CEU 35th Anniversary Public Art Commission – Call for Artist Proposals
Central European University (CEU) invites visual artists to imagine and create a landmark work of art to mark the university’s 35th anniversary. We are looking for a bold and engaging installation that resonates with the public, animates our campus, and becomes a visible symbol of CEU’s journey.
We invite artists to consider CEU’s own story: founded after the Cold War as a multi-campus university in Budapest, Prague, and later Warsaw, and rooted in Budapest for more than 25 years, CEU has created a new home for itself in Vienna following displacement. It is a story of resilience in the face of political challenges and of building a community grounded in critical thinking. The questions guiding the creative process could be: How can we connect the past and present? How can the artwork in the public space invite reflection?
What does it mean to be unrooted and create a new home for oneself? How can a society react when basic rules and laws are being bent or broken? What does it mean to be resilient?
The tone can be bold, poetic, and experimental — we are open to ideas that stretch the imagination and spark conversation.
Sites and Format
The artwork will be located at CEU’s Quellenstrasse campus in Vienna. Artists may engage with its architectural surfaces or with the public pedestrian forecourt. Works may be sculptural, architectural, or interdisciplinary, and must be durable, safe, and suitable for outdoor display. The campus building is rented by CEU, an artwork on its façade must therefore be removable without leaving trace or damage on the building structure.
Budget and Honorarium
Total commission budget: €75,000 gross, covering all aspects (artist’s fee, design development, materials, fabrication, engineering consultations, transport, installation, insurance).
Proposal stipends: Shortlisted finalists (expected 3) will each receive €1,200 to develop detailed proposals, including sketches, renderings, or maquettes. Travel stipends for site visits may be available.
Maintenance: CEU will assume long-term maintenance and conservation of the completed work, following standard best practice in public art.
Eligibility
Open worldwide to professional artists and artist teams with proven experience in impactful sculptural or installation works. International applications are encouraged.
Artists should demonstrate:
- Experience with public art or site-specific projects.
- Capacity to execute a project of this scale (individually or with partners).
- Willingness to travel for site visits, installation, and coordination.
CEU values diversity and inclusion: artists from underrepresented backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants must be 18 or older. No application fee.
Selection Process
- Stage 1: Open Call (deadline: November 9, 2025). Submit qualifications, portfolio, and a concept statement with visuals. Up to three finalists will be shortlisted.
- Stage 2: Finalists (Nov 2025 - Jan 31, 2026). Finalists prepare detailed proposals with CEU support, including site visits, detailed concepts, budget, and technical notes. Each finalist will receive a stipend.
- Stage 3: Final Selection (February 2026). Proposals will be reviewed by a selection committee, and one winning artist/team will be commissioned. Contract and project execution will follow immediately.
Project Timeline
- November 9, 2025 (midnight CET): Deadline for Stage 1 submissions
- December 2025: Finalists announced; briefing sessions/site visits
- January 31, 2026: Deadline for finalist proposals
- February 2026: Final presentations and selection of winning proposal
- March – September 2026: Design refinement, fabrication, and coordination
- October 2026: Installation in Vienna
- November 2026: Unveiling at CEU’s 35th Anniversary Celebration
Submission Requirements (Stage 1)
Applicants should submit in English, electronically, a single PDF including:
- Artist/team introduction (max. 3 pages) outlining interest, alignment with CEU, and initial concept ideas.
- Portfolio of up to 10 relevant works (images with descriptions).
- Resume/CV for each key team member.
- Short bio or artist statement.
- Optional references (up to 3).
- Initial concept sketch or image.
Please submit your application using this form. All submissions must be received by November 9, 2025 (midnight CET). For any questions regarding the call, please contact ceu35_art@ceu.edu.
You can download the call as .pdf here.(94.73 KB)
Commission and Execution (Stage 2)
The selected artist will collaborate closely with CEU, supported by:
- Technical/logistical support for permits, facilities, and approvals.
- Assistance with identifying fabricators or resources in Vienna.
- Insurance provided during installation and for the final work.
- Long-term maintenance commitment from CEU.
- Public recognition with on-site plaque, media coverage, and anniversary program integration.
- The artist retains copyright of the work, while CEU retains rights to display the work and reproduce its image for non-commercial use and promotion. The artist agrees to be featured in publications of CEU on the art installation and the making thereof.
before submitting the application, make sure to have read all details as published on the official website: https://www.ceu.edu/news/2025-10/ceu-35th-anniversary-public-art-commission-call-artist-proposals
photo copyright: Vegel Daniel / CEU