nGbK Open Call for Curatorial Projects, 2028 Program

About this call

neue Gesellschaft für bildende Kunst (nGbK), a grassroots democratic art association in Berlin funded by the city, invites curatorial project proposals for its 2028 program from members and those interested in membership. The call is open to all formats in the visual arts and interdisciplinary practice, including group and solo exhibitions combined with events, performance series or festivals, plus educational and engagement formats. Proposals go into one of three categories: A, one-year projects in 2028 fully funded by nGbK (project costs up to €74,999, of which €55,000 is allocated by the workgroup), with an exhibition of up to eight weeks at Karl-Liebknecht-Straße; C, larger projects by experienced workgroups with up to €20,000 in initial funds while external funding is sought; and N, neighbourhood projects in the outdoor space around Karl-Liebknecht-Straße with up to €4,500. Members choose the program in two rounds: an online vote from 11 to 20 December 2026 sets a shortlist, and the general assembly votes in person on 6 February 2027.

Who can apply

• Open to applicants of any nationality
• Medium: Curatorial
• Entry fee: See official site
• Proposals come from workgroups of at least five people with curatorial, artistic, art-historical, sociological, political-activist or other art-related backgrounds. Every member of the curatorial team must be or become an nGbK member, with the membership fee received by 30 January 2027 (the fee amount is not stated in the call). At least three workgroup members must be based in Berlin, while the other members need not be. Categories C and N require proven curatorial (and for N, mediation) experience, documented by up to three reference projects of at least one applicant. Artists in a curatorial team are expected not to exhibit their own work, though the nGbK's governing bodies may decide otherwise in individual cases. Proposals in German or English through the form on ngbk.de by 29 November 2026, 23:59: a short description (Category A up to 1,800 characters, C and N up to 3,500), a project concept (A up to 5,400 characters, C and N up to 10,500), a workgroup introduction (up to 1,800), a schedule (up to 1,500), one landscape image (max. 1 MB) and, recommended, up to seven images or sketches visualizing the concept (max. 1 MB each). Financial plans must use the current nGbK template; a Category A project is costed at €13,000 to €74,999, fully covered by nGbK funds. Plans should include fees for workgroup tasks and must include German/English translation. Shortlisted groups revise by 18 January 2027. Representatives of each shortlisted workgroup present the project at the general assembly on 6 February 2027, which is held in person only, and answer members' questions. Travel from European countries should use climate-friendly transport, and flights are to be avoided for journeys of eight hours or less. Selected workgroups commit to about three to five hours of unpaid association work a month, and meetings are in German.