The film Open Call questions the relationship between art, citizens, and city municipality. An artist is commissioned to create an artwork to mark the city’s anniversary. A group of Oslo residents are invited to take part, using ‘participation’ as a method.
Under the banner of ‘trust, creativity, and joy in collaboration,’ they are asked to develop and present their own proposals for a work of art. Together, the group is supposed to decide which of the artworks will be best for the city of Oslo. The project – which seems to fulfill the city municipality’s desire for participation – turns into a tragicomic dystopia as the artist tries to satisfy official procedures and a multi-faceted public sphere.