New work by Diana Agunbiade-Kolawole (cropped)

Open Call 04 | Mindscape: The Inaugural Southnord Collection Exhibition 

”Where do raindrops go after the rain?” - T.I.E

Where do we go when we quieten, when we rest, when we are still? When momentum becomes inertia. Where do we go when we have a moment to ourselves, a moment with our own thoughts? When we escape into our minds. Our inner landscapes are so vast that we can easily get lost in the spacious interiority, in the capaciousness of it all. Our most intimate rooms guarded by mental locks and biometric passwords that sometimes even we ourselves do not know or recall. What images and memories flicker across our mind’s eye, projected onto our retina in black and white or Technicolor, taking us on a journey light years from here?

Southnord invites artists, poets, writers, thinkers, performers and other creatives to propose activations of our inaugural collections exhibition, Mindscape. The works included in the exhibition portray human figures through different forms and techniques, most of them in repose or deep contemplation. Whether physical or digital, the proposed activations should enter into dialogue with the artworks and engage with the themes Mindscape offers up, enriching and expanding a collective musing on our inner lives. There are five available slots from February to June. Selected participants will collaborate with Southnord to present their offerings. An activation fee is available to selected contributions.

What We’re Looking For

We welcome proposals for activations that engage with the exhibition’s themes in fresh and meaningful ways. Whether through live performances, workshops, digital installations or interactive discussions, we seek creative expressions that spark conversation, reflection, and community engagement.

Key Details

Activation Period: February – June 2025
Location: Southnord (physical or digital activations)
Proposal Deadline: Rolling deadlines. Proposals can be sent in for the month of your choice from now until the cut-off date for each activation month.

  • February activation - deadline 10 January

  • March activation - deadline 10 February

  • April activation - deadline 10 March

  • May activation - deadline 10 April

  • June activation - deadline 10 May

Eligibility: Open to all creatives from the entire Nordic region, with a focus on Afro-diasporic voices.

Submission Guidelines

Please submit the following materials:

  1. Activation Proposal (500 words max): Describe your concept, how it aligns with Mindscape, and the intended interaction with audiences.

  2. Portfolio (3 projects max): Include examples of previous work (images, video links, or written samples).

  3. Technical Requirements: Outline any specific needs for space, equipment, or digital platforms.

Selection Process

Selected participants will collaborate with Southnord’s curatorial team to bring their activations to life. Each activation will be featured as a key part of the exhibition programme on our website and in our social media channels.

We look forward to your ideas and can’t wait to see how you’ll help shape Mindscape!