Open Call for Emerging Artists

‘A visual icon of red-hot passion and pain, yet which in reality, burns fiercest when it’s blue. A being that feeds off of oxygen as it chokes out life. “Fire embodies the paradox of existence: it creates as it destroys, illustrating the inseparability of life and death, construction and annihilation.”’ — Gilles Deleuze

“I am talking to you because I need you, and to need means to love. Let’s see. Am I just establishing inventories? Where am I? That’s already an enormous question. I am in the midst of whatever I am thinking of. There are fires in California, they have returned. I am burning. Am one of the trees that’s disappearing in the fires. My body black and grey becoming ashes.” — Etel Adnan

Beirut Art Center invites emerging artists to explore the symbolism of fire, a force of transformation and paradox. In a region shaped by catastrophe and collective trauma, how can fire’s flickering presence illuminate our shared histories and possible futures? How might we engage with its dual nature—both destructive and generative—to confront what lies ahead? In what ways does this elemental force speak to our collective urgencies and desires? How can rage and passion be harnessed, not as an end in themselves, but as catalysts for new possibilities, using fire’s volatile energy to carve new paths forward?

Artists are encouraged to respond to this brief in a broad way and propose works that demonstrate the unique power of fire and its potential manifestations within our current culture. Reflect on the multifaceted elements of fire as both a physical phenomenon and a conceptual framework. Consider themes of destruction, creation, momentum, energy, and change.

Finalists will be selected by a jury comprised of members of Beirut Art Center’s artistic committee and external jurors, and showcased in a group exhibition at BAC in the fall of 2025.

GUIDELINES:

1.   Eligibility:  Open to emerging artists in Lebanon and the wider region.

2.   Submission Requirements:

• A detailed proposal (max 500 words) outlining your concept and how it relates to both the theme and your broader artistic practice. Works that have been previously produced are accepted, but they should not have been shown in Lebanon before.
• Up to 5 images or sketches of the proposed work.
• A 300-word bio and portfolio of 3 works.
• Send in one PDF (max 25MB) to fire@beirutartcenter.org
• The PDF should be titled with your first and last name.

3.   Media:   All media are welcome, including but not limited to installation, painting, sculpture, video, sound, performance, and interactive art.

4.   Budget:   A production budget will be available to help realize new works.

5.   Deadline:  March 29 at 3.00 PM Beirut time.

READINGS:

1. The Arab Apocalypse by Etel Adnan
2. The Psychoanalysis of Fire by Gaston Bachelard
3. Fire and Ice by Robert Frost
4. Fragments by Heraclitus
5. The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin