Gallery XY is announcing an open call for an exhibition project inspired by the novel by Olomouc-based author Dorota Ambrožová The Last Summer. During the same period, an original stage adaptation directed by Eliška Balog and with dramaturgy by Silvie Vollmann will premiere at the Divadlo nacucky! theater.

We view the novel—one of whose main themes is coming of age and the discovery of one’s own identity—as a starting point for a broader reflection on how we form notions about our own lives and to what extent they are truly our own.

We are interested in projects that explore personal desires, decisions, and boundaries, as well as the expectations of others and the possibility of stepping outside of established roles. How do family, relationships, social norms, and economic conditions influence our life choices? What happens when we reject the expected path and try to start over?

Topics may include adolescence, sexuality, family, parenthood, work, gender roles, the body, memory, failure, and the search for personal freedom. We are not looking for illustrations of a novel, but rather distinctive artistic approaches that engage in a dialogue with its themes.

The open call is not limited by medium or form. We welcome solo exhibitions, collective and collaborative projects, as well as curatorial concepts. A project may be based on existing works, new creations, or a combination of both.

Application deadline: December 15, 2026

Announcement of results: January 15, 2027

Venue: Galerie XY-1, Dolní náměstí 23/42, 779 00 Olomouc

Exhibition dates: early April through mid-June 2027 (to be specified)

Budget: 30,000 CZK for honoraria, travel expenses, and materials

Beyond the budget: the gallery provides exhibition insurance and offers the option of using a guest room for two people in the period leading up to the opening

Technical facilities: selected audiovisual equipment is available by prior arrangement

The application should include:

– a brief description of the exhibition project (max. 2 pages), including its concept and relationship to the open call’s theme;

– visual materials illustrating the intended form of the exhibition or the works to be presented;

– a portfolio of the artist or collective, or links to their previous work;

– an estimated budget within the specified limit of 30,000 CZK;

– basic technical and spatial requirements for staging the exhibition;

– contact information and the names of the people involved.

Please send the materials, ideally in a single PDF file or as a link to an online folder, to galerie@xyolomouc.com with the subject line “OPEN CALL – LAST SUMMER”.

In the selection process, we will primarily evaluate the artistic and conceptual quality of the project, the originality of the approach to the theme, and the feasibility of the project within the space of Gallery XY-1 and within the specified budget. We will announce the selection results on January 15, 2027.

Gallery XY-1 is located in the basement of the nacucky! building in the historic center of Olomouc. Specific installation plans and technical requirements will be discussed with the gallery team.

The following materials are available to assist with proposal preparation:

Photographic documentation of the XY-1 Gallery space

XY Gallery website: www.xy.nacucky.cz

We recommend consulting us regarding any specific requirements for the space, installation, or technical equipment before submitting your application.