Independent visual artists

/în , /de

Last chance to apply!

Open Call for artists. Free Entry

Will Matters

The International Shakespeare Festival Craiova and Gloriæ Art Gallery Craiova are proud to launch an open call for artists to contribute with exciting visual encounters to the cultural scene of Craiova during the festival and beyond.

The Shakespeare Festival Craiova is over 30 years old and boasts a vast international dimension, continually growing in scope and ambition with each edition.

Gloriæ Art Gallery is a new and energetic venture in the European Fine Art scene.

The overall theme of the 2026 edition of the festival is Will Matters, inspired by Prospero’s last speech in The Tempest: “We are such stuff as dreams are made on.”

What are we looking for?

  • Five international independent visual artists from Romania or/and from elsewhere.
  • The visual artists to work either together (collaboratively in pairs, or groups of 3,4,5) or independently on artwork (s) inspired by anything to do with William Shakespeare- the man, his work, his characters, the costumes, the places, or any (still) hidden details you may research and discover about the “Bard of Avon”.
  • The visual artists have to be prepared to travel, live, work, and exhibit in Craiova for approximately ten (10) days, between 15-25 May 2026.
  • The visual artists need to be open to the enjoyment of such a great challenge and honour to participate in a prestigious cultural festival.
  • Proposal (see details and deadline below).
  • Concise personal résumé.

What are we offering?

  • Return flights or travel expenses for each artist for up to 500 euros.
  • Artist’s participation fee: 1000 euros.
  • Up to 500 euros for art materials/technology/logistics/labour.
  • Accommodation in Craiova (centre).
  • Three meals/day for the entire duration of the stay in Craiova.
  • Working space/studio.
  • Exhibition space/Technical support for exhibiting.
  • Media exposure.

Proposal

Visual artists should submit a written proposal in English of no more than 800 words.

You should try to refer to:

  • An indication of the Shakespearean elements that may interest you.
  • What sort of research would you suggest you may engage with?
  • A few details about your work methods (note that you will have a relatively limited time for conception, production, and exhibiting).
  • An indication of your practice (mediums, size, materials).
  • Will you prepare something in advance? Sketches, plans, graphs, ideas, interviews, research? Do you have any special requirements before your visit, should you be selected for the festival?
  • You may include some photos of the past projects that you may consider to be relevant for this.

Deadline

Completed and sent applications should be submitted no later than 30 January 2026 at 00.00 to this address:

shakespearefestival26@gmail.com

Good luck!