By Paris Georgiou | Editor in Chief
The Goethe-Institut Cyprus is organizing an Open Call for Art Students, recent graduates, and emerging artists based in Cyprus. This is a opportunity to exhibit work in one of Nicosia’s symbolic and eminent art and culture institutions located in the Buffer Zone.
A Symbolism of Collaboration and Connection
There is something symbolic about this Open Call for Art Students to work in a a space that has witnessed division but now fosters dialogue. The Goethe-Institut‘s location hits a tone in the artistic subconscious, encouraging connection through artwork and linking German, Cypriot, and broader European identities. It speaks of travel, exchange, and inspired fusion, particularly from the viewpoint of graduate artists seeking to make their mark.
The themes are pertinent. Shared Histories invites exploration of multilingualism, queer histories, feminist narratives, and civil-society movements that shaped collective memory and human-rights discourse.
Ecologies in Dialogue addresses biodiversity, sustainability, and environmental justice, urging artists to consider resilience and ecological inequality.
Urban Cultures & Diversity examines architecture, mobility, safe spaces, migration, accessibility, public spaces, and activism.
What is creative activism? After all, its about being a lively Cypriot, caring and being an integral part of society, making creative efforts to improve life for future generations? These themes truly serve the purpose of cultural exchange for the Cypriot communities that have faced a challenging past, pointing hopefully toward a bright future for Cypriot life and identity. A clear conceptual focus is essential art must engage and captivate its audience. And when selected artworks are leased, it creates artistic longevity, allowing artistic qualities to linger, communicate, and raise contemporary issues while building solutions to what we collectively seek.
What Are They Looking For With This Open Call?
They are inviting artists for 2D, wall-mountable artworks or pieces suitable for a mantelpiece, painting, drawing, photography, print, textile, or mixed media. Works must engage with one of three themes: Shared Histories, Ecologies in Dialogue, or Urban Cultures & Diversity. Both new and existing artworks are welcome, with up to four proposals per applicant.
Why Apply?
Selected artworks will be leased until 31 December 2028, with artists receiving a one-time fixed fee covering production, materials, and the lease period. A contract will be signed between the Goethe-Institut and each selected artist.
How to Submit
🏠 Applicants must provide a CV (max. 2 pages), a short artistic statement (max. 200 words), a project proposal (max. 100 words), preliminary sketches or images, and a portfolio (max. 10 pages, PDF). All texts must be in English.
📌 Submissions should be sent via WeTransfer to kultur-nikosia@goethe.de with the subject “OPEN CALL 2026 SUBMISSION” by 2 November 2026 at 2:00 pm.
Site Visits 📣 OPEN CALL: ARTISTS IN CYPRUS
Interested artists can register for site visits on 8, 13, 23, or 27 October 2026 by emailing 👉 kultur-nikosia@goethe.de.
Timeline
Selection results will be announced by 6 November 2026. Artworks must be delivered by 1 December 2026, with installation in January 2027.
For full details, visit the Goethe-Institut Cyprus website or contact kultur-nikosia@goethe.de.
Image Credits: All images courtesy of Goethe-Institut Zypern and their social media portals.
Disclaimer: This information is provided complimentary to promote the open call and encourage young artists to participate and share their creativity for a progressive cause. Cyprus Pulse is not responsible for any changes to programming, or arrangements made.
Share: Help spread the word! If you know an emerging artist, recent graduate, or art student based in Cyprus who would thrive in this opportunity, share this open call with them. Every share helps amplify local artistic voices and builds meaningful connections between Germany, Cyprus, and Europe.
