Open Calls for Artists 2026: Where to Apply and How to Get Selected

If you're an artist searching for open calls in 2026, this guide covers everything you need to know: what open calls are, which ones are active right now, how to apply, and how to get selected.

What is an open call for artists?

An open call is an invitation from a gallery for artists to submit work for an upcoming exhibition. Unlike gallery representation, which is closed to most artists, open calls are open to everyone regardless of career stage, country, or CV. You submit your work, a curatorial team reviews it, and if selected, you exhibit.

Open calls have become the primary route for emerging artists to exhibit internationally. No gatekeepers, no connections needed, no art school requirement.

Active open calls for artists right now

The Holy Art currently has open calls for the following exhibitions:

London — 17 to 20 July 2026. Physical and digital exhibition in Battersea, Central London.

Paris — 18 to 21 September 2026. Physical and digital exhibition during the autumn art season.

Athens — 25 to 27 September 2026. Physical and digital exhibition in the birthplace of Western art.

Tokyo — 6 to 9 October 2026. Physical and digital exhibition in Harajuku, one of the most creative neighbourhoods on earth.

Milan — 23 to 26 October 2026. Physical and digital exhibition in the heart of Italy's contemporary art capital.

Amsterdam — 30 October to 2 November 2026. Physical and digital exhibition in one of Europe's most creative cities.

New York — 13 to 16 November 2026. Physical and digital exhibition during the fall art season.

Times Square Billboard — ongoing. Your artwork displayed 22 times per day at 1568 Broadway, New York City. No travel required.

All open calls are free to apply, accept all mediums, and have an open theme.

What does physical and digital exhibition mean?

The Holy Art pioneered the dual format at scale. Physical exhibition means your original artwork hangs on the gallery wall. Digital exhibition means your work is displayed on digital screens within the gallery space. Both formats run side by side in the same show, and both include your art in the exhibition catalogue.

The digital option means artists anywhere in the world can exhibit without shipping work. You submit your artwork as a digital file and it's showcased on custom interactive frames and projectors in the gallery.

How to apply for an open call

Step one. Choose your city at theholyart.com/open-calls.

Step two. Complete the application form with images of your work. Submission is free. All mediums are accepted: painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, digital art, video, installation, mixed media, illustration.

Step three. The curatorial team reviews your submission. If selected, you receive confirmation with exhibition details.

Step four. Confirm your spot with the exhibition fee, choose physical or digital format, and exhibit.

How to get selected

Submit your strongest work, not your most recent. Curators respond to quality and coherence.

Photograph your work properly. Natural light, neutral background, straight-on angle, high resolution. Bad photography kills good art in the selection process.

Follow the guidelines exactly. Correct file formats, correct sizes, complete information. Incomplete applications are the most common reason for rejection.

Write a short, honest artist statement. Two or three sentences about what you make and why. No jargon.

Why exhibit with an open call gallery

Exposure. Your work is seen by international audiences, collectors, and curators. The Holy Art exhibitions have welcomed over 500,000 guests.

Credibility. Every exhibition adds a line to your CV. International shows carry weight with galleries, grant committees, and collectors.

Community. You exhibit alongside artists from every corner of the world. The Holy Art community includes 240,000+ artists and collectors.

Momentum. Your first show is the hardest to get. Every one after gets easier.

About The Holy Art

The Holy Art is an international contemporary art gallery that has exhibited over 25,000 artists across 400+ exhibitions in 20+ cities worldwide, including London, New York, Tokyo, Paris, Milan, Barcelona, Athens and Amsterdam. Exhibitions run in physical and digital formats. All open calls are free to apply, open theme, and open to artists worldwide.

Apply now at theholyart.com/open-calls

Where art meets the world.