Textile Art Biennial BIEN 2027
29. 5.–14. 8. 2027
OPEN CALL FOR EXHIBITORS
Artists, designers and researchers are invited to respond to the public call for participation in the Textile Art Biennial BIEN 2027, which will take place between May 29 and August 14 in Slovenian cities Kranj, Tržič, Škofja Loka, and Jesenice. The call is open until 21 December 2026. The artworks will be selected by the jury members Dominika Krogulska-Czekalska, Almina Duraković Korošec, and Lovro Ivančić.
The curatorial concept focuses on the theme “Traces of Grace”. Read more about the theme and respond to it here: https://shorturl.at/WgSc4
IMPORTANT DATES
- Application deadline: including December 21, 2026 (until midnight CET)
- 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
GENERAL INFORMATION
- Artists and artist collectives from around the world may participate by submitting three works that are no more than three years old. Only online submissions will be considered.
- Submitted works should be thematically aligned with the central theme, Traces of Grace, and should be primarily created in the medium of textiles or in a medium that references textiles through material, technique, or concept.
APPLICATION FEE AND COSTS
- A non-refundable application fee of €10 is required to participate in the open call.
- If you are a student, you may apply free of charge through the Textile School of Thought application form (available at the beginning of the application).
- If you live in or are affected by a war or conflict zone, please contact us at bien@layer.si and we will provide you with a fee waiver.
- Applicants are responsible for the costs of shipping their works. The organiser is not liable for any damage that may occur during transport to the exhibition.
- The organiser covers the cost of returning the works and insures them up to a maximum value of €999 (see exceptions in the agreement). If a package exceeds the permitted dimensions and weight (maximum length of any side: 150 cm; combined length and girth: 300 cm; maximum weight: 20 kg), the organiser assumes no responsibility for returning the work at its own expense.
- Customs duties and related charges are the responsibility of the applicant. For more details, please refer to the agreement between the Organiser and the Artist: https://shorturl.at/MKyph
AWARDS
- The organiser will award a residency in Kranj of up to four weeks to one selected artist (or an artist collective of up to two members), including coverage of travel expenses, accommodation, per diem, and production costs in 2028 or 2029. The recipient of the award will be announced at the opening of BIEN 2027 in Kranj (29 May 2027). 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. More on the ETA Award: https://shorturl.at/ZK1of
CONTACT
bien@layer.si
Thank you for your interest in BIEN 2027!
BIEN 2027 Team
BIEN is organised by the Carnica Institute, co-funded by the Ministry of Culture.
