Application for NordArt 2026
Exhibition Dates: 6 June – 4 October 2026
Application Deadline: 31 October 2025
Since 1999, Kunstwerk Carlshütte, a non-profit cultural initiative, has hosted NordArt, one of the largest contemporary art exhibitions in Europe. Held annually from June to October, NordArt features works by over 200 selected artists, both established and emerging, from around the world. The exhibition is reimagined each year, creating a monumental dialogue between individual artworks and the broader exhibition space.
NordArt celebrates diverse cultural perspectives and highlights the shared values across East and West, North and South. Each year, a specially curated focus project and various additional presentations – in collaboration with international curators, cultural institutions and embassies – offer deeper insights into current artistic perspectives of the world.
The exhibition is set within the impressive grounds of the historic Carlshütte iron foundry, comprising:
• 22,000 m² of indoor exhibition space
• 80,000 m² of sculpture park
• 400 m² ACO Wagenremise building
You can explore the venue via the virtual tour or
watch artist features and event coverage on the YouTube NordArt channel
How to Apply
Artists from around the world are invited to apply. Applications are free of charge and can be submitted online (preferred), by email or by post.
Online Application Process
Step 1: Personal Information
• Fill in your contact details.
• Upload your artist resume (Word or PDF, max 1 MB).
• Optional: Upload articles, reviews or additional documents (Word or PDF, max 1 MB).
Step 2: Artistic Fields
• Select your field(s) of work (painting, sculpture, installation, photography, etc.).
• If you wish to develop or install your work on-site, select Artist in Residence and upload a project description (Word or PDF, max. 1 MB).
Include:
• Concept
• Desired timeframe
• Material needs
• Supporting visuals (photos/sketches) may be uploaded in Step 3.
Step 3: Artwork Submission
• Upload up to 10 images (JPG, GIF or PNG, max 1 MB each) of works proposed for NordArt.
• Provide title, year, technique, dimensions and other details.
• For video works, add a link in the Web link field.
Upon submission, you will receive an automatic confirmation email. If you haven’t received the automatic confirmation, please check your Spam folder before re-applying!
All data is collected exclusively for contact purposes with the artist, in compliance with the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Alternative Submission Methods
If you are unable to apply online, you may submit your application by post or email.
Required Documents
1. Completed Application form (PDF) – please download and fill out
2. Artist resume (CV)
3. Images of up to 10 artworks proposed for NordArt. All images must be clearly labelled with title, year, medium and dimensions (in filenames or a separate list)
4. (Optional) Catalogues, press materials or other relevant documentation
Please note:
• Do not send original works
• Submitted materials will not be returned
Submission Address (Postmarked by 31 October 2025):
Kunstwerk Carlshütte – NordArt Office
Am Ahlmannkai
24782 Büdelsdorf
Germany
Email Submissions:
application@kunstwerk-carlshuette.de
Jury and Selection Process
A professional jury composed of curators, artists, an art historian and members of the supervisory board will review all submissions by mid-February 2026.
Selected artists will be contacted via email to confirm their participation and send the documents for the catalogue before end of February.
The list of participating artists will be published on the NordArt website on 2 March 2026.
Please note: Due to the high volume of applications, we regret that individual notifications cannot be sent to non-selected applicants.
Delivery of Selected Artworks
Deadline: 17 April 2026
Delivery address:
Kunstwerk Carlshütte – NordArt
Vorwerksallee 3
24782 Büdelsdorf
Germany
• Artists are responsible for transportation costs to and from the exhibition site, including international shipping. The official supporters’ logos are published in the catalogue, on the exhibition boards and the NordArt website.
• Artworks are insured by NordArt from the time of arrival until collection (end of October 2026).
• Installation will be carried out by the NordArt team unless otherwise agreed.
• Packaging materials will be stored and reused for return transport.
Sales and Commissions
NordArt is a non-profit exhibition.
• Artworks can be offered for sale.
• No commission is charged.
• Interested buyers will be referred directly to the artist.
• Sold works are collected by buyers after the exhibition ends.
NordArt Catalogue
All participating artists will be featured in the bilingual (German/English) NordArt catalogue (format: 29.7 x 21 cm), with one full page per artist.
Upon confirmation of participation, artists must send the required materials within 10 days via email or download link.
All artists will receive a free copy of the catalogue.
View examples from previous years on the NordArt website under Artists.
NordArt 2026 Opening Hours
6 June – 4 October 2026
Tuesday to Sunday: 11 am – 7 pm
Awards
NordArt Prize
• Value: €10,000
• Sponsored by Hans-Julius and Johanna Ahlmann
• Awarded annually to one artist
• Winner announced near the end of the exhibition and is invited to NordArt 2027
Public Choice Award
• Determined by visitor voting
• Three awards of €1,000 each
• Winners announced near the end of the exhibition and are invited to NordArt 2027
The Award Ceremony will take place at the opening of NordArt 2027