OPEN CALL GRAFFITI UTOPIA
Beeldjutters invites illustrators, sketch artists, graffiti artists, tattoo artists, and other digital creators to participate in our open call Graffiti Utopia.
Graffiti Utopia is based on recorded interviews with people whose perspectives are often drowned out by louder majorities. Their stories and their dreams for our futures need to be transformed into digital drawings.
To create these digital drawings of our future, Beeldjutters is looking for nine artists. Graffiti culture is built on the collision and coexistence of many artistic voices — one wall, many styles, layered visions. Graffiti Utopia follows this same spirit: nine stories, nine artistic interpretations, forming one shared future.
The digital drawings will be animated by our team and presented in Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Who can participate
Anyone who feels connected to the theme Dreaming the Future is welcome. We are looking for a wide diversity of styles, backgrounds, and perspectives. Age 18+ (trigger warning: some of the stories shared come from a background of abuse. If you don’t feel comfortable working with these stories, you can let us know in the briefing process and we will match you to another theme).
You do not need to submit a sketch at this stage. We intentionally do not share visual examples or references, because we want to avoid influencing your creative direction. Your own style, voice, and interpretation are central to this project.
While every artist brings their own visual approach, we are looking for artists whose work has a raw, alternative edge connected to contemporary graffiti culture — expressive, layered, bold, and slightly rough. This tone supports the atmosphere of Graffiti Utopia.
How to submit
Fill in this form.
If you don’t have a Google account or don’t want to use it, you can send us an email at utopia@beeldjutters.nl
Timeline
- Open call deadline: Wednesday, 12 August, 23:59
- Selection of new artists completed: August 14
- All animations by new artists completed: August 28
- All new animations live: September 5
Illustration requirements
The illustration must be created using a digital drawing tool. Beeldjutters will guide you through the process of using this tool. The final illustration must be delivered in multiple layers (background, characters, objects separated). Format specifications will be shared after selection.
Selection process
Curation will be done based on artistic style and the diversity of voices and perspectives. Only selected artists will receive an email. If you do not receive an email, you have not been selected.
Selected artists will be invited to a personal conversation, where we will discuss the story assigned to you, highlight the elements we want to bring forward, align on artistic direction and animation workflow, and discuss the detailed technical setup.
The selection committee includes Julian and Vincent from Beeldjutters.
Use of the illustration
By participating, you agree that Beeldjutters will animate your illustration and — if necessary — make some adjustments to ensure the artwork fits the overall installation and maintains a cohesive visual atmosphere across all nine stories. All adjustments will respect your artistic style and will be done in consultation with the illustrator.
By participating, you grant Beeldjutters permission to present it in Utrecht, and include it in future art festivals. Your name or artist name will always be credited.
Your illustrations will not be used outside the context of Graffiti Utopia by both Beeldjutters and illustrators.
Compensation
Each selected artist receives a maximum of €200 to cover costs.
Community Conduct
Beeldjutters aims to create a respectful, inclusive, and safe creative environment. We reserve the right to exclude submissions or participants whose behaviour, conduct, or public statements promote racism, discrimination, hate, harassment, or any form of harmful or abusive expression. This also applies if an artwork itself includes discriminatory, violent, or harmful content that conflicts with the values of the project. Our intention is to ensure that Graffiti Utopia reflects a future built on respect, imagination, and diverse perspectives.
Questions?
Email us at utopia@beeldjutters.nl