Open Call / Call for Entries
Following editions in Flachgau (2021), Lungau (2023) and Pinzgau (2025), the Supergau Festival – initiated and produced by the Province of Salzburg – will continue in Tennengau in Salzburg, Austria, in in 2027.
We are now inviting professional artists from all disciplines – regional, national and international – to submit project ideas for the Tennengau region.
What is Supergau?
Supergau views the ‘Gaue’ – the five administrative districts in the province of Salzburg – not merely as geographical units, but rather as cultural spaces. The projects created as part of the festival emerge from the region and, at best, have an impact far beyond its borders. The fact that the festival deliberately takes place in a rural setting is a clear cultural policy statement: contemporary art belongs wherever it is sought after, needed or perhaps not yet expected. Artistic practice thus becomes a catalyst for cultural development away from major centres.
Going beyond the mere presentation of art, Supergau sees itself as a host for artists, visitors and the local population. Hosting means opening up shared spaces, building trust and welcoming people without appropriating them.
As a networking and production platform, Supergau develops new forms of cooperation, enhances the visibility of contemporary art beyond urban centres and strengthens existing structures. The projects are intended to have an impact beyond the festival and to be sustainably integrated into the everyday culture of the region.
Who or what we are looking for
We invite professional, regional, national and international artists from all disciplines to develop project ideas for the Tennengau region.
The projects should emerge from the region itself and address societal, social, economic or political issues.
We are particularly interested in works that have a spatial, landscape-based or interventionist impact, are cross-disciplinary, or develop participatory formats with local initiatives, associations, institutions or residents. Projects that explore new forms of encounter and exchange in rural areas are expressly encouraged. Furthermore, we welcome concepts specifically aimed at children, teenagers and young adults, or those developed and implemented in collaboration with them. The focus is on artistic self-empowerment, cultural education and a sustainable anchoring in the region, so that new spaces for experience emerge in which young people can actively contribute their perspectives.
As part of a one-week residency in Tennengau in September 2026, the selected artists will have the opportunity to get to know the region, conduct on-site research and engage in dialogue with local partners, residents and stakeholders.
The festival has sought and continues to seek hosts and contributors from the region – people who share their knowledge, work with their hands, provide venues, or are simply curious.
Further information on suggestions for research and potential partners can be found in the linked portfolio, which is intended to serve as inspiration for the projects, but should not be seen as a set of requirements.
Budget and Remuneration
The total budget for the open call is 200,000 euros.
Funding will be provided by the Province of Salzburg.
Half of this amount will be paid out in 2026 and the other half in 2027.
Projects are sought in three categories:
- Category A: €3,000 to €10,000
up to 5 artistic works - Category B: €10,000 to €20,000
up to 4 artistic works - Category C: €20,000 to €30,000
up to 3 artistic works
The categories serve merely as a budgetary framework and do not represent a qualitative assessment. These are gross amounts, which must include fees, production and performance costs, as well as travel expenses.
During the residency in September 2026, Supergau will also provide accommodation and meals for a maximum of two people per group and cover a tiered travel allowance.
An accommodation allowance of 50 euros per person per day or a maximum of 100 euros per group per day during the festival will also be granted if Supergau is unable to provide accommodation. All other costs, such as materials, set-up, dismantling and disposal costs, insurance, royalties, and taxes must be included in the project budget.
Any further working visits that are expressly requested must also be taken into account in the project budget. The Province of Salzburg attaches great importance to fair pay; the fee rates of IGKultur Austria may serve as a guide. Project calculations will be reviewed with this in mind; fair remuneration for all participants is a key selection criterion. Additional third-party funding is welcome and may be included in the project calculation.
Application documents
The call for applications is open to individuals and groups at any stage of their career.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
The deadline for submissions is 17 May 2026.
Submissions must be in the form of a PDF file (maximum 8 pages, 10 MB, named: Name/Group_Project Title_Category A, B or C) containing the following:
- Brief description of the project (max. 1,000 characters)
- Detailed project proposal including technical implementation
- Project budget in accordance with the selected category (A/B/C)
- Short CV(s) with email address, telephone number and examples of previous artistic work, including links to videos, websites or social media where applicable
It is not possible to submit the same project to multiple categories.
Selection is based on a technical and financial assessment by the festival management and a jury.
Submissions must be sent by email with the subject line “Supergau 2027, Category A, B or C” to kunst-kultur@salzburg.gv.at.
Selection and Timetable
- Submission deadline: 17 May 2026
- Jury meetings: June 2026
- Announcement of selected projects: July 2026
- Mandatory residency in Tennengau: 21–27 September 2026
- Project development phase: Autumn 2026 to Spring 2027
- Festival Supergau 2027 in Tennengau: 13–23 May 2027
Background
Supergau is based on an initiative by the Province of Salzburg and implements a key measure within the framework of the Province of Salzburg’s Cultural Development Plan (KEP). The Province of Salzburg is thus making an explicit commitment to promoting contemporary art production that encourages new ways of thinking, developing, implementing and exhibiting art.
