Open Call: AIL Ping-Pong #4

Submit your artwork for the exhibition format AIL Ping-Pong at the showcases [Vitrinen] at counter 13 in the Kassenhalle of Otto Wagner Postsparkasse

Round 4: October 2026–February 2027

WHAT?

With the aim of implementing playful interdisciplinary interventions in the unique space of the Kassenhalle at Otto Wagner-Postsparkasse, AIL Ping-Pong is a format that repurposes the building’s architecture – specifically a former display cabinet [in German: Vitrine] of the Otto Wagner Museum in the Kassenhalle to showcase artistic projects by Angewandte alumni*.

In line with AIL’s mission to embrace interdisciplinary approaches, AIL Ping-Pong fosters dialogue between 2–8 artistic positions for each round. Centered around rotating themes, AIL Ping-Pong functions as a small window into the diverse artistic practices of Angewandte alumni, offering a range of perspectives that explore parallels, contrasts, or extensions within a thematic framework.

*Please note: The Open Call is addressed only to alumni, who are currently NOT affiliated with the Angewandte via a Phd, teaching position or employment.

In its fourth edition, AIL Ping-Pong will focus on the theme of: BLOB

Blob is not just an onomatopoeic word; in biology, it refers to a specific type of fungus consisting of a single, enormous cell. It has no brain, yet it can still learn, solve problems, and move. A blob is a form without fixed contours. It defies clear categorization: it grows, melts, merges, engulfs, and mutates. Something between body and mass, organism and data packet, slime trail and digital artifact. It can appear soft and funny – or threatening, viral, uncontrollable. As an onomatopoeia, Blob can be read as something that surprises or "blobs up.” We are interested in works that understand the blob not only as a form, but also as a state, a figure of thought, or a cultural symptom. What meanings does the formless carry? When does the blob become something alive? What fears, desires, or visions of the future do we project onto it?

Fluid ideas, unfinished states, and forms of the in-between are also welcome. Surprise us!

HOW & WHO?

AIL provides the space as well as communication around the project. Additionally to the visibility AIL can offer each artist an compensation fee of 250 EUR (incl. VAT). Artworks are insured for the time of the display.

The open call is adressed to alumni from all departments of the Angewandte. The participants for AIL Ping-Pong will be selected by AIL based on the interesting pairs, potential contrasts, or similarities of projects and artistic positions.

WHERE?

Originally a display space for the Otto Wagner Museum, the AIL Ping-Pong presentations consist of a 330cm x 205cm glass vitrine divided into eight vitrine sections (up H:114cm x L:80cm x W:40cm; down H:62cm x L:80cm x W:40cm). The decision on how the vitrine will be devided by the chosen AIL Ping-Pong participants will be made in conversation between AIL and the invited artists.

You can view the cabinet during the regular opening hours of the Postsparkasse (Mon – Fri, 10:00 – 18:00 ). It is located behind counter 13. Or download measurements and image here

Shortcut – We are looking for:

• Artistic projects / artworks that relate to the given topic BLOB

• The artworks / projects should be able to be presented within the limited space of the glass vitrines

• The proposed artworks should be self sufficient in the way of presentation. That means they should not need f.e. an external electricity source, or daily activation. In case a project involves daily or weekly maintenance the artists are responsible for it.

• All media accepted: print, textile, objects, text, publications, video...

Submission mode:

Please send all details and desired documents by e-mail to: nora.mayr@uni-ak.ac.at

(Submissions can be in English or German!)

1 PDF (max. 10 MB)

• Concept: short description of the artwork or project you would like to submit including an explanation of its relevance towards the topic (1-3 pages incl. images)

• max. 1000 characters

• including link to artist portfolio or similar relevant links of the artistic works

• please name year of graduation and department

Please apply only if the schedule below is feasible for you.

Timeline:

Deadline Open Call: 12 July 2026

Selection: Mid/ End August 2026

Install Period: Beginning October 2026

Exhibition Period: Mid Oct till mid Feb 2027

Opening hours AIL Ping-Pong:

Mon–Fri: 9:00–17:30 / Sat: 10:30–17:00