Open Calls
Current open calls
Sounds Nice 2026
Sound Art at Gare du Nord
Gare du Nord is launching an open call for works in the field of sound art. The selected projects will form the exhibition «Sounds Nice».
During Art Basel, «Sounds Nice» transforms the concert hall into a walk-in soundscape featuring installations, sound objects and performative, self-playing setups.
We are looking for
Sound installations, sound sculptures and sound-based objects; visual works relating to sound (e.g. painting, video, light installations); or experimental and intermedia formats with a focus on sound that can be integrated into a shared exhibition setting
Concept
The concert hall is conceived as a collective exhibition space in which multiple works are presented in parallel. The selected pieces enter into a spatial and sonic dialogue, allowing for overlaps, sequences, or deliberate interactions between works (by arrangement).
Following the opening, the works are presented daily from 12:00 to 18:00 in the concert hall. The closing event takes place on 21.6.2026 as part of the Gare du Nord summer festival.
The exact dates of the exhibition will be announced shortly.
Technical information & general conditions
You can find important information regarding the technical requirements and general conditions here ⟶ Link.
Details and relevant information regarding the call for proposals
- Expense allowance:
CHF 400 per selected item.
- Application
Online application including:
A brief description of the project (concept).
Details of the technical requirements.
A brief portfolio of your previous work.- Application deadline
Please send your application documents as a single PDF file to info@garedunord.ch by 15 April 2026 at the latest.
Past open calls
Sonic Boom
Gare du Nord funding scheme
«Sonic Boom» is a two-year support programme run by Gare du Nord for emerging artists working at the intersection of experimental and contemporary music, sound performance and music theatre.
An open call was held for the artist-in-residence programme, resulting in the selection of eight artists. The artists were chosen by a five-member expert jury. Over the course of two years, the artists will each devise and present two Cartes Blanches. In return, they receive a project grant, professional support and coaching on content-related and practical issues, and are assisted with project development.
A central component of «Sonic Boom» is the collective ethos. A diverse supporting programme, «Second thought», featuring moderated concert visits, discussion formats and improv sessions, creates space for exchange, encounters and mutual inspiration.
The programme runs from January 2026 to December 2027.
Sounds Nice 2025
«I’m all ears»
For «I’m all ears», Gare du Nord launched an open call aimed at regional artists, who were invited to submit works for a striking multi-channel setup.
«I’m all ears» combined a happening, an immersive sound installation, performance and an instant rave. A circle of speakers, mist and haze, along with a beach bar complete with deckchairs, created an open environment for listening, lingering, swaying and dancing. Two performers guided the audience through the evening.
The event took place for the first time in June 2025 as part of «Sounds Nice», a mix of performances, sound installations, concerts, DJ sets and parties.