Municipal Art Acquisitions 2010

Call for visual artists

History appears to be growing in significance as a determining factor in our identity, our culture, our norms and values. The creation of the Canon of Holland and the establishment of a National Historical Museum are evidence of this development. In the past, particularly in the 19th century, a similar interest in history resulted in magnificent historical paintings and monuments commemorating national heroes and events. Increasingly often, contemporary art is also showing interest in historical reflection, but in a variety of disciplines and definitely not necessarily in support of 'the nation'.

For the exhibition Monumentalism - Proposals for Municipal Art Acquisitions 2010, the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam is looking for artists whose work reflects upon the idea of national history, problematising the related issues, creating connections with other histories, and displaying distinctive and original ways of looking at historical canons, doing so with aesthetic ingenuity. Such artists are invited to submit an application with evidence of their work, or work in preparation, to be considered for the exhibition, which will take place in Summer 2010. A jury will select the participants from these applications. The director of the Stedelijk Museum will make the decision about the actual acquisitions on the basis of the exhibition.

The annual Municipal Art Acquisitions have been the responsibility of the Stedelijk Museum since 1995. Every year has a focus on a particular discipline of art or design, which is announced beforehand. The museum management nominates the jury, which consists of a curator from the Stedelijk Museum and four external experts.

Click here for more information and to download the application form. The form is also available at Stedelijk Museum Bureau Amsterdam.