biscuit gallery grid next : 2027 Collaboration with THEO – Emerging Artists Showcase (Open Call)
Open Call · Announcement
grid next : 2027 – Emerging Artists Showcase
April 24 – May 9, 2027·biscuit gallery, Tokyo×THEO, Seoul
biscuit gallery is pleased to announce the 2027 edition of grid next, our recurring open-call program for emerging artists, held this year in collaboration with THEO in Seoul. In its fourth year, and for the first time, we invite submissions from beyond Japan — from Korea, and from artists everywhere.
01Overview
About this edition
grid next : Emerging Artists Showcase is biscuit gallery’s recurring open-call program, launched in 2024. We invite submissions widely, select artists from the applicant pool through a jury round, and present the result as a summer group exhibition in Shinjuku.
For the 4th edition, we open the program outward — beyond Japan — for the first time. We welcome THEO in Seoul as a guest juror, and the submission page is prepared in Japanese, English, and Korean. Our aim is a single exhibition that gathers voices from Japan, Korea, and the places where the two meet.
02Dates & Venue
Exhibition schedule
| Dates | April 24 (Sat) – May 9 (Sun), 2027*Tentative |
|---|---|
| Venue | biscuit gallery, Shinjuku |
| Address | Matsui Building 8F, 3-32-10 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0022 |
| Hours | 12:00 – 19:00 |
| Closed | Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays |
| Admission | Free |
04Selection
About the jury
Hyun Min KIM, director of THEO, joins the selection panel for this edition. Selected artists will be presented in the main exhibition at biscuit gallery — and may additionally have the opportunity of a further exhibition at THEO in Seoul.
The selection is made by Mahiko Kobayashi, director of biscuit gallery, and Hyun Min KIM, director of THEO. Every submission is reviewed by both.
05About THEO
The collaborating gallery
THEO is a gallery based in Seoul. Through its participation in fairs including Frieze, Kiaf Seoul, and Tokyo Gendai, it introduces its artists to collector bases across Asia and the West, and alongside its Seoul home, it maintains an independent exhibition space in Jakarta, Indonesia, sustaining collaborations with artists across Southeast Asia. Under the direction of Hyun Min KIM, THEO builds international opportunities for emerging artists one project at a time.
| Locations | Seoul, Korea / Jakarta, Indonesia |
|---|---|
| Director | Hyun Min KIM |
| Website | gallerytheo.com |
| @theogallery_official | |
| Fairs (recent) | Frieze, Kiaf Seoul, Tokyo Gendai, among others |
Message from the Guest Juror
“I find this proposal very interesting, and I am delighted to join grid next 2027 as a guest juror. I have always believed in the importance of discovering and supporting emerging artists, and I think this could be a meaningful opportunity to strengthen the connection between the Japanese and Korean art scenes. I would be very happy to explore future exhibitions at THEO if we discover artists whose work truly resonates with us.”
— Hyun Min KIM (Director, THEO)
06Awards
Prizes for selected artists
This open call first selects the artists who will participate in the group exhibition grid next 2027. During the exhibition, the works on view are reviewed and the following awards are determined. Award-winning artists will receive the prizes listed below.
1 | Exhibition Opportunity with biscuit gallery
An opportunity to present work with biscuit gallery — as a solo or group exhibition at our Shinjuku venue in Tokyo, or through our participation in an art fair. The dates, venue, and scale will be determined in consultation with the award-winning artist.
2 | Residency at biscuit gallery karuizawa
An invitation to a working residency of up to two weeks at biscuit gallery karuizawa. Round-trip travel and accommodation during the stay will be covered by the organizers.
3 | Exhibition Opportunity at THEO (Seoul, Korea)
All submissions will be reviewed directly by Hyun Min KIM, director of THEO. Selected artists may be considered for future exhibition opportunities at THEO, depending on the circumstances and THEO’s exhibition schedule.
07Open Call — How to Apply
Submission details
| Eligibility | Artists whose practice centers on two-dimensional or three-dimensional work. Open to applicants up to age 40, of any nationality. |
|---|---|
| Artists selected | Approximately 10 |
| Submission window | November 9 (Mon), 2026 – January 31 (Sun), 2027 |
| Results | Early March 2027 (all applicants will be notified by email). |
| How to apply | Via the submission form on the biscuit gallery website. The form is available in Japanese, English, and Korean. |
Application requirements
- Professional artists, or artists aspiring to a professional practice (artists with a prior exhibition history at biscuit gallery are also welcome to apply)
- Students, or artists up to approximately 40 years of age
- Painters, sculptors, video artists, or artists working in other formats presentable indoors (please consult with us regarding the number of works)
- For applicants residing in Japan: installation must be arranged by the artist or a representative, and the artist is responsible for de-installation and pick-up after the exhibition
- At the application stage, you may submit reference images of representative or recent works from your portfolio; they do not need to be the pieces you ultimately exhibit. Also include an artist statement and CV via the form
- Exhibited works: finalized after selection, in consultation with the gallery. We ask for new works, available for sale during the exhibition
- Placement of works within the exhibition is at the gallery’s discretion
- No submission fee, no exhibition participation fee
▶ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
09Access & Contact
Getting here / contact