OPEN CALL HIGH VOLTAGE

The Machinefabriek is currently undergoing a major renovation. It feels like the perfect moment to reflect on the building's past while imagining its future.

Long before it became a cultural venue, the Machinefabriek was Groningen's electricity plant. Designed by municipal architect J.A. Mulock Houwer in the early twentieth century, it supplied power to the entire city until the 1930s. Although its monumental façade has remained untouched, the inside has continuously evolved—from industrial powerhouse to theatre, and now into a renewed cultural space.

That history is the starting point for HIGH VOLTAGE.

We're interested in energy as something much bigger than electricity. Energy moves through buildings, through cities, through bodies, through music and through people. It connects us, transforms us and sometimes completely changes direction.

Inspired by rave and club culture, the exhibition explores rhythm, repetition, movement and togetherness as powerful social forces. Moments where strangers become a crowd, sound becomes physical and spaces temporarily transform into places of freedom and belonging.

Themes

Flux & Motion

Energy is always moving.

This theme explores transformation, circulation and renewal—from industrial power to sustainable futures. Think of electricity, movement, sound, systems, rewiring, cycles and continuous change.

Recharge & Discharge

Every system needs moments of release.

Inspired by nightlife and club culture, this theme focuses on collective experiences, identity, expression and the ways people come together. Sound, repetition and movement become tools for connection, experimentation and liberation.

The Open Call runs from 6 July until 30 August 2026.

The exhibition opens in October 2026 and runs until the end of January 2027. Your submitted work should therefore be available for the entire exhibition period.

Selected artists will be informed during September 2026.

Selected artists will be notified during September 2026.

We believe exhibitions should not only present art—they should actively support artists.

Kunstkantine will do its best to sell the works included in the exhibition. When a work is sold, we charge a 25% commission (excluding VAT and transaction costs).

In return, we provide a professional exhibition platform, promote both the exhibition and participating artists, manage sales and presentation, and regularly combine exhibitions with live music, performances, events and our café/bar programme.

Selection is not simply about quality.

If your application isn't selected, it doesn't mean your work isn't good. Every exhibition has its own story, and we're looking for works that strengthen that narrative.

We consider:

• how your work connects to the exhibition theme;

• how it fits within the visual language and curatorial direction of Kunstkantine;

• how it contributes to the overall exhibition.

If you're curious about our approach, have a look at the artists from previous exhibitions to get a sense of the work we like to bring together.

Please keep your application focused.

Rather than sending an extensive portfolio, send us the specific works you'd like us to consider. For each work, include:

• images;

• title;

• a short description;

• materials and technique;

• dimensions;

• year of production;

• sale price.

The clearer your submission, the easier it is for us to evaluate it.

Not sure if your work fits? Just ask.

We're open to installations, sculpture, painting, photography, video, sound, performance and interdisciplinary work. If your practice connects with the spirit of HIGH VOLTAGE, we'd love to hear from you.

Send your application to info@kunstkantine.art with the subject line:

OPEN CALL HIGH VOLTAGE

Applications are accepted until 30 August 2026.