Frequently Asked Questions

  • FIGURA is an artist-run space built on Radical Transparency. We are one of the few spaces in the city specifically dedicated to "difficult" or space-intensive media like sculpture, textiles, sound, performance, and video. We also operate on a unique 80/20 rule: 80% of our programming is strictly reserved for early and mid-career artists who need space and resources to establish themselves.

  • We operate on a priority-based tripartite model to ensure sustainability and support for the arts:

    • Exhibitions (P1 Priority): Standard 2-week open call shows, flexible 1-week exhibitions, and our annual November Spotlight for emerging talent.

    • Residencies (P2 Priority): 4-week residency blocks (3 weeks of studio work + 1 week of exhibition) designed for research, production, and a change of scenery.

    • Commercial Hire (P3 Priority): Venue rental for events, lectures, and meetings. 100% of this income subsidizes our artistic programs.

    • Professionalization: Monthly workshops covering grant writing, documentation, and artist statements.

  • By eliminating a physical Point-of-Sale (POS) terminal, we keep our single room 100% dedicated to the art and the experience. This also allows us to offer 24/7 purchasing access to collectors worldwide, ensuring that our artists have the best chance of making a sale without us needing to manage a retail counter.

  • Item descriptioYou can contribute directly to our Artist Development Fund. These donations are used to keep the space running during slower months, provide materials for our residents, and subsidize exhibition fees for artists who otherwise couldn't afford them. You can also support us by buying art through our online shop or subscribing to our Quarterly Digital Magazine.

  • At this stage, FIGURA is funded entirely by the founders’ personal paychecks. We have committed to covering the operational costs ourselves until April 2026 to prove that this model works. Our long-term goal is for the space to be self-sustaining through our Hybrid Model, where commercial rentals (P3) and art sales (30% commission) cover the rent and fund our Artist Development Fund.

  • The exhibition fees (e.g., €600 for a 2-week show) are used to cover direct operational overhead: rent, utilities, insurance, professional promotion, and the opening reception. Any surplus is rolled into our Artist Development Fund, which we use to provide material stipends for residents and lower fees for artists with fewer means.

  • We host regular Open Calls for our P1 Priority exhibition slots. Applications are submitted via our online portal and must include a project proposal, an installation plan, and visual documentation. We do not accept spontaneous walk-in proposals; everything goes through our fair, juried process.

    What is your response time for applications?

    • Exhibitions: Artists are typically notified 6 to 8 weeks prior to the proposed exhibition dates.

    • Residencies: Notification usually takes 3 to 4 months due to the logistical planning required for international or intensive projects.

    • General Inquiries: We aim to respond to emails within 3 to 5 business days.

  • No. During July and August, FIGURA is strictly closed to the public and commercial hire. These months are reserved exclusively for our Artist Residency Program, providing creators with a distraction-free environment to work.