EDICIÓN BILBAO
The XII Edition of Open Portfolio Opens Its Call for Applications
INTERNATIONAL EMERGING PRINTMAKING MEETING
Bilbao, Basque Country
The competition was born eleven years ago with the aim of supporting and giving visibility to the work of new talents in printmaking, and boosting their professional careers. Open Portfolio is a platform for the promotion, dissemination, and professionalization of emerging artists. Over the years, it has featured more than 250 artists from all continents.
Following an international selection process through a public open call, two meetings are held throughout 2025 to support the artistic activity of emerging creators, offering them a space for visibility and serving as a point where experimentation and knowledge intersect.
All of this is made possible through an exhibition program that brings together artists who might not otherwise have the opportunity to showcase their work in a professional context.
The call for the eleventh edition of OPEN PORTFOLIO FIG is now open, with the firm purpose of promoting, supporting, disseminating, and strengthening emerging artistic practices in the field of printmaking.
The objective and philosophy of Open Portfolio define it as a platform for promotion, dissemination, and professionalization for emerging creators and contemporary artistic expressions within printmaking and edition-based works. It is conceived as a tool to
IN-PERSON CALL – BILBAO EDITION
A maximum of **14 artists will be selected to participate in the Open Portfolio Days, taking place on October 26, 27, and 28**. Among the selected participants, **four** will be chosen to take part in the Open Portfolio Fair at **FIG 2025**, to be held in November at the Euskalduna Palace.
The event will consist of an exhibition with the artists present. Each participant will be provided with a back panel and a table.
- Where?: Sala Rekalde
- Address: Iparraguirre Kalea, 21, Abando, 48009 Bilbao, Bizkaia
- Schedule:
- October 26: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM: Exhibition setup 5:30 PM: Opening to the public
- October 27: Open Portfolio FIG Day – Morning and afternoon sessions
- October 28: Open Portfolio FIG Day – Morning session
FINAL STAGE – NOVEMBER
Four finalist artists will exhibit their work at the **FIG Bilbao Fair**, taking place from **November 27 to 30**.
- Venue: Euskalduna Palace
ARTIST PRESENCE IS MANDATORY BOTH DURING THE OPEN PORTFOLIO DAYS AND AT THE FIG BILBAO FAIR.
Who can apply?
The call is open to emerging artists of any nationality whose practice is connected to graphic techniques — from traditional ones (woodcut, lithography, etching, screen printing, linocut…) to contemporary, hybrid or experimental approaches, as long as they maintain a clear connection to the graphic language.
There are no age limits, and the jury will particularly value originality, conceptual strength, and technical quality.
IN-PERSON CALL – BILBAO EDITION
A maximum of **14 artists will be selected to participate in the Open Portfolio Days, taking place on October 26, 27, and 28**. Among the selected participants, **four** will be chosen to take part in the Open Portfolio Fair at **FIG 2025**, to be held in November at the Euskalduna Palace.
The event will consist of an exhibition with the artists present. Each participant will be provided with a back panel and a table.
- Where?: Sala Rekalde
- Address: Iparraguirre Kalea, 21, Abando, 48009 Bilbao, Bizkaia
- Schedule:
- September 26: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM: Exhibition setup 5:30 PM: Opening to the public
- September 27: Open Portfolio FIG Day – Morning and afternoon sessions
- September 28: Open Portfolio FIG Day – Morning session
FINAL STAGE – NOVEMBER
Four finalist artists will exhibit their work at the **FIG Bilbao Fair**, taking place from **November 27 to 30**.
- Venue: Euskalduna Palace
ARTIST PRESENCE IS MANDATORY BOTH DURING THE OPEN PORTFOLIO DAYS AND AT THE FIG BILBAO FAIR.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: JULY 21, 2025
Send us your application!
BENEFITS
Open Portfolio will provide each participant, free of charge, with a horizontal linear space (table) to present their work, as well as a rear exhibition panel.
This is a professional presentation of the artist’s work, and Open Portfolio will provide the appropriate visibility through its official catalogue, website, and other platforms, as well as in press releases. Works must be transported, installed, and removed by the participants themselves on the dates indicated by the organization.
It is recommended that all exhibited works be covered by insurance; otherwise, the artist assumes full responsibility for any damage caused by circumstances beyond the control of FIG Bilbao or Open Portfolio. All works must be professionally presented, properly signed, and editioned. A technical data sheet should be available to any visitor or professional who requests it.
Each selected artist will receive a travel grant of €200 to help cover expenses. This will be provided at the end of the event, once attendance is confirmed.
All works must have clearly indicated prices and at least 5 pieces must be priced under €200 (+10% VAT) for sale to the public.
TERMS & CONDITIONS
1. The organization will ensure the overall security of the exhibition venue during the event. However, it will not be responsible for the individual security of the artworks during public opening hours, which will be the responsibility of each artist. All display materials, such as folders, covers, mounting supplies, etc., must be provided by the artist.
2. Commercial transactions are permitted but must be strictly between the artist and the buyer, without any involvement from the organization. Each artist must have at least 5 works for sale, each priced no higher than €200 (+10% VAT).
3. All artists must install and dismantle their own displays and be physically present for the duration of the event. They are also expected to actively participate in the communication and outreach activities organized as part of FIG Bilbao 2024.
4. Participation in the 10th Open Portfolio implies full acceptance of these terms. Open Portfolio / FIG Bilbao 2024 reserves the right to promote the participants’ projects through any media it deems appropriate (press, digital platforms, social media, etc.), and in any format (texts, photos, videos, etc.).
5. Punctuality is essential. Selected artists must arrive at least one hour before the start of Open Portfolio.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
From the date of publication of these terms and conditions until July 21, 2025. Applications must be submitted via email to the following address:
openportfolio@figbilbao.com or by completing this form.
The jury’s decision will be published on the official website and social media channels, and will be communicated by email to the selected artists.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION
To participate in the XII Open Portfolio, artists must submit a single digital dossier (PDF format, max 10MB) including the following information in the order listed below:
DIGITAL DOSSIER (PDF)
-
- Artist’s full name
- Phone number and email address
- Portfolio / Website
- Artist statement/CV (maximum 1 page)
- Between 5 and 8 high-quality images of the artworks
- Technical sheet for each work: title, year, dimensions, and technique
Any dossier that does not meet the deadline or format requirements, or lacks any of the requested documentation, will not be considered by the jury. The organization reserves the right to request additional information from applicants.