What should an exhibition proposal include?

Your proposal should give us a clear picture of both the work and the exhibition you have in mind.

Please include:

• A spatial impression of the exhibition (how you imagine the work in the space / on the wall)

• The number of works and the amount of space required

• Information about printing, finishing, and framing

• If relevant: use of spatial elements

• A short explanation of the background of the project, why you made this work, and what you would like to share with the viewer

The proposal does not need to be overly polished, but it should be clear and well considered.

Why do I have to pay to submit an exhibition proposal?

We receive a large number of exhibition requests. In the past, these often came in via email or walk-in portfolio visits, which proved difficult to manage and did not always allow us to give proposals the attention they deserve.

By working with a structured submission form and a small submission fee, we aim to create more focus, both for us and for the artists applying. We believe an exhibition proposal should be submitted when it is well thought through and ready to be considered. This threshold helps us receive fewer, but more carefully prepared proposals with a realistic chance of fitting our program.

The fee helps cover the time involved in reviewing, organizing, and archiving all submissions in our artist database.

Submission is free for members of Ballon Rouge Friends.

Does the work need to be finished at the time of submission?

No. We plan exhibitions well in advance, so projects are often still in development when they are submitted. What matters most is that the concept, direction, and intended presentation are clearly defined.

How far in advance should I apply?

Ballon Rouge programs a limited number of solo exhibitions each year (usually two to three), and our exhibition schedule is generally planned about a year ahead.

If you are looking for exhibition space on short notice (for example within the coming months), this open call is not the right route. In that case, please explore our rental options.

What are my chances of being selected?

Due to the limited number of exhibition slots, only a small portion of the submitted proposals can be realized. Selection depends on artistic fit, relevance to our program, timing, and practical feasibility.

All proposals are carefully reviewed and stored in our artist database for future consideration.

Will I always receive a response?

Unfortunately, we are not able to respond individually to every submission. We will only contact you if we see concrete potential for an exhibition or future collaboration.

Please note that this contact may also happen much later — sometimes a year or more after submission — when a suitable opportunity arises.

Can I visit with my portfolio or send my proposal by email?

No. We do not accept walk-in portfolio visits or unsolicited email submissions. Appointments are only scheduled after a proposal has been submitted through the form and if we see potential for collaboration.