stadt.raum.­experimente

The stadt.raum.experimente are an open-format initiative by the Art Commission of the City of Düsseldorf that promotes contemporary art in public space. Both local and internationally active artists are invited to develop experimental and temporary art projects for urban environments. The submitted concepts are selected through an open competition by a jury appointed by the Art Commission. The aim is to enrich public space through innovative art projects and to generate new impulses for how the city is perceived and used. The format seeks to establish public space as a site for contemporary artistic engagement and social reflection, while also contributing to new approaches in urban development.

Professional artists are eligible to apply. This includes both individual artists and collectives primarily working in the field of visual arts. Applications are welcome from both established artists and those at the beginning of their careers. The stadt.raum.experimente format explicitly encourages applications regardless of cultural or social background, gender, age, religion or belief, perceived disability, or sexual orientation. Individuals who identify as BIPoC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) and/or FLINT* (women, lesbians, inter, non-binary, trans* and agender people), especially those who experience intersecting forms of marginalization, are strongly encouraged to apply. The format is aimed at artists who wish to develop innovative concepts for public space in Düsseldorf. There are no limitations regarding artistic disciplines – proposals may include a wide range of artistic practices such as installations, performance, sound art, digital formats, collaborative or participatory projects, as well as other experimental approaches. Prior experience with art in public space is not required.

The stadt.raum.experimente program supports project proposals that demonstrate a clear conceptual connection to the city of Düsseldorf and its urban space. Only temporary projects are eligible for funding—permanent installations in public space are not supported. The project must be realized and publicly presented in a public space within Düsseldorf. In principle, all artistic disciplines and approaches within the field of public art are welcome. A wide range of formats is possible, including performative and process-based works, as well as participatory projects involving the public.

The project timeline primarily depends on the submitted concept. The overall duration – including research, production, implementation, presentation, and completion – should be planned within a timeframe of up to one year.

All project proposals submitted by October 15 will be considered for implementation in the following year. Realization of the selected projects may begin from summer of the following year onward.

In principle, projects can take place anywhere in the public space of Düsseldorf, as long as the chosen location aligns with the submitted concept. All legal requirements must be observed.

If coordination with municipal departments—such as the Parks Department or other city authorities—is necessary, the Art Commission will offer support to facilitate the implementation process. Permits do not need to be obtained at the time of application.

Each individual project can receive funding of up to €60,000. A total of up to €120,000 is available per year for all funded projects.

To support as many projects as possible, the Art Commission requests that the cost estimates submitted with the application be as realistic and needs-based as possible. It is recommended to refer to the BBK (Federal Association of Visual Artists) fee guidelines when calculating artist fees.

If selected, the approved budget will correspond to the proposed total project cost. Adjustments to the budget after selection are not possible. Additional third-party funding or co-financing is allowed but not required.

The exact funding conditions will be contractually agreed upon between the City of Düsseldorf and the artist.

Applications for the stadt.raum.experimente format are possible at any time. The deadline for project proposals to be considered for implementation in the following year is October 15 of the previous year.
For projects planned in 2027, the submission deadline is therefore October 15, 2026.

Please do not submit applications by post or email, as these will not be considered.
Applications must be submitted exclusively via the online portal: https://www.kunstkommission-duesseldorf.de/anmeldung-stadt-raum-experimente/

The online application form includes input fields for all required documents and information. Text fields have a character limit.
Progress can be saved at any time, and documents can be uploaded until the submission deadline.

The selection process consists of three stages. First, all applications submitted via the portal by the deadline, October 15, are collected and initially reviewed by a working group made up of some members of the Art Commission. The working group members evaluate the proposals according to predefined criteria through at least one individual review and one joint group review to decide which projects should be presented to the full Commission. In the second stage, about 20 selected projects are presented by the office during a Commission meeting, where all members review and discuss them. Finally, in the third stage, the projects recommended for realization are determined based on the established criteria. This Commission meeting usually takes place about six weeks after the submission deadline.

The selection is based on the following criteria, although it is not necessary to fulfill all of them:

Artistic Quality

• Artistic quality of the concepts with regard to Düsseldorf’s public space

• Innovative, experimental, or bold approach to public space

• Site specificity

• Experience in public space / references

Discourse

• Sensitivity to diversity and critical engagement

• Thematic sensitivity

• Political urgency and topicality

Mediation and Public Engagement

• Visibility

• Inclusion of mediation ideas (e.g., documentation, publication)

• Accessibility for the public, low-threshold participation

• Involvement of an extended audience

Networks

• Cooperation, especially with local stakeholders

• Regional as well as cross-regional projects

• Local and international networking

Finances

• Relationship between visibility and budget

• Proportionality of fees (appropriate remuneration)

In principle, all applications are reviewed. However, incomplete applications (e.g., missing budget details) as well as project proposals that do not have a location in Düsseldorf are generally not included in the further selection process.

The Commission strongly recommends focusing on one project proposal.

Feedback will be provided in writing no later than January of the year following the application deadline. The decision of the committee does not have to be justified.

In the case of a positive response, a contract will be concluded between the city and the artist, regulating all formalities. By submitting the application, the artist agrees that all submitted documents become the property of the city upon receipt. Furthermore, the organizer reserves the right to publish the artistic works of the participating artists free of charge in its own publications, with credit to the artist and the year of creation, and to use them for the intended purpose. The right of first publication lies with the organizer, while the copyright remains with the artist.

Applicants may generally resubmit their project proposals each year. However, it is recommended to revise rejected proposals — unless the art commission explicitly suggests resubmitting the same concept.

No. The program is aimed at professional artists, i.e., those who have completed a degree in fine arts or have an equivalent exhibition record.

Visualizations of the project should be submitted exclusively in analog or digital form.

No. The realization and execution of the project are the sole responsibility of the applicant.

The implementation of the project will take place in coordination with the art commission and will be contractually regulated.

Yes, that is generally possible. The team must include at least one artistic position.