Olfactory History of Oosterdok - call for projects

In 2022, a large exhibition will take place in Amsterdam about the Olfactory History of Oosterdok, the eastern part of the old harbour of the city. Related to this exhibition, Mediamatic is issuing an open call for art and design projects that merge history and smell in new and interesting ways.

The Oosterdok area played an important role in the development of Amsterdam from the 13th century onwards, and is the place where a great deal of the Dutch colonial endeavours started and ended. Today, the Oosterdok is still undergoing rapid changes that reflect the nature of the city at large. Much has been written and showed about this history and its implications for our present, but what about that which cannot be so easily grasped in archives, libraries and museum collections? Because a city is not just a physical place, but is also formed by social relations, memories, emotions, and human experiences: all in which smell plays an important role.

The open call

We are inviting proposals for prototype olfactory projects (art works, lectures, performances etc.) that can be presented around Oosterdok in the coming years leading up the blockbuster public event in 2022. Please note that the selection and execution of your project is not a guarantee for inclusion in the larger event, and that all proposals must have a strong public component (it is not possible to admit a research project). This call is open to artists, designers, perfumers, curators, researchers, and performers of all nationalities and ages, individuals as well as groups and collectives. To get an idea of what we are looking for/what is possible, please have a look at previous projects on the website of Mediamatic.

If you are interested to participate, please submit your proposal through the following link, before July 1, 2019 (CET). A second open call will follow in the beginning of 2020.

What we have to offer

When selected, Mediamatic will work closely together with the artist(s) to realize the project, this includes assistance in finding appropriate funds and/or partners to cover a travel/living/production budget, as well as an artist fee. It is possible to stay at Mediamatic as an artist-in-residence and use the facilities on site, such as the Aroma Lab and Clean Lab.

Mediamatic is an art centre dedicated to new developments in the arts since 1983. We organize lectures, workshops and art projects, focusing on nature, biotechnology and art+science in a strong international network. See for more info www.mediamatic.net