Bijbels Museum in Amsterdam Invites Artists for 'Tower of Babel' Exhibition Open Call
The Bijbels Museum, nestled within Amsterdam's historic Cromhouthuizen, has announced an open call for artists to participate in an upcoming exhibition titled "Tower of Babel." This initiative seeks contemporary artistic interpretations of the ancient myth, specifically exploring the multifaceted role of language in modern society. The resulting group exhibition will be a co-production with [Stedelijk Museum Breda](https://www.stedelijkmuseum breda.nl/nl) and is scheduled to run from November 21, 2026, to May 17, 2027, at the Breda venue.
Engaging with the Theme of Language and Society
The "Tower of Babel" open call centers on the profound theme of language in its broadest sense. Inspired by the biblical narrative of a unified language fracturing into many, the exhibition encourages artists to reflect on themes of polyphony and communicative challenges in contemporary society. Submissions are invited to explore diverse forms of language, including artificial intelligence, body language, visual communication, sign language, and youth dialects, among others. Artists interested in the source material can read the story of the Tower of Babel here for inspiration.
Who Can Participate: A Call for Diverse Artistic Voices
This opportunity is open to artists from all disciplines, embracing both established professionals and emerging talents. The Bijbels Museum aims to create a multi-voiced exhibition that mirrors the diverse narratives of today's world. Both individual and collective works are welcome. To be eligible, artists must reside in the Netherlands, and their submitted work must be located within the country from early November 2026. Each artist may submit one work. Participants will receive appropriate remuneration for their involvement. Detailed criteria and preconditions for submission are available here.
Practical Information for Submissions
Artists wishing to participate in the "Open Call – Tower of Babel" can submit their work between November 1 and Sunday, December 14, 2025. Submissions will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on the closing date. Before submitting, it is advisable to thoroughly review the document outlining all criteria, preconditions, and compensation details. The participation form can be accessed directly via this link. Confirmations will be sent via email within two weeks of submission.
The selection committee for the exhibition comprises a diverse group of experts, including Pavèl van Houten (artist and curator), Ayra Kip (writer, curator), Jurnick Koeiman (educational worker), Marjolein van de Ven (curator at Stedelijk Museum Breda), and Carolien Croon (director of the Bijbels Museum). This exhibition is supported by the Vermeulen Brauckman Foundation.
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