The Urban Culture Institute – City of Weaves, in collaboration with the city of Bielsko-Biała, is calling for proposals for landscape art projects as part of its bid for the European Capital of Culture (ECOC) 2029. The deadline for submissions is 31 May 2024.
By Creatives Unite NewsroomLocated in the south of Poland, bordering the Czech Republic and Slovakia, Bielsko-Biała is surrounded by picturesque mountains. The city is seeking proposals from artists around the world with experience of working in natural outdoor spaces and a participatory approach to art. This initiative aims to engage with natural elements such as trees, rivers, sun, wind, rocks, fauna and flora, addressing climate challenges and sustainability while preserving the integrity of these elements. Bielsko-Biała's participation in the Goethe-Institut's Cities Ahead Academy has been instrumental in shaping this call. The Cities Ahead programme supports European cities in enhancing their international cultural visibility and attractiveness. The open call is an outgrowth of the Cities Ahead Academy, which took place in Bielsko-Biala in January 2024.
The key themes of Bielsko-Biała's candidacy for European Capital of Culture 2029 revolve around 'Weaving Wellbeing', which links the city's rich textile heritage with a broader vision of cultural and natural integration. Artists are invited to create environments that inspire tranquillity, reflection and a connection with nature, making use of the city's landscapes. Sustainability is also at the heart of the project, with artists being asked to consider the environmental impact of their work, raising awareness of environmental conservation and sustainable land management. In addition, proposals should encourage community involvement, fostering local pride and creativity by involving local people in the creation or appreciation of the art.
The call is open to international artists of all disciplines, including visual artists, sculptors, architects, designers and multimedia artists. Collaborative proposals are encouraged. An international jury will select at least one project, with the possibility of up to five, to be included in Bielsko-Biała's final bid for the European Capital of Culture 2029, with the selected projects to be announced by mid-June 2024. The implementation of these projects will start after the competition results, possibly between 2025 and 2029. Each selected project will receive a selection fee of €1500, with further implementation costs to be covered under separate agreements. Artists will have the opportunity to display their work in prominent public spaces in Bielsko-Biała and be featured in promotional materials and media coverage related to the project.
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Interested artists should submit a proposal in English here
For more information, visit www.citiesahead.eu
