other forms, and experimental and transdisciplinary approaches are explicitly welcome. The Memphis Light Box, a 1 x 6 metre light box on the exterior facade, can be used as an additional presentation space. Up to EUR 7,500 is available for conception and realisation, with fees guided by the Fair Pay recommendations of the Austrian Cultural Council, and Memphis also provides the spaces, organisational and technical support, printed materials, press work and documentation. Selection is by the Memphis team with an external expert, announced by 15 November 2026.

Who can apply

• International applicants
• Medium: Curatorial
• Entry fee: See official site
• Open to curators, artists and other cultural practitioners working curatorially; individuals, duos or collectives may apply. Proposals primarily centred on the applicants' own artistic work are not sought. Applications in German or English, online only: a proposal title and short description (max. 750 characters), a curatorial proposal (max. 2 pages), a representative image, a short biography and CV (max. 2 pages), up to three references to previous work, and an estimated total cost with a preliminary budget.