Zeitgeist Hong Kong: Today's Spirit Through Art

Following the enthusiastic response to last year’s inaugural edition, Goethe-Institut Hongkong is pleased to announce the second open call for Goethe-Gallery: Zeitgeist Hong Kong.

We invite artists, curators, and creative collectives to submit proposals that explore and reflect the contemporary spirit of Hong Kong. This initiative aims to foster dialogue, experimentation, and cultural exchange through innovative exhibitions and artistic participation. Deadline for proposal submission: 13.07.2025.

The term "zeitgeist" reflects the social and political characteristics of a certain period of time and encompasses ideas and rituals, values, behaviour, (emotional) attitudes and sensitivities. As a German loanword, the term has been adopted into numerous languages.

Goethe-Institut Hongkong would like to build on the idea of the "zeitgeist" and create a space for projects by Hong Kong artists and cultural initiatives in its 143m² gallery and 47m² black box, in which the questions and sensitivities of the time can be addressed.

The main target groups are independent artists, artistic initiatives and collectives. A particular focus is on projects that artistically address current issues in Hong Kong and/ or global issues and that centre on collaborative learning in artistic practice, participation and active exchange.

A total of 6 projects will be selected by a jury of 3 Hong Kong curators and artists together with the Goethe-Institut Hongkong. The duration of the event is flexible and can be up to a maximum of 6 weeks, e.g. for exhibitions. However, performances, concerts or participative formats are also possible.

Jury members of "2026 Goethe Gallery: Zeitgeist Hong Kong":
Eugenia Law, associate curator Centre for Heritage, Arts & Textile (CHAT)
Enid Tsui, author, journalist, art critic
Isaac Leung, artist, curator, Associate Professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong
Arendt Röskens – director, Goethe-Institut Hongkong