For our summer exhibition 'Omslag', we are looking for books by Dutch bookmakers on shaping the future and the art of beginning. Have you created a book between 2016 and now about the transition from old to new? Take part in our open call. You can find more information via the link in our bio and on our website.
Open Call: Omslag, books of today for tomorrow
When the world is in turmoil, books and stories provide direction. Rijksmuseum Huis van het boek is looking for talented bookmakers with books exploring transitions from old to new.
With this open call, we invite Dutch bookmakers to propose books for our summer exhibition Omslag. An exhibition centred on how stories can provide direction in changing times. We are looking for books about shaping the future and the art of beginning. The open call will be followed by a jury selection and a group exhibition in the museum’s historic library.
Who can apply
Proposals for this open call may be submitted by bookmakers (artists, designers, typographers, photographers, bookbinders, etc.) who work and/or live in the Netherlands. We specifically request existing work and are not commissioning the creation of new books for this open call. The books must have been created between 2016 and the present, but do not need to have been published.
Practical information
- Entries for the open call will be accepted until 23:59 on 3 May. We will not consider incomplete or late submissions.
- We ask for a description of the book (max. 300 words) and photographic documentation in PDF format. Videos may be submitted by sending a link.
- Entries can be sent to opencall@huisvanhetboek.nl
- Bookmakers whose work has been selected for the group exhibition will be notified from Tuesday 19 May 2026.
- A fee of € 620 excluding VAT is available for each selected book.
- If you are selected for the exhibition, we will invite you to deliver your book to the museum on 4 or 5 June. On this day, we will also take a portrait photograph of you, which may be used to promote the exhibition.
- During the exhibition, you must share at least two posts about the exhibition on your website, social media or newsletter.
- The exhibition opening will take place on Sunday 28 June during our annual book fair. The exhibition will run until Sunday 27 September.
- Questions can be sent to stijn.kemper@huisvanhetboek.nl
