“THE BASIC RIGHTS – 19 POSITIONS ON ARTICLES 1-19 OF THE BASIC LAW” Exhibition invitation for members of the BBK of all regional associations
Format: 80 × 80 cm, canvas (stretcher frame thickness 20mm)
Closing date for entries: 22 May 2026
Submission of finished works: by 14 August 2026
Start of exhibition: 18 September 2026
Venue: BBK Frankfurt Gallery, Hanauer Landstraße 89, 60314 Frankfurt am Main
As part of the project: “World Design Capital Frankfurt 2026”
Organizer: BBK Frankfurt
The overall exhibition is conceived as a travelling exhibition.
Topic
As part of the “World Design Capital Frankfurt 2026” project, BBK Frankfurt is planning a major exhibition from September 18, 2026, which will deal with Articles 1 to 19 of the
German Basic Law – the fundamental rights. Each of these articles is to be interpreted through an independent work of art. We are looking for 19 artists who will each deal with one article in a creative, critical, poetic or documentary way. In a staggered call for entries, the artists of the BBK Frankfurt were first given the opportunity to apply. In this round, 5 artists were selected who were able to assert themselves with their submitted designs.
Goal
The exhibition aims to highlight the importance of fundamental rights for our coexistence today. How are dignity, freedom, equality, freedom of belief, freedom of expression and the right to asylum reflected in art? How are perspectives on these rights changing in a pluralistic, digital, globalized world? At the same time, this project aims to make visible the internationality of the members of the BBK and our solidarity and ability to network, the seriousness of the content of our artistic work and our understanding of human rights and democracy.
International positions from our multicultural members are also expressly desired in order to emphasize the global nature of the topic. By integrating the exhibition into the WDC 2026 project, we expect a high level of public awareness and broad media attention. We would like to cooperate with other regional associations that would like to present the exhibition.
Jury and selection process
An expert jury, yet to be appointed, will select those entries that are convincing in terms of content and art. We will try to recruit experts from various disciplines – such as journalism, law, history and art – for the expert jury in order to ensure a multi-layered and balanced assessment of the submitted works. The jury’s decision is binding; legal recourse is excluded. The following jury members are currently available:
- Oliver Wittershagen, lawyer
- Andreas Greulich, art historian and gallery owner, Frankfurt
- Nadja Zweigler, art historian, artist, Frankfurt, BBK Frankfurt board member
Further personalities will be invited, including Justine Otto and Juli Zeh.
Conditions of participation
- Eligible to participate: Members of the BBK nationwide
- Submission of designs and application to the BBK Frankfurt by May 22, 2026
- Selection is made by a jury.
- The finished works will be presented as part of the exhibition and, if applicable, documented in the
catalog.
Application deadline: May 22, 2026