Open Call

Open Call for Artists Based in Berlin or Germany

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“Evolving” by MONSTER Exhibition – Berlin meets Tokyo

Free Participation / International Contemporary Art Exhibition

Please note: This open call is only open to artists currently residing in Germany.

MONSTER Exhibition is an international art project that began in 2013, originally inspired by the overwhelming impact of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami.
At its core lies the symbolic theme of the Kaiju—a creature that, in Japanese culture, represents both divine nature and destructive power.

Since its launch, the exhibition has evolved into a global initiative exploring inner fears, ecological crises, and social upheavals. It has been held in major cities including Tokyo, New York, Paris, San Francisco, and Barcelona.

Now in its 13th edition, MONSTER Exhibition will take place in Spring 2026 at the historic Kunstquartier Bethanien in Berlin—a city known for its rich artistic diversity and spirit of creative experimentation.
This edition offers a unique opportunity for cultural exchange between Japanese and Germany-based artists, fostering dialogue through artistic expression.
We welcome submissions from artists living in Berlin or elsewhere in Germany to participate in this non-commercial, cross-cultural exhibition.

Theme: Evolving for Monster

In this edition, we invite artists to interpret the theme “Evolving” through the symbolic lens of MONSTER.
Once a metaphor for overwhelming natural disaster and fear, the monster has transformed—now embodying inner turmoil, ecological instability, social anxiety, or even hope and rebirth.

What does it mean to evolve?
For yourself, for society, or for the world?

Contemporary art reflects not only our time, but also our internal landscapes.
Under the theme Evolving, we are seeking artworks that respond to:

• Inner impulses and emotional turbulence
• Societal dissonance or collapse
• Reverence for nature and its power
• Awe—or fear—of uncontrollable forces

The MONSTER is not only a threat, but also a mirror.
It can be personal or political, invisible or overwhelming.
We invite you to define your own MONSTER, and express its evolution.

Exhibition Overview

Title: “Evolving” by MONSTER Exhibition – Berlin meets Tokyo
Dates: April 9 (Thu) – April 12 (Sun), 2026
Time: 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM (until 4:00 PM on the final day)
Venue: Kunstquartier Bethanien Berlin (Projektraum)
Organized by: Evolve Art & Design Japan
In cooperation with: German-Japanese Society Berlin
Admission: Free

→ layout view

Application Guidelines

Eligibility: Artists currently living in Berlin or elsewhere in Germany (no restrictions on age, nationality, or experience)
Mediums Accepted: Painting, photography, video, sculpture, installation, architecture models, ikebana, and more
Number of Works: 1 work per artist (may vary depending on space)
Application Fee: €25 (€15 for students)
Participation Fee: Free
Artwork Sales: Not permitted (non-commercial exhibition)

Selection Criteria

Works will be selected based on:

• Conceptual connection to the theme “Evolving”
• Artistic originality and clarity of expression
• Feasibility within the exhibition space
• Diversity of perspectives across cultures and mediums

Jury Panel

Submissions will be reviewed by a panel of experts:

• Taro Igarashi – Architectural historian / Professor, Tohoku University / Artistic Director of Aichi Triennale 2013
• Keiko Sano – Curator, AXIS Gallery (Design & Contemporary Art)
• Ichiro Okochi – Writer for animation such as GUNDAM, Planetes, CODE GEASS
• Yasuhide Ichiji – Artist / Technical Services Department, V&A Museum London

Schedule

• Deadline: September 30, 2025 (Tue)
• Notification of Results: Late October 2025
• Individual Planning: October to mid-November (via email or Zoom)
• Setup Days: April 7–8, 2026
• Opening Reception: April 9, 2026, 6:00–8:00 PM
• Exhibition: April 9–12 (preview on April 8)
• Dismantling & Return: April 12 (4–8 PM) and April 13 (10 AM–6 PM)

Venue Guidelines (Excerpt)

• No pedestals provided—please bring your own if needed
• Floor-based works must include protective mats
• Bring artworks directly to the venue on installation day (no pre-shipping)
• Nails/screws allowed on walls (patch and repaint required after)
• No ceiling or column installations allowed
• No use of fire, smoke, or strong odors
• Cables must be covered safely (no direct taping to floor)
• Heavy-duty power (16A/32A/63A) available—participant must handle any power trip issues via designated company (Höland)

How to Apply

Please prepare the following materials and upload as a single PDF file (max 10MB):

1. Artist Profile

• Full name, birth year, current city
• Brief biography and past exhibitions
• Artist statement (creative vision or focus)

2. Portfolio (3–5 works)

• Title, year, materials, size, concept (2–3 lines)
• 1–2 images per work

3. Proposed Work for MONSTER 2026

• Tentative title and concept
• Medium, estimated size
• Installation plan (floor, wall, video, etc.)
• Sketches or references (if available)

4. Optional

• Website, Instagram or other links

All materials must be submitted in English or Japanese.
Questions? Contact: info@evolve.or.jp

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q. Are display stands provided at the venue?
A. No, display stands are not available. If needed, please bring your own.

Q. How should I deliver my artwork?
A. Please bring your work to the venue yourself on the installation day. We cannot accept artworks in advance or provide storage.

Q. Is electricity available?
A. Yes, electricity is available, including both standard and high-voltage outlets. However, you are responsible for handling any issues that may arise.

Q. Will there be opportunities to interact with artists from other countries?
A. Yes. Japanese artists will also participate, and there will be opportunities for interaction during the opening party and throughout the exhibition.