Call for projects about (un)making

Artist Yoshinari Nishiki, 38CC and Crossing Parallels are collaborating in the exhibition and concept store (un)making it happen opening mid-February in the city centre of Delft. We are looking for projects ( objects, concepts, products, processes, performances) to develop december 2024 - january 2025, and exhibit mid february 2025.

In 2024, we live in an age where we have increasing access to materials with precise technical specifications, yet we face decreasing demand for material production due to climate concerns. To navigate through a polycrisis, simply aiming for more production is no longer the answer; instead, the opposite approach—"how can you creatively avoid production?"—must be urgently pursued.

Avoiding production here does not mean merely increasing the efficiency of producing a certain material or item, but rather questioning its raison d'être. Consider whether it’s possible to refrain from engaging with materials or objects altogether, instead of actively participating in their creation. The concept of (un)making differs from reuse or upcycling in this sense. Rather than a logistical approach that attempts to allocate goods to predefined points of consumption, why not reconsider your own position and the very conception of these articles?

In this open call, we are seeking underdeveloped products and concepts that move in the opposite direction of mere production. An example of an (un)made object could be an energy drink created from a harmful invasive plant, biologically sourced from a designated area in the Netherlands.

If you have projects (or proposals) and are willing to participate in the exhibition of (un)making please let us know by email. The exhibition is planned between February and April at 38CC and an (un)making concept store in the city centre of Delft. Please send us an email by November 21st at info[at]crossingparallels[dot]nl clearly stating “call for projects (un)making” in the subject. Include (if available) a project description, images, dimensions, other specifications and requirements if applicable. Selected projects will be provided with a budget for development and production costs (up to a maximum of €500 based on proposal), along with supervision from Japanese and (un)making advocate Yoshinari Nishiki, the curatorial team from exhibition space 38CC and Crossing Parallels.