For the 16th time, the OSTRALE is organizing its international exhibition of contemporary art OSTRALE Biennale. The O27 will take place from June 4 to October 3, 2027 at various locations in Dresden and in public spaces.
Artists regardless of age, nationality, origin or career status are cordially invited to apply for participation in the OSTRALE Biennale. All forms of contemporary visual art are eligible, including drawing, painting, graphics, photography, sculpture, installation, performance, digital and video art, sound installations and other forms of expression not explicitly mentioned here.
The application fee is 20 euros (reduced 10 euros for students) and applies regardless of the number of artworks/series submitted (max. 5). All costs for art transport, insurance, catalog and organization of the exhibition will be covered by the organizer. All participating artists or artist groups will receive a one-off exhibition fee of 300 euros net.
Applications will only be accepted online via the OSTRALE database from April 15 to May 31, 2026. The prerequisite is the reference to the thematic orientation “Article 5” and the complete completion of all required information.
Article 5 (working title)
Freedom of opinion, art and science
The focus of the Biennale O27 is the human being – as an individual and as a driving force: What does it mean to be human – in this day and age?
For a long time since the Second World War, most of Europe seemed to live in a stabilized promise of peace. Today, however, the reality of war has once again become palpable. The social upheavals are reaching into people’s inner selves: into their feelings, into their fears.
In this context, the focus shifts to the human condition – the “human condition” that always oscillates between good and evil, violence and tolerance, hate and love.
Time and again, the same driving forces crystallize: possession, power, wealth, the “always more” as an anthropological constant.
We contrast this destructive dynamic with freedom and lived diversity – diversity of artistic expression, diversity of human feelings. A world characterized by pluralism, openness, reflection and negotiation processes.
Art cannot prevent war. But it can sharpen perception, activate memory and create empathy. Moreover, engaging with it can provide relief. The search for beauty and the awareness of where one can orient oneself and develop further is certainly well satiated by art.
The hope of the OSTRALE Biennale 2027 lies in this realization: that man, confronted with his own human condition, not only recognizes his abysses, but also his ability to be free and responsible.
O27_Curatorial concept, full version HERE