Open call for the 2026 group exhibition “Trembling & Anger – Don’t Be Afraid of Fear”
From May 22 to June 28, 2026, the GEH8 Art and Culture Center in Dresden will host an exhibition project entitled “Trembling & Anger – No
Fear of Fear” in line with its annual theme. Under this title, an extensive group exhibition is planned, bringing together local and international positions in contemporary art. The individual works will be selected from the applications submitted in response to the call for entries. Artists and groups who work in a research-based or practical-interventionist manner and across genres with other disciplines are particularly encouraged to participate.
In the planned group exhibition “Trembling & Anger – No Fear of Fear,” the GEH8 Art and Culture Center in Dresden will focus on a central emotion of our present time in 2026 and 2027: fear. Fear is not only an individual experience, but also a collective phenomenon with a social impact. In a world increasingly dominated by crises, uncertainties, and accelerated processes of change, fear is becoming a defining condition—and at the same time a tool of political, media, and economic influence.
The theme for this year invites us to understand fear as an ambivalent force—a feeling that can be paralyzing, but also liberating. “Trembling & Fury” refers to this tension between inner trembling
and outward rebellion—a field that is reflected in politics, everyday life, and art. To do justice to this ambivalence, GEH8 is dedicating two years to the theme:
In 2026, the focus will be on the external aspect – protest, resistance, public unrest. In 2027, the internal aspect will follow – the individual experience and the psychological and existential effects of fear.
Further information on participation can be found in the PDF to the OpenCall!
The deadline for submissions is March 26, 2026.
