Update: this open call is now closed. Thank you for your interest, we’ll be in touch with applicants soon.
We are delighted to now be accepting submissions for our 2025 Visual Art programme at Hidden Door 2025, taking place 11-15 June at The Paper Factory in Edinburgh.
This open call invites submissions across three categories:
Each category outlines specific eligibility criteria, payment details, and requirements. Please read carefully before applying to ensure your submission aligns with the selected category.
Reformatting of Existing Work or Work in Progress to Fit a Site-Specific Environment.
Artists are invited to reimagine or adapt completed works or works in progress for this category.
Projects must align with the festival themes and be tailored for the industrial character of the paper factory setting. Accepted art forms include, but are not limited to:
Submissions are installation-based and require time on-site for creation or reformatting.
Hidden Door provides payment based on the number of days required for installation, up to a maximum of three days.
Applicants should indicate the exact number of days required for installation in their application and provide a brief plan justifying this time to ensure fairness and accurate fee allocation. This ensures a fair allocation of fees, with artists receiving payment proportional to their on-site time.
When applying, please include a description of the existing work, images of the work, your proposed reformatting plan, and details about its space and display requirements. A layout sketch is helpful. Ensure the reformatted work aligns with the festival themes. Clearly align the reformatted work with the festival themes and ensure feasibility within the given timeframe.
Graduates with less than 3 years’ experience (or self-taught with 5 years experience)
Graduates with 3+ years’ experience (or self-taught with 8 years experience)
Graduates with 5+ years’ experience (or self-taught with 10 years experience)
Including painting, printmaking, drawing, textiles, ceramics, and sculpture.
This can be either an individual work or a series of works. Provide information about the artwork’s dimensions, materials, and concept. Include images of the works you wish to submit. Please ensure the work is transportable and can be installed efficiently within three hours.
Artists will be paid for up to 3 hours of work to drop off and install their work, at the following rates:
Graduates with less than 3 years’ experience (or self-taught with 5 years experience)
Graduates with 3+ years’ experience (or self-taught with 8 years experience)
Graduates with 5+ years’ experience (or self-taught with 10 years experience)
This category is for video works that are standalone projection pieces no longer than 15 minutes.
Video works requiring additional installation elements are not eligible and should be submitted in Category A: Site-Specific Installation Works.
When applying, please provide a high-quality preview or downloadable link to your video and emphasise its thematic relevance.
Flat fee for screening: £100
Artists must include any transportation expenses in their application, if they need to use professional couriers. Personal transport expenses are not covered. Additionally, any costs directly related to the installation of the work must be outlined, as selection will be based on these costs and their feasibility within the overall budget.
Yes, all submissions should engage with one or more of the following festival themes
No work should fall outside the listed categories. However, if your work aligns with the festival themes but doesn’t seem to fit within the categories, please contact us to discuss its eligibility or which category it may best fit.
High-quality images, videos, or links to your work are required. Please also provide any technical specifications or setup instructions for your submission.
Attach supporting materials like project previews to strengthen your application and ensure clarity.
Provide a detailed breakdown of costs for transportation, creation, and installation. Ensure that your budget aligns with the festival’s available resources.
Additional Note: Make sure the project is feasible within the given budget and resources.
Yes, you may apply for multiple opportunities, but each submission must be tailored to the specific category and meet its criteria.
Payments vary based on the opportunity. For installation works, payment is based on the number of days required for installation, up to a maximum of three days. Refer to the guidelines for specific rates.
Artist fees are set according to Scottish Artist Union rates, based on experience level: new graduates, 3+ years, and 5+ years of experience.
Transportation costs are not automatically covered, but we strive to support artists and will cover these costs where possible within the budget. Please include any costs related to transporting your work (e.g., courier services or van hire). Personal transport expenses are not reimbursed.
While there are no strict restrictions, all materials and technology must be safe and feasible for the festival venue. If you have any special requirements, please include them in your application.
For installation works, please provide a breakdown of the number of days and time required for on-site setup and installation. Payment is based on the number of days needed, up to a maximum of three days.
Budget Feasibility: Provide a clear breakdown of costs and ensure your project is achievable within the provided resources.
Supporting Materials: Attach high-quality images, videos, or links to your work to strengthen your application.
Personal Benefit: Articulate how participating in the festival will benefit your artistic practice.
Clarity and Professionalism: Present your ideas clearly and concisely, adhering to word limits and requirements.
For further inquiries, please contact the Hidden Door Festival team at visualart@hiddendoorarts.org