Open calls are invitations for artists to apply for exhibitions, residencies, grants, public art projects, competitions, and other opportunities. A good place to begin is with established opportunity websites. Some list many kinds of opportunities, while others focus on areas such as public art or artist residencies. Use filters to narrow results by location, art form, deadline, application fee, and career level.
Do not rely only on large websites. Follow local galleries, museums, art schools, artist-run spaces, cultural organizations, and city arts councils on social media. You can also join their email lists. Many smaller opportunities are announced locally and may have fewer applicants. Ask other artists where they find calls, and set aside regular time to search instead of waiting until you urgently need an exhibition opportunity.
Before applying, read the full call carefully. Check whether your work fits the theme, medium, location, and eligibility rules. Find out what the organizer provides and what you need to pay for yourself, including application fees, shipping, insurance, travel, installation, and sales commission. A fee is not automatically a warning sign, but it is important to understand what it covers and decide whether the opportunity is worth the total cost.
It also helps to keep your application materials ready. Create a folder with high-quality artwork images, artwork details, a short biography, an artist statement, your resume or exhibition history, and links to your website or portfolio. Keep a simple spreadsheet or calendar with the opportunity name, deadline, required materials, costs, submission status, and expected reply date.
Finally, research the organizer before sending money or personal information. Look at previous exhibitions, past participants, contact details, and the venue itself. Apply selectively, and remember that rejection is a normal part of the process.
Websites to check for artist opportunities
- CaFÉ — Calls for exhibitions, competitions, and public art projects, especially in the United States.
- ArtConnect — International open calls, exhibitions, residencies, grants, awards, and art jobs, with search filters.
- ArtRabbit — International contemporary art opportunities, including exhibitions, grants, competitions, and prizes.
- Res Artis — A worldwide network and searchable list of artist residency opportunities.
- Artist Communities Alliance — A directory for finding and comparing artist residency programs.
- PublicArtist.org — Public art commissions, requests for qualifications, and calls for artists.
- Americans for the Arts — Public art opportunities from arts organizations and commissioning agencies.
- Visual Artists Association — Open calls, residencies, grants, exhibitions, and other opportunities for visual artists.
- Artenda — International residencies, scholarships, exhibitions, competitions, grants, and public art projects.
- ArtCall.org — A searchable collection of current calls for entry and exhibition opportunities.
Listings and fees can change, so always read the original call on the organizer’s website before you apply.
Manage open calls with Artlope
Artlope can help you keep each opportunity organized. Use Submissions to track the open call, its deadline, fees, the artworks you send, and the result. You can update the status as you prepare and submit your application.
Use Portfolios to prepare a focused selection of your work for an opportunity. When it is ready, you can export your portfolio as a PDF or PowerPoint file.
Keep your profile current, then export your CV when an application asks for one. This gives you a clear, up-to-date document without rebuilding it every time.