AV-arkki invites artists working with moving image to submit their works to the AV-arkki archive, Distribution Catalogue, and/or for an exhibition time at Mediabox!
To make the application process as easy as possible, we have developed our submission procedures: you can now apply to all calls using a single application form.
Also, if you have already submitted or offered works to the AV-arkki archive during 2026 before this open call, you do not need to fill in the form again. Any works that meet the eligibility criteria will automatically be considered in all relevant calls.
The application form can be accessed at the end of this page.
The form also allows you to apply for AV-arkki membership. Applicants for membership are asked to include a short cover letter explaining why they wish to join, as well as two additional work samples.
Please note that AV-arkki only accepts works by Finnish or Finland-based artists.
If you have any questions, please contact Programme Coordinator Avreno Heikka at: programme@av-arkki.fi.
Archive
The AV-arkki distribution archive is intended for professional use by curators, programmers, critics, and other art professionals. Covering the full history of Finnish media art, the archive also enables access to older works and serves the needs of researchers.
All single-channel works selected for the archive are annually transferred to a long-term preservation system. Metadata and copies of the video files are transferred via the Arst and Culture Agency to a system maintained by CSC – IT Center for Science.
Both recent and older works may be submitted to the AV-arkki archive. Approximately 100 works are selected each year through a peer-review process conducted by AV-arkki’s achive working group, which consists of representatives from both the AV-arkki staff and members.
The archive working group convenes after the application deadline. Depending on the number of submissions, results will be communicated to all applicants during autumn 2026.
The archive working group will also review membership applications, which are subject to final approval by the AV-arkki board.
Distribution Catalogue
The Distribution Catalogue showcases the newest works represented by AV-arkki. Selected works are distributed to film festivals and other events around the world. Previous catalogues can be viewed here.
For the 2026–2027 Distribution Catalogue, we are seeking single-channel works completed in 2026 or 2027. Works may still be in the final stages of production, but a preview link must be available.
Works selected for the catalogue will automatically be selected for the AV-arkki archive.
Each year, the catalogue selection is made by an invited guest curator, in collaboration with AV-arkki staff.
The 2026 catalogue curator is filmmaker and programmer Nour Ouayda. She explores the multiple relationships between image, text, voice, and sound, through filmmaking, curating, research and writing. Between 2018 and 2023, she worked at Metropolis Cinema Association where she developed the Cinematheque Beirut project. She is part of the editorial team of the Montreal-based film journal Hors Champ and a member of the artist collective The Camelia Committee. She also teaches film programming in Beirut.
Catalogue selections will be announced in early October.
Please note that due to limited staff resources, we are unfortunately only able to personally notify those artists whose works have been selected for the catalogue.
The catalogue will be published on the AV-arkki website on 15 October 2026.
Mediabox
Mediabox is Forum Box’s dedicated space for media art. A total of 7–8 exhibition slots will be available for 2027. No rental fee is charged for exhibition periods. The space includes fixed presentation equipment (video projector, media player, and sound system). Read more about Mediabox facilities here.
We are now seeking single-channel works completed or to be completed between 2025 and 2027. Works in progress may also be submitted. In such cases, applicants must provide supplementary materials (e.g., sketches, images, drafts) that clearly communicate the essential aspects of the work and its current stage of development.
The Mediabox programme is curated annually by a three-person committee. The 2027 programme will be curated by Forum Box Director Kamilla Billiers, AV-arkki Programme Coordinator Avreno Heikka, and researcher, curator, and programmer Bilge Hasdemir.
Bilge Hasdemir (she/her) is a researcher, curator, and programmer whose practice centres on infrastructuring and instituting as modes of inquiry. Her work engages with questions of social and ecological justice, redistribution, and equity, and with the conditions of labour and migration both within and beyond the art field.
Works selected for Mediabox will automatically be included in the AV-arkki Archive.
Results of the Mediabox call will be announced in mid-September.
Please note that due to limited staff resources, we are unfortunately only able to personally notify those artists whose works are granted a Mediabox exhibition slot.
The Mediabox 2027 programme will be published through Forum Box’s communication channels.
Open Call Summary
You can now apply to the AV-arkki Archive, Distribution Catalogue, and Mediabox exhibition programme using a single application form. At the end of the same form, you may also apply for AV-arkki membership.
Application deadline: Sunday, 16 August 2026.
Archive
Results will be announced during autumn 2026. The schedule depends on the number of submitted works. Membership applications will be reviewed simultaneously. All applicants will be notified personally of the results.
Distribution Catalogue
Results will be announced in early October. Only artists whose works have been selected for the catalogue will be notified personally.
Mediabox
Results will be announced in mid-September. Only artists whose works have been granted an exhibition slot will be notified personally.