This Open Call stems from the need to listen.

Listen to the time of things, of stones, of cycles, of silences.

Inspired by the phrase "Pensar como uma Montanha" (“Think Like a Mountain”, 1949), an essay by the environmental philosopher Aldo Leopold, we propose a reflection on the environmental crisis in which we live, not only as a visual solution to the collapse, but as an investigation of how art can make us feel and think in other ways, without having to be literal or didactic.

In this gesture, we bring together different thinkers whose views—conceptual, poetic, speculative, and sensitive—support this proposal Open Call.

Alberto Carneiro, forerunner of ecological art in Portugal, rejects the modern Western vision that separates human beings from nature. In his 1973 manifesto, Notes for an Ecological Art Manifesto, proposes that nature and humanity are one body, and that art can be a path to reconnect the human being to the forgotten sensations of the earth and time.

Alberto Carneiro's vision is resonated and amplified in the thinking of the philosopher and literary critic Timothy Morton, who in his book All art is ecological (2021) radicalizes the idea that there is no art separate from the world. For Morton, all art is ecological, even if it does not deal directly with environmental issues, because it inevitably brings us into relationship with what is beyond our control, an aesthetic of bewilderment, of involvement, of feeling. His proposal displaces ecology from the thematic field and enshrines it as a mode of existence and perception, opening space for art forms that deconstruct the idea of nature as something external to the human being.

Finally, challenging the conventional sense of humanity, indigenous leader, philosopher, and writer Ailton Krenak, in his book Ideas to postpone the end of the world (2019), reminds us that the world is not ending because of nature, but because of the idea of humanity that has disconnected from the planet, a civilizing project that has broken ties with the Earth, dreams and other beings. Delaying the end of the world, according to him, may mean returning to dreaming collectively, like someone who plants in the dark.

It is in this expanded field that the Círculo de Artes Plásticas invites the artistic community to submit their projects by June 15. Eight artistic projects will be selected, which will coexist at the CAPC Headquarters from 25/10 to 27/12 2025.
Participation is free, and the results will be announced in July through our networks. Will be awarded a Fee of 500€, as well as a maximum amount of 1000€ for the production of each of the eight selected projects.

TIMELINE

13/05 — Launch of the Open Call

15/06 — Registration closes

15/07 to 30/07 — Announcement of selected artists / signing of contract / payment of production fee

01/08 to 30/08 — Production of artists / team vacations

01/09 to 05/10 — Production (continuation)

06/10 to 24/10 — Assembly

25/10 — Exhibition opening

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ATTACHMENTS

Attachment I – Círculo Sede floor plan (download) →

Attachment II – Budget template (download) →

Open Call Regulation (download) →

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REGISTER HERE →