Exhibition Open Call: Hyperlocality

Exhibition Open Call from Cascadas Art Space in Barcelona.

Hyperlocality refers to a focus on a specific, narrowly defined place—often a neighborhood, district, or even a single street. In the digital age, hyperlocality takes on a new dimension by merging physical space with virtual interactions. Social media, local forums, and mapping tools enable new ways of experiencing and shaping environments, often independently of physical presence. At the same time, globalization makes physical hyperlocality increasingly fluid. Migration, remote work, and international mobility challenge fixed definitions of locality, making places more dynamic and interconnected.

Artists, activists, and researchers use hyperlocal perspectives to analyze how specific neighborhoods and communities are shaped by global processes—ranging from economic changes to cultural hybridization. The “glocal” approach—the intersection of local and global—becomes key to understanding contemporary identity, belonging, and artistic production. The internet further complicates hyperlocality by allowing individuals to participate in multiple localities simultaneously. Digital natives can be deeply involved in local life while maintaining strong ties to distant places through networks. This raises questions about authenticity, community, and spatial experience in the age of global connections, challenging traditional understandings of place.

CasCaDas ArtSpace invites artists to submit works for an open call for an exhibition in Barcelona. They are particularly interested in micro-histories that engage with specific communities, their history, architecture, or identity, as well as works that explore the relationship between locality and globality (glocal). Together, we will explore how changes in place affect artistic practice.

How does being “an outsider” impact perspective and perception of a new place?
How are local contexts transferred by artists into new locations?
How do artists address “being in-between”?
How does being a digital native affect this situation?
How is the definition of place and authenticity evolving?

This open call is directed at artists living in Barcelona and its surroundings, with no restrictions regarding age, origin, or medium. We are particularly interested in the work of migrant and nomadic artists for whom Barcelona is a second, third, or subsequent home. 

As part of the open call, 4-5 artists will be selected by Fiona Fell and Michalina Sablik to participate in a group exhibition in May 2025.

How to Apply – Press HERE to access the application form.

Please submit in the PDF format with links (max. 10 MB each) the following documents:

• Artistic portfolio
• Project proposal related to the exhibition theme

We offer:

• The organization of a two-week exhibition at CasCaDas ArtSpace
• Curatorial support from Fiona Fell and Michalina Sablik
• Event promotion
• Accompanying events and networking opportunities
• Networking with international and local artists

Submission Deadline: 21 March 2025

Artist Selection Notification: 1 April 2025
Planned Exhibition Dates: 16-31 May 2025

Contact email: michalina.sablik@gmail.com

www.cascadasartspace.com

CasCaDas ArtSpace is an independent artistic center operating as a studio, residency space, and exhibition venue. It is a multifunctional feminist space that offers and facilitates residencies, seminars, workshops, and both individual and collective research.   Located in the heart of the vibrant El Raval district, CasCaDas ArtSpace connects with a broad international context through art and the participation of artists from various continents. It aims to use this eccentric, marginal yet cosmopolitan setting to foster collaboration, cultural exchange, and innovative approaches to the art experience. It embraces openness, fluidity, and the undefined. CasCaDas ArtSpace is a curatorial initiative dedicated to working with emerging and mid-career national and international artists on site-responsive exhibitions and projects. Our multifunctional space integrates living, working, and studying, creating a dynamic environment for artistic exploration.

Dr Fiona Fell is an artist, curator and researcher, freelance supervisor and mentor for postgraduate students and art academics. Her commitment is positioned within the industry of ceramics, sculpture and spatial practices including performance, installation and new media. Fiona has had over 20 solo shows, received several international grants and is part of many public and private collections both National and International. These include the National Gallery of Australia, Queensland Art Gallery, Brisbane, FLICAM- Australasian Museum, Fuping, China, Cera-Techno, Toki City, Japan Powerhouse Museum, Sydney, NSW, Taipei Fine Arts Museum, Taiwan, and numerous regional Australian galleries and University collections. Fell was represented by Watters Gallery in Sydney for five years and previously Legge Gallery, Sydney, for thirteen years. She lectured in Sculpture and Spatial Studies, Art and Design within the School of Arts and Social Sciences at Southern Cross University, Australia  for over 20 years and holds a doctorate from Griffith University, Queensland Australia. Living and working in Barcelona, she is the founder and director of CasCaDas ArtSpace.

Michalina Sablik is an art historian, researcher, writer and curator of exhibitions and public programmes, exploring art as a critical and speculative tool for leaning into the future. Since 2018, she has curated over 20 exhibitions in Poland and abroad. She collaborates with numerous institutions, galleries, NGOs, and art magazines, and is a member of the AICA association. She has worked at Promocyjna Gallery and Staromiejski Dom Kultury in Warsaw, as well as at Adam Mickiewicz Institute/Culture.pl. Currently finishing her PhD at Warsaw University and collaborating with CasCaDas ArtSpace in Barcelona. She is based between Warsaw and Barcelona.