Open Call Q&A

Open Call Q&A

ART EMBASSY Reading Open Call Q&A 6 minutes

From 12th September 2025 to 20th January 2026, NOTAGALLERY will open its doors at Friedrichstraße 210 to host a new kind of embassy, in which artists, not politicians, act as envoys. Do you have doubts or questions? Here are some answers:

WHO CAN APPLY? 

The call is open to national and international artists working in any media. We welcome emerging and established artists alike.

WHAT TYPE OF ARTWORK ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?

We are looking for proposals that respond to the curatorial theme of Art Embassy, particularly works that engage with ideas of freedom, borders, identity, resistance, transformation, and political/historical memory. However, if you submit a portfolio or website with other available works, we may also consider those during selection.

DO I NEED TO PROPOSE A NEW PIECE OF ART?

You are invited to propose a work in response to the theme. However, existing works that align with the concept are welcome, and we will also consider other pieces in your portfolio if they are marked as available.

IS THERE AN APPLICATION FEE? 

Yes, there is a €25 application fee (non-refundable). This helps support the administrative costs and the labor of our team reviewing each application with care.

IF I AM SELECTED, IS THERE A PARTICIPATION FEE?

Yes. Selected artists are asked to contribute a €80 per artwork, which covers:

  • Your inclusion in the curated exhibition
  • Professional documentation (photos + video)
  • PR and marketing campaigns
  • Printed artist catalog / Art Embassy book
  • Website and social media features
  • On-site curatorial support and installation

This fee helps sustain the people and infrastructure behind this ambitious, independent project.

WHY DO WE ASK YOU A FEE?

The application fee helps cover the administrative and review costs of the Open Call process. This includes the time and resources needed to manage submissions, coordinate communications, and fairly evaluate each proposal.

The participation fee applies only to selected artists and supports production costs related to the exhibition — including installation, promotion, and shared resources (such as documentation, press outreach, and visibility across channels).

Since this is an independent and self-initiated project without institutional funding, these contributions help make the project possible and ensure all artists are presented with professional care.

WHAT ARE WE GIVING YOU IN RETURN?

  • Visibility at one of Berlin’s most iconic historical sites
  • Individual artist features on the Notagallery website and social channels
  • Artworks exhibited in a multi-level curated exhibition
  • Sales facilitated by Notagallery with 30% commission, 70% of sales go to the artist
  • Professional photo and video documentation
  • Inclusion in the Art Embassy printed coffee table book*(wip)
  • Interviews and editorial features
  • Networking opportunities with curators, sponsors, and press

WHERE WILL THE EXHIBITION TAKE PLACE?

The exhibition will take place in a multi-level building at Checkpoint Charlie, Berlin—one of the city’s most symbolic historical locations. The space includes a gallery floor, rental studios, a concept store, and a café.

WHAT ARE THE KEY DATES?

  • Open Call Launch: July 2, 2025
  • Application Deadline: July 30, 2025
  • Selection Announcement: August 15, 2025
  • Installation Period: August 25–29, 2025
  • Exhibition Opening: September 11, 2025
  • Exhibition End: December 20, 2025

Please keep in mind that these dates might be subject to change.

DO I NEED TO BE PRESENT DURING INSTALLATION AND OPENING?

It is mandatory for selected artists to be present during installation (August 25th–29th) and strongly recommended at the opening (September 12th). Artists are responsible for the installation of their own works, their transportation as well as dismantling.

It is also recommended for artists to make themselves available for the duration of that period in order for us to shoot artist interviews and other promotional content.

WILL THE GALLERY TAKE A COMMISSION ON SALES?

Notagallery reserves the right to and will charge 10% commission on all art sales made within and during the exhibition.

DO I NEED TO COVER SHIPPING?

Yes, artists are responsible for the shipping of their works to and from Berlin. We recommend budgeting for transport or considering digital, light, or locally reproducible works if shipping is a concern.

WILL THERE BE DOCUMENTATION OF THE EXHIBITION?

Yes! We will provide high-quality photo and video documentation of the exhibition and individual works, which will be shared with all participants. In addition, a catalog of the exhibition is going to be created.

HOW MANY ARTISTS ARE GOING TO BE SELECTED?

We wouldd like to hace a selection of more than 50 artists. 

WILL THERE BE A CONTRACT? 

Yes. Once the selection process is complete, a formal agreement will be signed between each selected artist and Notagallery. The contract will outline rights, responsibilities, logistics, and conditions regarding participation, display, and potential sales.

IS THERE INSURANCE FOR MY ARTWORKS DURING THE EXHIBITION?

Yes, the gallery provides insurance coverage during installation and exhibition. However, artists are fully responsible for organizing and covering the logistics themselves.

CAN I GET A REFUND IF I CANCEL MY PARTICIPATION?

No. All fees are non-refundable unless the event is canceled by the gallery.
However, you may transfer your spot to another artist if approved and requested at least 20 days before the event. Contact: support@notagallery.de or submit@notagallery.de 

WHAT HAPPENS IF MY APPLICATION IS REJECTED?

The application fee is non-refundable, regardless of whether your application is accepted. This is standard practice for open calls, as the fee supports the administrative and curatorial work involved in reviewing each submission.

WILL I GET THE REFUND IF THE EVENT IS CANCELED BY THE ORGANIZERS?

Yes, in that case all paid fees will be refunded via the original payment method within 30 days. No additional compensation will be provided.

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR INSTALLING MY WORK? 

The artist is fully responsible for setting up their work, including tools and professional presentation. The gallery does not provide setup staff or equipment.

IS THERE A COMMISSION ON ARTWORK SALES? 

Yes. The gallery retains a 30% commission on all sales made during the exhibition period, against the standard 50%. 

CAN I EXHIBIT ANY KIND OF ARTWORK? 

Only original or legally owned works are permitted. No hazardous or illegal materials may be exhibited or sold. The gallery may remove any work deemed inappropriate or non-compliant. 

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