Open Call: New Perspectives on Contemporary Art Collections in Flanders

Muhka, M Leuven, Mu.ZEE, S.M.A.K. and Z33 are joining forces once again for a new exhibition at Z33. Together, we are looking for a curator, artist or team to explore our art collections from new perspectives.

In 2023, the five art institutions collaborated on the successful exhibition This Is Us at Z33. Works from the different museum collections were brought into dialogue with new creations by emerging artists in Belgium. This opened up fresh perspectives on the collections and made them accessible to new audiences in Limburg, a region without a contemporary art museum.

We are now continuing this collaboration. From 2028 onwards, Z33 will present a new exhibition each year, bringing together works from the museum collections and new artistic creations to encourage reflection on current social issues. Each year, Z33 will invite a different guest curator to develop the exhibition.

Who are we looking for?

We welcome proposals from curators, artists and teams with strong, innovative ideas for an exhibition that can engage a broad and diverse audience. Given the scale of the project (320 m²) and the collaboration between five institutions, we expect at least one team member to have demonstrable experience in curating exhibitions and coordinating complex projects.

What do we expect?

The collections of the participating museums must form the starting point for the exhibition. There is also scope for up to two new commissioned works that strengthen and deepen the exhibition concept. Particular attention will be given to artists working in Flanders and Brussels.

What do we offer?

• The opportunity to develop a group exhibition in the historic wing of Z33, with support from the Z33 team for communications, public engagement and production;
• Feedback on the exhibition concept from representatives of Muhka, M Leuven, Mu.ZEE, S.M.A.K. and Z33;
• Guidance in selecting works from the contemporary art collections of the participating museums;
• A fee of €12,000 excluding VAT for developing the exhibition concept and coordinating the exhibition. Attendance at meetings, installation, press events and the exhibition opening is expected and included in this fee. Travel expenses will be reimbursed separately;
• A budget of €15,000 excluding VAT for up to two new commissioned artistic interventions or works, including production costs and artists’ fees in accordance with the guidelines of Juist is Juist;
• Support from Z33’s public engagement team, which will develop the visitor texts and communications strategy in consultation with the curator.

How to apply

The Open Call on the Z33 website provides detailed information about the selection procedure, what to include in your application, the assessment criteria and the exhibition space.

Application deadline: 15 November 2026

Send your application as a single PDF to info@z33.be, with Open Call as the subject line.