Space for New Art – open call for artists Three artists will be annually selected for HAM’s Space for New Art through an open call. The open call highlights annually changing themes, unique exhibition content, and the connection created between the artists, exhibitions, and HAM’s audiences. With the introduction of the Space for New Art, HAM aims to enable multidisciplinary, versatile art-making and innovative exhibition concepts. Additionally, HAM wants to provide its audiences with meaningful and surprising encounters with art and artists. HAM will deepen its relationship with artists and collaborate in the exhibitions’ curation and production process. Open call 2026: I Desire! We are now accepting applications for the second exhibition round at Space for New Art. The application period is Thursday 5 February 2026 – Sunday 1 March 2026. The first exhibition period available for applications begins in May 2027. We invite exhibition proposals that explore sensuality and embodiment, particularly through the lens of love, passion, and desire. We warmly encourage submissions that approach these themes also from queer perspectives. How can contemporary art engage with desire as a fundamental human force, and what emotional responses might it awaken in viewers? We are seeking proposals featuring new, previously unrealised work that challenges established artistic practices and actively engages audiences. What HAM offers to applicants The artist will create an exhibition in collaboration with HAM’s content and production professionals. The artist will be responsible for their exhibition project’s artistic content, in collaboration with HAM’s curator. The redesigned exhibition space is on the museum’s first floor (approximately 136m²). The artist will have access to a work and break area during the exhibition installation. Museum conditions set certain parameters for working in the exhibition space. HAM has final authority over the exhibition project’s schedule and production. Who can apply Applicants must be professional visual artists. We are looking for new work and exhibition ideas. We are not looking for group exhibitions, previously exhibited works, or exhibition ideas created by curators. Applications that are incomplete, do not clearly meet the selection criteria, or arrive late will be eliminated in the pre-selection process. Submission details The application must include all essential information for the selection process. In principle, we do not explore artists’ websites or social media channels. The application form must include a single file in PDF format with a maximum size of 5 MB. The file must include the following information: Applicant introduction E.g. CV, images, artist’s statement. Project plan Describe the content and details of your exhibition plan clearly and concisely: How will the exhibition be positioned in the given space? What is essential for the success of your exhibition plan, and what potential risks are involved in it? How does your project meet HAM’s selection criteria? Briefly outline the project’s significance and impact in today’s context. Create a desired schedule for your working and exhibition period installation exhibition’s opening period for the public (approximately three months) dismantling What is the cost estimate (gross) for your exhibition? Production support of €3,000 (gross) will be paid to selected artists. They will also be paid an artist fee of €4,000 (gross) and exhibition remuneration determined by Kuvasto. HAM will cover, in accordance with its practices, the exhibition’s management costs, curation, production, installation, dismantling, marketing communications, documenting, and audience engagement. You don’t have to include these costs in the cost estimate. Apply now Open call 2025 The first open call for the Space for New Art was held from March 13 to April 7, 2025. Through this call, we selected three exhibition projects for the season starting in June 2026. A total of 188 applications were received, and following three were selected: KOKIMO: Tablescape 29.5.–23.8.2026 Antti Tolvi, 25.9.2026–10.1.2027 MSL (Antti Jussila and Jade Kallio), February – April 2027 In the first call, the focus was on exhibition plans that enliven art exhibition through performative and/or audience-engaging methods. The proposed exhibition should include a performative element that the audience can engage with during the entire exhibition or at an event related to it. The exhibition must also be an attractive experience itself. HAM wants to explore and support performative elements in the exhibition context and art’s influence on the viewer’s body and mind. Successful applications were expected to introduce new, exceptional art, demonstrate a willingness to challenge traditional practices of creating art, and readiness to interact with our audiences. The selection panel consisted of performance and theatre artist and doctoral candidate Tuomas Laitinen, HAM curators Heli Harni, Sanna Juntunen, Milja Liimatainen and Satu Metsola, HAM head of exhibitions Kati Kivinen and HAM director Arja Miller.
