Noorderlicht Biennale 2025 Open Call

Noorderlicht invites image-makers, photographers, and artists working with lens-based media to participate in the Noorderlicht Biennale 2025: Machine Entanglements.

Overview

The Noorderlicht Biennale 2025, titled Machine Entanglements, focuses on the complex relationship between technology, ecology, and heritage. The project invites artists, photographers, and image-makers to submit work that explores these themes and reflects on the influence of technology, such as artificial intelligence (AI), on society and our environment. The motivation for this project stems from rapid technological developments that significantly to engage visitors actively our biodiversity, social structures, and heritage. With this biennale, Noorderlicht aims to raise awareness and spark dialogue about how technology shapes our lives and world.

Practical Info

The project examines two key themes. Connected Landscapes focuses on the intertwining of technology with natural and urban environments, exploring topics such as the role of AI in food production, the impact of technological industries on nature, and the dynamics of ecosystems. The second theme, Heritage Futures, investigates the influence of (colonial) heritage in a contemporary context and how digital technology can contribute to understanding and reinterpreting these histories. At the same time, it critically examines how technology can either reinforce or challenge social inequality and colonial structures.

Artists are required to submit a PDF of no more than 10 MB and 10 pages, a text of up to 200 words, and a recent CV from the past five years. Longer texts may be included as an appendix. Photo series can also be submitted as a set of JPG files (approximately 1500px on the long side), and video projects as individual files (max 20 MB).

A selection will be made in January 2025 by curators Wim Melis, Roosje Klap, and Rosa Wevers. The selected works will be produced and installed for exhibitions in the summer of 2025. A public program, including guided tours, workshops, and discussions will complement the Biennale.

About Noorderlicht

Noorderlicht is a dynamic platform that makes visual culture accessible to everyone, using photography and lens-based media as a powerful tool for dialogue and reflection. With a critical and innovative approach, we challenge the boundaries of visual culture and create space for deep conversations and connections that inspire and drive change. In addition to the biennial Noorderlicht Festival, the platform organizes exhibitions, an educational program, and manages a publishing house and a professional print lab.