An opportunity to showcase the artistic talent of Chile's Ñuble Region beyond national borders is now available through the 2026 Call for Entries organized by the Galería Arauco in Nuremberg, Germany. The initiative will select one regional artist to present their work in Europe.
The call is being organized jointly by the Sala de Arte Mercado in Chillán, under the Municipality's Department of Culture, Arts and Heritage, and the German gallery. Artwork submissions will be accepted until Monday, November 16.
Víctor Sepúlveda, director of the Sala de Arte Mercado, highlighted the importance of this partnership in creating international opportunities for local artists and promoting the region's artistic work abroad.
"This partnership is the only regional gateway we have to the outside world. Every artist who walks through that door carries not only their artwork, but also the name of Ñuble and Chillán," he said.
Who Can Apply?
The competition is open to artists aged 18 and over who can demonstrate residency in the Ñuble Region.
Applicants must submit two original artworks on any subject, using one of the following techniques: watercolor, printmaking, photography, oil painting, acrylic, drawing, mixed media or collage.
Once the submission period closes, the Sala de Arte Mercado will select eight finalists. These artists will then be required to send photographs of six of their artworks to the gallery's email address. The material will subsequently be forwarded to Nuremberg for evaluation.
The final selection will be made by the curatorial team at Galería Arauco, which will decide who will represent Ñuble in this international experience.
Sepúlveda also noted that the initiative has already enabled two artists to travel to Germany and exhibit their work in person, while seven others have participated through remote exhibitions.
Fifteen-Day Stay in Germany
The selected artist will receive 15 days of accommodation and meals in Germany, along with the organization of their exhibition and opening ceremony. These benefits will be coordinated by Galería Arauco in Nuremberg.
As part of the requirements, the winning artist must have at least 25 artworks available by January 3, 2028, and coordinate the project through Zoom meetings with Alejandro Franco, director of the German gallery.
The artist will also be required to hold a preliminary exhibition at the Sala de Arte Mercado during January 2028, ahead of their international presentation, scheduled for June of the same year.
Efforts Underway to Help Fund the Artist's Trip
Organizers also hope to move forward with a framework agreement with the German gallery. In this regard, Víctor Sepúlveda expressed his expectation that the Municipality of Chillán could cover the winning artist's airfare, provided they are a resident of the regional capital.
"We will continue working to ensure that no talent misses the opportunity to travel because of the cost of airfare," he said.
Submission Hours and Location
Artwork must be submitted in person at the Sala de Arte Mercado in Chillán during the following hours:
- Monday to Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Holidays: Closed.
The call represents an important opportunity for artists from across Ñuble's 21 municipalities to take their work to an international stage and showcase the diversity and creativity of the region's artistic community in Germany.
