OPEN BILBAO | XIII EDITION
INTERNATIONAL EMERGING GRAPHIC ARTS MEETING
Call open until April 20, 2026
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
XIII edition celebration
June 12, 13, 14, 2026
Sala Rekalde, Bilbao
The event was founded thirteen years ago to support and give visibility to the work of emerging graphic artists and to boost their professional careers. Open Portfolio provides a platform for promotion, dissemination, and professional development of emerging creators, which over the years has hosted more than 250 artists from all continents.
After an international selection through a public call, 2 events will take place in 2026 to support the artistic activity of emerging creators, providing a platform for dissemination and a point where experimentation and knowledge intersect.
All of this is made possible through an exhibition program bringing together artists who would otherwise not have the opportunity to show their work in a professional setting.
The call for the eleventh edition of OPEN PORTFOLIO FIG is now open, with the firm aim of giving visibility, supporting, promoting, and enhancing emerging artistic practices in the field of printmaking. The purpose and philosophy of Open Portfolio define it as a platform for promotion, dissemination, and professional development for emerging creators and contemporary artistic expressions in printmaking and editioned work. It serves as a bridge between education and professional art practice.
IN-PERSON CALL | BILBAO EDITION
A maximum of 14 artists will be selected to participate in the Open June event, on June 12, 13, and 14. Four of them will participate in the Open Portfolio Fair at FIG 2025, to be held in November at Palacio Euskalduna.
The event consists of an exhibition with the presence of the artists, who will have a back support and a table.
Where?: Sala Rekalde
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- Address: Iparraguirre Kalea, 21
- Access: Alameda Rekalde, 22, Bilbao.
Agenda:
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- Día 12/06:
9:00 – 14:00 Exhibition setup
17:30 Public opening - Día 13/06:
Open Portfolio FIG sessions in morning and afternoon - Día 14/06:
Open Portfolio FIG sessions in the morning
- Día 12/06:
FINAL PHASE | NOVEMBER
Four finalist artists will exhibit their work at the FIG Bilbao Fair from November 26 to 29.
- Location: Palacio Euskalduna
IT IS ESSENTIAL FOR ARTISTS TO ATTEND BOTH THE OPEN PORTFOLIO DAYS AND THE FIG BILBAO FAIR.
OPEN PORTFOLIO PRIZE
The prizes consist of:
- an exhibition space in the next FIG Bilbao 2026 edition,
- a residency at Fundación CIEC, International Center for Contemporary Printmaking, Betanzos, A Coruña
- a residency at Basque Biodesign Center, a center specialized in bioart
Prizes may be declared void if the jury deems it appropriate. The jury’s decision is final.
Winning artists will donate a representative work of their portfolio to Open Portfolio for exhibition and promotional purposes.
SELECTION COMMITTEE
It will be composed of specialists in printmaking and contemporary artistic practices.
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?
Open Portfolio is aimed at emerging artists whose practice focuses on graphic work (engraving, woodcut, screen printing, lithography, and digital printing).
- Artists who have previously participated may submit a new project.
CALL OPEN UNTIL APRIL 20, 2026
Submit your application!
SERVICES PROVIDED
Open Portfolio will provide each participant with a horizontal linear space (table) to present their work, as well as a back support for the exhibition, free of charge.
This is a professional presentation, and the Open Portfolio organization will promote it as deemed appropriate, reflected in the official catalog, website, and other media, as well as through press releases about the presented artists. Artworks will be transported, installed, and removed by the participants on the dates set by the organization.
It is recommended that artworks be covered by insurance; otherwise, the artist assumes full responsibility for any damage caused by factors beyond the control of FIG Bilbao and Open Portfolio. Works must be in professional condition, duly signed and editioned, and accompanied by a technical sheet available to visitors and professionals upon request.
Selected artists will receive a travel grant of €200 for expenses, provided at the end of the event once attendance is confirmed.
Prices must be clearly indicated, and there must be at least 5 pieces for sale at a maximum of €200 (+10% VAT).
CONDITIONS
1. The organization will ensure general safety of the exhibition venue during the event. It is not responsible for the individual security of the exhibited pieces during public hours, which is the responsibility of the authors. Exhibition materials, folders, covers, mounting materials, etc., must be provided by the artist.
2. Commercial transactions are permitted exclusively between artist and client, without any involvement by the organization. A minimum of 5 works must be for sale at a price not exceeding €200 (+10% VAT).
3. All artists must set up and dismantle their displays and be physically present during the event. They must also actively participate in the various dissemination and communication activities during FIG Bilbao 2026.
4. Participation in XIII Open Portfolio implies full acceptance of the rules. Open Portfolio/FIG Bilbao 2026 may publicize participants’ works through media and platforms deemed appropriate (press, virtual spaces, social networks, catalog) with prior notice to the authors.
5. Selected artists must provide all requested information for press releases and online promotion.
SUBMISSION DEADLINE
From the moment these guidelines are published until April 20, 2026. Proposals must be sent by e-mail to the following address:
openportfolio@figbilbao.com or by filling out this form
The jury’s decision will be published both on the website and social media, and communicated by email to the participants.
DOCUMENTATION TO SUBMIT
To participate in the XIII Open Portfolio, a single digital dossier (PDF, maximum 10MB) must be submitted including the following information in the order described:
DIGITAL DOSSIER (PDF)
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- Full name of the artist
- Phone number and email
- Portfolio / Website
- Artist Statement / CV (maximum 1 page)
- Between 5 and 8 high-quality photographs of the artworks
- Technical sheet of the works: title, year, dimensions, and technique
Any dossier that does not comply in time and form, or that does not include all required documentation, will not be considered by the jury. The organization reserves the right to request additional information from the participants.