Download a full overview of Kunst Salon regulations here.
What does "Representational Art" Mean?
'Representational art' means art that is not abstract: the work depicts clearly recognisable subject matter, such as people, landscapes, objects, etc. The aesthetic of the work can differ. Representational art can include works made in a very realistic style, but it can also include impressionistm or surrealism.
"Imaginative Realism," which depicts fantasy themes or mythological creatures, is also considered to fall under the umbrella of representational art.
"Imaginative Realism," which depicts fantasy themes or mythological creatures, is also considered to fall under the umbrella of representational art.
Who can participate in the Kunst Salon?
The Kunst Salon is exclusively seeking representational drawings and paintings which showcase both a high level of technical skill, and individual creativity.
Eligible drawings and paintings must be made with traditional media. This means art made with physical materials such as pencils, charcoal, oils, acrylics, watercolours, or gouache.
Other forms of art, such as abstract art, 3D art, digital art, photography, comics, collage, AI generated art, or mixed media work that incorporates non-traditional materials is not eligible.
To participate in the Kunst Salon, you must be an artist based in the Netherlands and your work must fit the criteria indicated above. Your work must be recently completed (from 2024 to the present) and must be your own original creation (not a master copy.)
Eligible drawings and paintings must be made with traditional media. This means art made with physical materials such as pencils, charcoal, oils, acrylics, watercolours, or gouache.
Other forms of art, such as abstract art, 3D art, digital art, photography, comics, collage, AI generated art, or mixed media work that incorporates non-traditional materials is not eligible.
To participate in the Kunst Salon, you must be an artist based in the Netherlands and your work must fit the criteria indicated above. Your work must be recently completed (from 2024 to the present) and must be your own original creation (not a master copy.)
When / How Can I enter my work?
You can submit your work by entering online between 5 June and 5 September 2026. There is an option to save your application, so you can start preparing an entry form and return to finish it later. Submissions officially close on 5 September at 23:59 CEST. (Please note that this deadline will not be extended.)
All finalists whose work is selected for exhibition will be announced on 21 September. You can find all other important dates listed here.
Ready to submit an entry? Click here to get started!
All finalists whose work is selected for exhibition will be announced on 21 September. You can find all other important dates listed here.
Ready to submit an entry? Click here to get started!
I am Having Trouble Uploading images of my work. Can you Help?
Please ensure that your files follow all rules for uploading. We are only able to accept files in .JPEG or .JPG format, and each file must not exceed 6MB.
Image files which are too large or are not the right format are the most likely reason why your upload is not working. If this is not the reason, and you are still having trouble uploading your work, please send us an email.
Image files which are too large or are not the right format are the most likely reason why your upload is not working. If this is not the reason, and you are still having trouble uploading your work, please send us an email.
How Will Work be chosen for the Kunst Salon?
The HKS will be curated by a panel of ten jurors, made up of professional representational artists whose works reflect a diverse range of subject matter, narrative themes, and artistic backgrounds. Works will be selected on the basis of demonstrating both a high level of craftsmanship, as well as individual artistic voice and creativity.
The aim of the salon is to showcase and celebrate excellence in contemporary art in the Netherlands, and to connect this work with collectors.
The panel of jurors includes:
Adriaan de Wolf
Edo Fuijkschot
Erik van Elven
Eva Wientjes
Francien Krieg
Joke Frima
Nard Kwast
Sebastiaan Groot
Thomas Langeveld
Yvonne Heemskerk
To read more about our jurors, please click here.
The aim of the salon is to showcase and celebrate excellence in contemporary art in the Netherlands, and to connect this work with collectors.
The panel of jurors includes:
Adriaan de Wolf
Edo Fuijkschot
Erik van Elven
Eva Wientjes
Francien Krieg
Joke Frima
Nard Kwast
Sebastiaan Groot
Thomas Langeveld
Yvonne Heemskerk
To read more about our jurors, please click here.
When is the exhibition?
Kunst Salon finalists will have their work unveiled on 4 December at the Dutch Atelier of Realist Art, situated in an historic monument building in Haarlem with six spacious gallery rooms to showcase the work of salon artists. Opening night premieres from 17:00 to 21:00, and will feature live music, drinks and light bites, and the opportunity to meet many of the jurors and participating artists.
The exhibition continues both in Haarlem and online from 5 December to 18 December.
The exhibition continues both in Haarlem and online from 5 December to 18 December.
Is There A Fee to Participate?
Yes, there is a submission fee in order to participate. The fee helps contribute towards the administrative and operational costs of organising the exhibition.
The standard entry fee is €40 per artist, and the discount fee is €25 per artist. Each artist is able to submit a maximum of 5 works for consideration, and the submission fee is paid online when completing an entry form.
The standard entry fee is €40 per artist, and the discount fee is €25 per artist. Each artist is able to submit a maximum of 5 works for consideration, and the submission fee is paid online when completing an entry form.
If I submit more than one work, does it cost more?
No, the entry fee is the same whether you submit only one work, or the maximum of five works.
Who is eligible for a discounted submission fee?
You are eligible for a discount if you participated in any course at the Dutch Atelier of Realist Art between 2025 to 2026, and you maintained an attendance rate of 80% or higher. This can include workshops, bootcamps, or DARA's Trimester Programme.
A discount code was sent to eligible artists by email; if you are eligible, and you lost/did not receive the code, please email us at EMAIL. To claim the discount, complete the online entry form, proceed to checkout, and enter the code on the checkout page.
A discount code was sent to eligible artists by email; if you are eligible, and you lost/did not receive the code, please email us at EMAIL. To claim the discount, complete the online entry form, proceed to checkout, and enter the code on the checkout page.
Can I participate even if I am not a professional Artist?
Yes! You do not have to be a professional artist in order to participate, as long as you meet all the other criteria (please see "Who can participate in the Kunst Salon?" above.)
Am I OBLIGED TO DECLARE VAT IF I SELL MY WORK?
You are obliged to declare VAT if:
If you fit this criteria, then include 9% VAT to your listed sales price. All works listed for sale during the exhibition are presented inclusive of 9% VAT.
- You are working in the Netherlands as a professional artist registered with the Chamber of Commerce (KVK) and you have a btw-nummer.
- Additionally, your income as a professional artist exceeds €20.000 per year. Please note that if your annual income is below this amount, then you may claim the KOR (kleineondernemersregeling) as an exemption from declaring VAT.
If you fit this criteria, then include 9% VAT to your listed sales price. All works listed for sale during the exhibition are presented inclusive of 9% VAT.
If my work is not selected, is my submission fee refunded?
No, the submission fee is paid to have up to 5 of your works considered by the jury. If your work is unfortunately not selected as a finalist, the fee is not refunded.
If I decide to withdraw my participation, is my submission fee refunded?
No, the submission fee is not refunded if you decide to withdraw your participation. The only circumstance in which the submission fee is refunded to artists is if the event is cancelled for any reason.
What If I am not able to drop off or pick up my work on time?
All artists must be able to deliver your work, and collect any unsold work, from the exhibition venue in Haarlem during specified times. Unfortunately, we are not able to receive or send shipped artwork.
Delivery of Work: Works must be physically delivered to the exhibition venue in Haarlem between 29 November to 1 December, from 10:00 to 15:00 PM. Works will be inspected upon arrival to ensure that they are in perfect condition and ready to hang. Any work which is not received in time will not be exhibited.
Collection of Unsold Work: Unsold work must be collected from the venue on 18 December (from 17:00 to 21:00) or on 19 to 20 December (10:00 to 15:00.) Please note that the exhibition venue will close for the holidays from 21 December to 4 January, and there is a late fee of €50 applied to each individual work which is not collected in time.
It is the responsibility of each artist participating in the Kunst Salon to ensure that you are able to deliver and collect your work during these times.
Delivery of Work: Works must be physically delivered to the exhibition venue in Haarlem between 29 November to 1 December, from 10:00 to 15:00 PM. Works will be inspected upon arrival to ensure that they are in perfect condition and ready to hang. Any work which is not received in time will not be exhibited.
Collection of Unsold Work: Unsold work must be collected from the venue on 18 December (from 17:00 to 21:00) or on 19 to 20 December (10:00 to 15:00.) Please note that the exhibition venue will close for the holidays from 21 December to 4 January, and there is a late fee of €50 applied to each individual work which is not collected in time.
It is the responsibility of each artist participating in the Kunst Salon to ensure that you are able to deliver and collect your work during these times.
Will works be listed for Sale online?
Yes. On opening night, works will be exclusively for sale at the live exhibition in Haarlem. Following opening night, works will remain for sale both in person and online from 5 to 18 December.
Does the Kunst Salon take a commission if my work sells?
Yes, the salon retains a 35% commission on the sale of any work purchased during the exhibition, either from the gallery venue in Haarlem or online.
Will there be another Kunst Salon in the future?
Yes, we intend for the HKS to become an annually occurring event. Depending on the success of this year's salon, we hope to implement cash prizes and other awards in future editions. Please stay tuned!
|
|