Open Call for Artists from Myanmar and Beyond: Reimaging Art Across Distances

This initiative invites not only artists residing in Myanmar but also those of Myanmar origin currently based in Southeast Asia, Germany, and other international locations.

This exhibition will serve as a platform for collaboration between Myanmar artists from both within and outside the country, fostering artistic dialogue and exchange. The project will be curated in partnership with curators from Myanmar, Southeast Asia, and Germany.

Objectives

• The Goethe-Institut Myanmar, in collaboration with local and international partners, will facilitate this project over six months, from July to December 2025.
• The project will provide a structured framework, integrating artists’ insights and creative processes into a cohesive exhibition that highlights diverse perspectives from both within and beyond Myanmar.

Theme

• The project explores the concept of “Distance and Disconnection”, its meanings, the impacts it creates, the transformations it brings, and the connections it fosters across spaces.
• Through this theme, artists are encouraged to reflect on intersections, mutual understandings, shared experiences, and differences shaped by physical, cultural, and conceptual distances.

Funding Information

• Participating artists will receive an honorarium and production support of USD 800.

Programme Specifications

• July – August Rebounding and Reactivating Cultural Dialogue: A series of online discussion sessions will be organized to foster exchanges between Myanmar artists across different locations. These sessions will offer a space to share experiences, perspectives, and artistic inspirations. Moderated by the curatorial team, these discussions aim to refine conceptual approaches and potential mediums for the exhibition. Three online meetings will be conducted in July and August.
• September–November – Production Phase: Selected artists will have three months to develop and produce their works. During this period, Goethe-Institut Myanmar and the project curators will provide guidance and support through scheduled check-ins.
• November–December – Exhibition Preparation & Final Showcase: By October, artists are expected to finalize their works for exhibition. Preparations, including installation and curatorial coordination, will take place in collaboration with Goethe-Institut Myanmar and curators. The final exhibition will be held in December 2025 at Goethe-Institut Myanmar, open to the public.

Eligibility Criteria

• Myanmar artists residing in Myanmar, Southeast Asia, Germany, or other international locations are encouraged to apply.

Application Requirements

• Myanmar-based artists may submit works in any medium.
• Myanmar artists residing abroad may submit video files, audio files, or printable digital files. If alternative mediums require on-site installation, Goethe-Institut Myanmar can facilitate coordination with designated representatives. (Production costs should be managed within the provided grant.)
• Submissions may be in either English or Burmese and must include the following documents, submitted in PDF format (not exceeding 20 MB in total):
  • Updated CV, recent portfolio, and a short bio.
  • A statement outlining the artist’s perspective on the concept of “Distance and Disconnection” (maximum one A4 page).
  • The proposed medium for the exhibition work.

For more information, visit Goethe Institut.