The Blue Night Art Competition 2027 - Nuremberg

An open competition for site-specific projects to be presented in Nuremberg's Old Town during The Blue Night preview on 23 April 2027 and the main event on 24 April 2027. The 2027 theme is 'So Close to the Sun.'

Official Call / Opportunity Page URL: https://www.nuernberg.de/internet/dieblauenacht_en/ausschreibung_blaue_nacht_kunstwettbewerb.html

Deadline: 31 July 2026.

Application Fee / Participation Fee: No application fee is stated on the official call page.

Eligibility

• Open to individuals and collectives working across all artistic disciplines, including installations, light art, performance, media art, and interactive or participatory projects.

• Works presented in a conventional white-cube format, such as standalone paintings and sculptures, are not considered under this call.

• Up to ten projects are scheduled to be selected for realization.

Application / Project Requirements

• Brief project concept, maximum two pages.

• Detailed cost breakdown covering materials, personnel, technical equipment, transport, accommodation, performance rights, and other relevant expenses.

• Information on installation and de-installation.

• CV, maximum one page, plus website or social-media accounts and complete contact details.

• The project must remain continuously accessible for four to five hours on both event nights. Performances may need to be repeated, and artists must be present on both nights.

Funding / Support / Benefits

• Flat artist fee of EUR 1,500 plus VAT where applicable. The fee is not increased for collectives.

• Reimbursement of project expenses up to EUR 4,500 including VAT, upon presentation of receipts.

• An advance of up to EUR 750 is available on request.

• Selected projects will be presented in Nuremberg on 23 and 24 April 2027.

Application Method

• Submit the application digitally to blaue.nacht@stadt.nuernberg.de.

• The organizer states that all applications will be acknowledged by email and results will be communicated by the end of November 2026.

Additional Conditions Stated by the Organizer

• Expenses for durable equipment costing more than EUR 300 net are not reimbursable; equipment hire may be claimed.

• Meals and documentation expenses are not reimbursable.

• Selected artworks remain the property of the artists. The organizer receives rights to photograph and film the works for public relations and documentation under the selected-artist contract.