Central European University (CEU) invites visual artists to imagine and create a landmark work of art to mark the university’s 35th anniversary. This commission is not only a celebration of CEU’s history but also a call to envision its future.
Founded in 1991 to support the ideals of an open society, CEU has lived through moments of displacement, renewal, and resilience. Today, it thrives in Vienna, in the vibrant and diverse district of Favoriten. With this commission, CEU seeks an artwork that captures this spirit of transformation — a work that speaks of resilience and critical inquiry.
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. Beyond providing financial and technical support, CEU will also give the selected work strong communicative visibility: the commission will be at the center of our anniversary celebrations, amplified through our networks, events, and publications.
Concept and Theme
We value proposals that are contemporary, inspiring, and open in spirit. The commissioned work should reflect CEU’s multinational identity and diverse community, while embracing themes of resilience, dialogue, and inclusion.
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. Possible sites include the building’s façade or/and the pavement space between two flag poles. You can find a drone video of the building at the end of this call.
Front façade of the CEU campus in Favoriten
The campus is a modern glass building that previously housed a bank. It is located in Favoriten, one of Vienna’s most diverse districts. 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.
What CEU brings to the Project
CEU will be an active partner, offering:
Programmatic visibility during our 35th anniversary events.
Communication support through media, publications, and networks.
Assistance with technical approvals, permits, and integration.
Possibilities to engage with students and faculty through talks, workshops, or public programs.
A travel stipend for finalists, enabling site visits and deeper engagement with the project context.
The selected work will thus not only be a permanent symbol of CEU but also part of a larger cultural conversation. The selection committee includes French designer Matali Crasset, Swiss participatory artist San Keller and CEU Pro-Rector for External Relations Mathias Moschel.
CEU building in Favoriten
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 .
Document
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.