Bærum Kunsthall — international open call for a solo exhibition of contemporary art in Norway (2027)
Sometimes a single exhibition can reshape the landscape of an artist’s practice. Bærum Kunsthall’s open call invites artists to propose their own exhibition project and become part of the programme at this contemporary art institution in Norway. Selected artists are given the space to stage a solo exhibition and the opportunity to present their work within the international professional context of Northern Europe.
The institution’s exhibition programme is built around the idea of experimental and independent contemporary art. Each exhibition period includes up to three solo exhibitions, taking place simultaneously in three galleries. The space allows for work with objects and painting, as well as installations, performance, sound and media projects.
The galleries have ceiling heights of 4.2–4.4 metres, making it possible to realise large-scale projects and spatial installations.
Who is this opportunity for
The programme is aimed at artists working within the context of the Scandinavian and Baltic art scenes. To apply, you must have a connection to this region – whether professional, research-based or cultural.
Such a connection may take various forms, for example: living or working in one of the countries in the region, participating in exhibitions or projects in Scandinavia or the Baltic states, or conducting artistic research related to the region’s cultural context.
Applications are accepted from both individual artists and duos.
For artists working in the Baltic states or with professional connections to the region, participating in this open call can be a natural step towards expanding their international exhibition practice.
What the artist receives
Selected projects become part of the institution’s official exhibition programme.
The organisation provides: exhibition space for a solo project, an artist’s fee, payment for participation in artist talks and public events, and a small travel allowance.
Although the programme is not a grant scheme, it offers a professional institutional platform, which is often more valuable than direct funding.
How to apply
Applications are submitted via an online form and must include the standard materials for an art project: the artist’s CV, a brief description of the project (500–2,500 characters), up to five images of works or project sketches, and, where necessary, links to videos, performances or audio files.
It is important to prepare all materials in advance. The submission system does not allow you to save your application while filling it in, so it is best to gather all files and texts before you start filling in the form.
Supported file formats: JPG, PNG, PDF; each file must be no larger than 1 MB.
Eligibility restrictions
Projects that have already been exhibited in Oslo or Eastern Norway within the last two years will not be considered. Furthermore, artists who have held solo exhibitions at Bærum Kunsthall in the past two years are not eligible to apply. An exception is made for participants in the institution’s group exhibitions and exhibitions by BKiB members.
Language of applications and communication
Applications may be submitted in the Scandinavian languages or in English. As the jury comprises international experts, the organisers recommend submitting your project in English where possible. English is also used in subsequent stages — for communication with the institution, preparation of the exhibition and the organisation of public events.
International Jury
Each year, the jury comprises representatives from various art scenes across the region. In previous years, the invited experts have included curators and artists from Latvia, Estonia and Finland.
This makes the open call not merely an exhibition opportunity, but part of a broader curatorial programme aimed at developing the Scandinavian-Baltic artistic dialogue.
The deadline for applications is 29 March 2026.
The selection process will determine the exhibition programme for 2027.
