OPEN CALL 2026: CLAIM YOUR SPOT IN OUR SHOP

 

Are you a Ghent-based maker, artist, or entrepreneur? Do you want to sell your work in the heart of the city without the high financial risks of a private store?

 

GIFTSHOP offers a unique residency model. We believe in the power of the collective: every month, a new team of max. 4 makers takes over the shop. Together, you run the space, share the workload, and connect with the thousands of visitors passing through the iconic Graffitistraatje.

 

1. THE CONCEPT

  • Monthly Takeovers: The shop is run in monthly slots (March – December).
  • Collective Effort: You don’t do it alone. You form a group of max. 4 entrepreneurs for that month.
  • Location: The vibrant ground floor of GIFTSHOP (Werregarenstraat).

 

2. THE DEAL

  • Fixed Fee: You pay a contribution of €150 (excl. VAT) for the entire month.
  • 0% Commission: We don’t take a cut. What you sell is 100% yours.
  • Low Risk: The fee covers the space and facilities. You handle your own sales (via your own QR/SumUp/Cash).

 

3. YOUR COMMITMENT

Since there is no external staff, you are the face of the shop.

  • Opening Hours: Every Saturday & Sunday, 13:00 – 18:00.
  • Shared Shifts: With a group of 4 people, you create a rotation schedule. This means you only have to be present for a few shifts per month, keeping your agenda flexible.

 

4. CURATION & SELECTION

We aim to care for what makes Ghent special. Therefore, participation is not automatic.

  • Local Focus: We prioritize local artists and entrepreneurs.
  • Creativity: We are looking for original products that reflect the creative spirit of the city.
  • Selection: All applications are reviewed by our team. We curate the groups to ensure a high-quality mix of products. Not every proposal will be selected.

 

5. FACILITIES

  • Included: Use of furniture (shelves/tables), fridge, internet, and electricity.
  • Sanitary: A toilet is available on-site.
  • Heating: There is no central heating. There is a small electric heater for the cashier, but during colder months (Nov/Dec), we advise dressing warmly.
  • Security: The shop is equipped with camera surveillance.

 

6. CALENDAR 2026

  • Open: March, April, May, June, August, September, October, November, December.
  • Closed: January, February, July.

 

7. LEGAL & ADMIN

  • Status: Participants declare that they are in possession of a valid enterprise number or legal status that allows for sales (e.g., self-employed, student-entrepreneur).
  • Liability: Participants are solely and personally responsible for their fiscal and tax obligations.

 

HOW TO APPLY

Ready to join? Fill out the form below. You can apply as an individual (we will match you with others) or, preferably, as a complete group (4-5 people)

GIFTSHOP IS Lotte De Beer, Timon Van De Voorde, Benoit Vangeel, Stef Moens, Guus Coorevits, Jeroen Paeleman, BOARD, Tom Willox, Stien Kestens, Rolf Verresen, Niké Van Os.