Open call
Collaborative
Futures
small
approaches
Vernisage 5.12.2025
Thank you!
Thank you for the diverse and inspiring submissions and for all the commitment surrounding this project. It has been a wonderful and motivating experience.
Congratulations!
The Audience Awards have been awarded to:
Noah Ernie: The Invention of Less
Miguel Arieira: Countercurrent
Alisa Syzikh: Kyiv
Short films that spark hope
Noah Ernie
The Invention of Less
Miguel Arieira
Countercurrent
Portugal
Alisa Syzikh
KYIV
Ukraine/Deutschland
Open call Short film
We warmly invite all professional artists to apply!
In times of severe political and ecological crises, idealistic or even utopian thinking – the development of positive visions for the future – can seem almost impossible. Our theme Collaborative Futures – SMALL APPROACHES seeks to focus precisely on the small gestures of confidence and success that hint at what might still be possible.
Artists are invited to submit film-based works (artistic or documentary) as well as animations with a maximum length of three minutes, clearly relating to the exhibition theme. Participation will be determined by a jury composed of representatives from the cooperation partners listed below.
Your submission includes
Your Application
To apply, please complete the form on our website, including your CV and a short project description.
Participation is free of charge.
Your Film Contribution
Upload your film as an MP4 file in at least HD quality.
Important: Your film must not be more than 3 minutes long!
Your Rights
By submitting your work, you grant permission for its use exclusively for the purposes specified within the “Collaborative Futures” project. All other rights remain with the respective creators.
Key Dates and Deadlines
5.8.2025
Call for Entries Opens
5.11.2025
Call for Entries stops
20.11.2025
Announcement of selection choices
5.12.2025
Exhibition Opening
6.12.2025 – 1.2.2026
Your Films on the Big Screen: Previews at Kino Brazil
10.1.2025 – 1.2.2026
Students of the University of Design (HfG) present newly created works on the theme
30./31.1.2026
Awarding of the 3 audience prizes
1.2.2026
End of exhibition
March 2026
The exhibition catalog will be published
Prizes
3 invitations to artist talks in
Schwäbisch Gmünd
3 audience prizes of €777
An initiative of the Kunstverein Schwäbisch Gmünd
The selected works will be presented:
The selected works will be presented:
on the social media channels
of the Gmünder Kunstverein
in public urban spaces
(shop windows, facades)
on the website designed specifically for the project
at the Brazil Cinema
Schwäbisch Gmünd
in a printed catalog, which is published in spring 2026
Team, Partners, and Supporters
Behind the open call is a team consisting of members of the Schwäbisch Gmünd Art Association and representatives of the University of Design (HfG) and the University of Education (PH). The original design and exhibition concept was developed by students at the HfG. Achtender took up the existing concept, developed it further in terms of design, and took on the technical implementation.
Together, we are committed to an open, future-oriented art exhibition that brings new impetus to the city and its art scene through the exchange of different perspectives.
Special thanks go to our partners and sponsors, whose support has made this project possible and created the space for artistic development and public visibility.
Sponsoren
Förderinstitutionen
Project lead, artistic network, and curatorial coordination.
→ learn more
Technical support, creative resources, and thematic transparency.
→ learn more
Educational guidance and support for content networking.
→ learn more
FAQ
Here you will find compact answers to key questions. Do you still have questions? Then please feel free to contact us at the following email address: collab_futures@gmx.de
Who can participate?
All professional artists – every creative vision is welcome!
Why participate?
Connect with a network of committed artists. Showcase your film on the website and in selected exhibition spaces. Bring visibility to ideas that inspire optimism and innovation. Get involved, inspire others, and help shape the future together!
How to participate?
Simple online submission form including contact details, short bio, and project description. Video in MP4 format (minimum HD, maximum 3 minutes). The required rights forms will be available for download starting August 5, 2025.
Costs?
Participation is free of charge!
