Open Call for Artists: Finding and Seizing Opportunities
What Is an Open Call?
An open call is an invitation for artists to submit their work for exhibitions, residencies, grants or competitions. Open calls are usually published by galleries, museums and arts organisations to discover new talent. Unlike invitation‑only shows, open calls are inclusive: anyone who meets the eligibility criteria can apply.
For emerging artists, open calls are a powerful way to gain exposure and build a resume. They provide opportunities to exhibit in professional spaces, receive feedback and expand networks. To make the most of open calls, it’s essential to understand how to find reputable opportunities and prepare a compelling application.
How to Find the Right Open Calls
Start by researching opportunities that align with your medium, style and career goals. Specialist websites like Akimbo and Instant Coffee publish lists of residencies and open callsformat.com. Hyperallergic and other art news sites also compile monthly lists of calls for entryformat.com. When you come across a call, take time to read the organisation’s mission and past exhibitions—knowing what they’re looking for will help you decide if it’s a good fit【580517548423551†L145-L159】.
Planning is critical. Artwork Archive recommends mapping out your art deadlines over the year so you can submit high‑quality work without rushingartworkarchive.com. Apply selectively rather than scattergun—focus on opportunities that resonate with your practice and career aspirationsmagazine.artconnect.com. Don’t apply if you don’t meet the eligibility requirements; instead, spend time strengthening your portfolio and look for better‑fit callsmagazine.artconnect.com.
Crafting a Strong Application
When preparing your submission:
Read the instructions carefully. ArtConnect emphasises that following guidelines prevents delays or rejectionmagazine.artconnect.com. Pay attention to file formats, image sizes and word counts, and contact the organiser if you have questionsmagazine.artconnect.com.
Select your work thoughtfully. Choose pieces that fit the theme and showcase your best and most current workmagazine.artconnect.com. Even if there is no theme, think about how your selection represents your practice.
Submit early. Don’t wait until the last minute. Technical issues and heavy web traffic can cause problems near the deadlinemagazine.artconnect.com. Submitting early also gives organisers time to ask clarifying questions if needed.
Provide concise documentation. Keep your artist statement and bio clear and focused. Remember that jurors may be reviewing hundreds of applications; make yours easy to understand and memorableartworkarchive.com.
Fairness and Selection
Each open call has its own selection process, but reputable organisations share similar principles: anonymised initial reviews, careful evaluation and diversity goals. For example, The Holy Art anonymises submissions during the first review so curators assess the work itself rather than the artist’s résumétheholyart.com. Entries are grouped by medium, and curators look for technical skill, conceptual depth, originality and emotional resonancetheholyart.com. They aim for a balanced mix of media and cultural perspectivestheholyart.com. Similar fairness standards are used by many respected galleries and competitions.
What to Expect from an Open Call Exhibition
If selected, artists may be invited to exhibit in a physical space, a digital showcase or both. Participation often involves a fee to cover venue and promotion costs, though submissions themselves are typically freetheholyart.com. Fees and requirements vary, so read contracts carefully. Once you participate, take advantage of networking events and feedback sessions—open calls are not just about showing work, but connecting with other creatives and industry professionalstheholyart.com.
Why The Holy Art’s Open Calls Stand Out
While there are countless open calls available, The Holy Art’s open call programme offers unique advantages:
Global Exposure – With exhibitions in over twenty cities and a network of more than 500,000 visitorstheholyart.com, The Holy Art gives artists international visibility.
Free Submission – Artists submit work without any application feetheholyart.com. Fees apply only if selected, and they are clearly communicated up front.
All Media Accepted – From painting and sculpture to digital art and poetry, The Holy Art accepts all mediumstheholyart.com.
Transparent Curation – An anonymised review and professional selection process ensure fairnesstheholyart.com.
Flexible Payment Options – Participation fees can be paid via Klarna, Afterpay/Clearpay or Revolut Pay, making it easier for artists to budgettheholyart.com.
Conclusion
Open calls are an essential part of many artists’ careers, offering opportunities to gain exposure, refine professional skills and build connections. By researching opportunities carefully, following application guidelines and submitting high‑quality work early, artists can maximise their chances of successmagazine.artconnect.com. Among the many open calls available, The Holy Art’s programme stands out for its global reach, fairness and inclusivity. Whether you are an emerging artist or a seasoned professional, consider applying to an open call that aligns with your goals and join a supportive community that celebrates creativity worldwide.
