RE-LIGHT

open call

RE-LIGHT
HALLEN KALK 2025


Light & Audiovisual Art Festival – Cologne, Germany

Kulturhof Kalk e.V. invites artists to participate in RE-LIGHT HALLEN KALK 2025, a festival dedicated to light and audiovisual art – with a strong focus on sustainability and creative reuse.

We are looking for artists working with light, projection, sound, and interactive installations to transform the Osthof of Hallen Kalk into an immersive, illuminated art space. Selected artists will be given the opportunity to create site-specific works using discarded and repurposed technology, such as old projectors, speakers, and computers – provided by other artists and supporters of Kulturhof Kalk e.V.

THEME

Transformation & Reuse

Artists are encouraged to explore the festival’s core theme through experimental approaches at reuse and sustainability, by content and/or form: Whether through projection mapping, light sculpture, sound installations, or all other kinds of (participatory) experiences – your work should contribute to a meaningful, accessible, and ecologically conscious festival environment.

THE CONCEPT

The chosen artists for RE-LIGHT HALLEN KALK will drench the historic grounds of Hallen Kalk into light and sound – using discarded electronic equipment, provided through Kultrurhof Kalk e.V.: projectors, laptops, speakers, lights, microcontrollers and more – donated by local artists and supporters. The full list of devices can be accessed here (constantly updated).

We are seeking proposals that creatively reuse obsolete technology to illuminate and activate both the indoor and outdoor spaces of Kulturhof Kalk. The aim: to reshape perceptions, foster dialogue, and spark new connections between art, technology, community, and the environment.

COMMUNITY & PROCESS

RE-LIGHT HALLEN KALK is not just a presentation platform — it’s supposed to be a shared creative process. Artists are invited to finally develop and install their works on-site during the festival week, offering the public insight into their methods and ideas. This open lab format fosters genuine exchange between creators, other artists and the local community.

THE SPACE

Kulturhof Kalk is situated in an old, rough and at times dirty industrial site – with lots of rough, but charming edges.

There’s a big outdoor area with surrounding, up to 20m tall buildings, leaving lots of room for projections or other big light installations.
In addition, there’s an approx. 300sqm indoor area that can be used for weather-sensitive works.

See pictures below to get an impression (full size pictures to freely use in your concepts can be downloaded here)

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

We welcome proposals from both emerging and established artists working in light, audiovisual, media art, and related fields. Collectives and interdisciplinary teams are also encouraged to apply. Even though we urge you to anonymize your application as much as possible: We especially encourage applications from underrepresented voices and those who align with the Kulturhof Kalk’s inclusive and participatory mission.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Artist fee and production support (limited travel expenses also possible)
• Access to a stock of recycled electronic equipment
• On-site technical assistance
• Studio / workspace during the week of the festival
• A collaborative atmosphere with other artists (and the public)
• Inclusion in a public program of workshops, talks, and guided visits

IMPORTANT DATES

• Open Call Deadline: June 20th 2025 (23:59h CET)
—>EXTENDED UNTIL 27TH (FOR CGN-AREA LOCALS ONLY)
• Jury Selection: June 30th 2025
• Festival Week: September 15th – 21st 2025

TO APPLY

Please prepare the following:

◊ Your contact information

◊ A document (PDF, max. 10MB) including in order:

  • a short project description (max. 1,000 words, max. 4 pictures, MANDATORY)
  • a list of the stuff you’d like to use (referring to this doc, MANDATORY)
  • technical and space requirements (MANDATORY)
  • a more detailed concept (if you like)
  • more visual references or sketches (also optional)
  • … additional notes and everything you’d like us to know

◊ A portfolio (optional, pls anonymize your application as much as possible)

and fill out the form below…

Application form

We’re looking forward to read your applications! RE-LIGHT HALLEN KALK 2025!