BIEN 2027 – Textile Art Biennial open call for exhibitors

BIEN 2027 – Textile Art Biennial open call for exhibitors

Artists, designers and researchers are invited to participate in BIEN 2027, which will take place between May 29 and August 14 in Slovenian cities Kranj, Tržič, Škofja Loka, and Jesenice. The curatorial concept focuses on the theme “Traces of Grace”.

Artists and artist collectives from around the world may submit up to three works that are no more than three years old. Submitted works should be thematically aligned with the central theme and should be primarily created in the medium of textiles or in a medium that references textiles through material, technique, or concept.

 

Important dates:

  • Application deadline: December 21, 2026
  • Announcement of results: until 10. 2. 2027
  • Sending the artworks to the organizer: 10. 4.–1. 5. 2027
  • The biennial takes place in four cities and includes several openings. It is organised so that participants can attend all openings. Opening dates: 29 May–3 June 2027
  • Duration of the exhibition: 29. 5.–14. 8. 2027
  • Dismantling and return of artworks: 15. 8.–30. 9. 2027

 

A non-refundable application fee of €10 is required to participate in the open call. Students may apply free of charge through the Textile School of Thought application form. People living in or affected by a war or conflict zone, should contact bien@layer.si to be provided with a fee waiver.

 

Awards:

  • One selected artist or an artist collective of up to two members will be awarded a residency in Kranj of up to four weeks, including coverage of travel expenses, accommodation, per diem, and production costs in 2028 or 2029. If the same person receives both the main award and the international ETA Award, the two awards will be combined.
  • The ETA Award is intended for young people under the age of 29 who demonstrate an exceptional use of textile craft techniques. The international award winner receives a two-week residency in Kranj, while the national award winner receives a one-week residency at the Lottozero textile laboratory in Prato, Italy.

 

For more information, contact bien@layer.si.

Organiser

Carnica Institute

Application deadline

21 Dec 2026