Open Call for STRIKE, iron while it's hot! An exhibition of contemporary blacksmithing

What is the exhibition about?
Iron continues to shape how we build, make, move, and think. But what does this most common element — widely used in utilitarian objects and industrial production, yet also culturally significant — have to offer to the world of art? Why has ironworking shifted from the hands of blacksmiths to highly standardised production — and is there a way back, or a way forward?

The open call seeks works that engage with the numerous possibilities and strengths of using iron in contemporary craft, blacksmithing, and jewellery. This approach allows us to reflect the full diversity of our communities and to include a wide range of makers, from blacksmiths and artists to students working with iron in various forms.

Why are we doing this?
In a rapidly changing society, traditional crafts such as blacksmithing are challenged to reflect, adapt, and redefine their roles. IronNotes* aims to initiate and stimulate this process of development and visibility.

We fight for the right to forge: to reclaim the intelligence of the hand, to give making equal standing with thinking, and to unite a diverse community bound by a passion for iron.

Who are we looking for?
We invite makers: jewellery artists, blacksmiths, casters, sculptors, fabricators, researchers, students, and educators to explore the potential of iron beyond its functional uses and those who are seeking to uncover its cultural meanings.

STRIKE is:
A hit, a beat.
To initiate, act, shape, create.
A decisive blow, a turning point, a game changer, a breakthrough, a spark, inspiration, feeling, conflict.

In the context of iron and forging, STRIKE encourages us to consider:
What is it that you are trying to strike—what is the core or essence? What is it that you stand for or rise against?
What do you wish to spark?
What do you wish to strike?

Where does it travel?
The exhibition will debut during the *Iron Notes Symposium in Tallinn, Estonia, from 2-8 November 2026, after which it will tour to several locations across Europe until 2027. 
What kind of work do we expect?
We are looking for STRIKING works that explore the materiality of iron, emphasising experimental approaches and strong artistic concepts. Proposed works may take various forms, including sculpture, objects, and wearables.


Important dates:
1 September: Deadline for submitting PDF applications.
21 September: Applicants will be notified of the selection results.
23 October: Arrival of selected artworks.
2 to 8 November: Exhibition open to the public.
6 November: Exhibition opening ceremony.
5 to7 November: Iron Notes Symposium.

The curatorial board will select a group of pieces that together form a cohesive exhibition within the given theme. For this reason, we ask that all submitted pieces be available for display during the full exhibition period, from 23 October 2026 until December 2027.

Participation is free of charge.
The applicants will be notified about the selection by 21 September.
The total maximum weight of the work is 50 kg. Maximum packed size: 1100 × 700 × 600 mm.

The artist is responsible for shipping the artworks to Tallinn, while *Iron Notes is responsible for returning the artworks to the artist.


Application requirements:
Each applicant may submit one artwork, which may consist of multiple items and was created in 2024 or later.

The application should be one PDF file of max 5 MB, including the following information:
●  Photos of the artwork.
●  Title of the artwork, type, year, materials, technique (optional), dimensions and short concept of the artwork (max 500 characters).
●  Short artist BIO (max 500 characters).
●  Artist's name and country of origin/residence.
●  Application deadline: 1 September 2026.
Send the application to metall@artun.ee, titled “STRIKE Open Call”.


What is IronNotes?
*IronNotes, ironnotes.eu, is an international network and series of events co-funded by the European Union under the Creative Europe programme. It brings together professionals, makers, students, and wider audiences around the theme of iron. Rooted in metalwork and blacksmithing, it connects artists, designers, and educators across five countries to explore and expand the role of iron in society today.