Open Call

Neo - The power of the first time

After two years of restoration, Hofke van Chantraine is coming back to life. We proudly reopen our doors, ready to write a new chapter. This festive moment is centered around ‘Neo’, a theme that revolves around innovation, initiative and the creation of something that has never existed before.

In The Human Condition, Hannah Arendt described the idea of ​​'natality': the uniquely human capacity to begin something new. Not a repetition or rebirth, but a first step in an unknown direction. This capacity for creation and change is the essence of art, of expression, of constantly reshaping the world. We invite artists to explore this theme. Let your work speak about transformation, about the moment when the unprecedented takes shape.

Deadline
1 August 2025
Organizer
Hofke van Chantraine
Participate

What kind of work are we looking for?

All disciplines are welcome: 

  • Painting, drawing, and photography
  • Sculpture and installations
  • Video art and digital art
  • Textiles, mixed media, and experimental techniques
  • Performance, spoken word, dance, and music: would you like to present your work live during the opening weekend (September 26–28, 2025)? Please mention this in your application and let us know as soon as possible so we can include it in the program and communicate it to the public in time. 

You can submit work for both indoors and for the garden and the area around the pond.

Who can participate?

Are you born or raised in Oud-Turnhout, or do you have a strong connection to the town?
Are you an artist with a passion for innovation and change? Then seize this opportunity to be part of a unique opening exhibition in a stunning new setting!

Practical information and participation requirements

  • You can submit 1 to 3 artworks within the theme “Neo – The Power of a First Time”.
  • The works of Art should have preferably not been exhibited before. A quality selection will be made based on the submitted works.
  • Submit a portfolio including:
    • High-quality photos and/or a sketch of the artwork
    • A short explanatory text and the techniques used
    • A brief CV, including your connection to Oud-Turnhout
  • Submit your application via www.hofkevanchantraine.be/neo

Submission deadlines

  • Final deadline for portfolio submission: August 1, 2025.
  • Final deadline for artwork delivery: September 8, 2025.
  • The exhibition will be open to the public from September 27 to November 2, 2025.

Contact

For more information, contact us or +32 (0)14 47 94 94 
Apply via www.hofkevanchantraine.be/neo 
We look forward to your creations!

Hofke van Chantraine 
Kerkstraat 46 
2360 Oud-Turnhout 
www.hofkevanchantraine.be

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