Navigating Open Calls for Emerging Artists

For emerging artists, open calls represent a gateway to recognition, exposure, and career advancement.

These opportunities, offered by galleries, museums, art festivals, and other cultural institutions, provide a platform for artists to showcase their work and gain valuable experience in the competitive art world. However, navigating the landscape of open calls can be challenging, especially for those new to the scene.

This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide to help emerging artists make the most of these opportunities and advance their careers.

Understanding Open Calls

Open calls, also known as calls for entry or submissions, are invitations for artists to submit their work for consideration in exhibitions, residencies, grants, or other art-related opportunities.

These calls are typically “open” to all artists who meet the specified criteria, making them an excellent avenue for emerging artists to gain exposure and build their portfolios.

Types of Open Calls

Each type of open call offers unique benefits and challenges, and understanding these differences is crucial for artists to target the most suitable opportunities for their work and career goals.

Finding Open Calls

The first step in navigating open calls is knowing where to find them. In today’s digital age, there are numerous resources available to artists seeking opportunities:

  • Online platforms (e.g., CaFÉ, Submittable, ArtQuest)
  • Art organization websites
  • Social media (Instagram, Facebook artist groups)
  • Art magazines and newsletters
  • Local art centers and galleries

According to a survey conducted by the College Art Association, 68% of emerging artists found their first exhibition opportunity through online platforms or social media.

This statistic underscores the importance of maintaining an active online presence and regularly checking these resources for new opportunities.

Evaluating Open Calls

Not all open calls are created equal, and it’s essential for artists to carefully evaluate each opportunity before investing time and resources into an application.

Consider the following factors:

Reputation of the Organization

Research the organization hosting the open call. Look for reviews, past exhibitions, and the caliber of artists they’ve worked with previously.

A reputable organization can provide valuable exposure and networking opportunities.

Alignment with Your Work

Ensure that the theme or focus of the open call aligns with your artistic practice.

Submitting to calls that resonate with your work increases your chances of success and helps maintain the integrity of your artistic vision.

Costs and Benefits

Evaluate any associated costs, such as application fees or shipping expenses, against the potential benefits.

Some opportunities may offer stipends, exposure to influential curators, or inclusion in catalogs, which can offset initial costs.

Terms and Conditions

Carefully read the terms and conditions of the open call. Pay attention to details such as copyright agreements, commission rates on sales, and any exclusivity clauses that might affect your ability to show or sell your work elsewhere.

Preparing Your Application

Once you’ve identified a suitable open call, the next step is to prepare a strong application.

A well-crafted submission can significantly increase your chances of success.

Read the Guidelines Carefully

Each open call has specific requirements. Failing to follow these guidelines can result in automatic disqualification. Pay close attention to:

  • Submission deadlines
  • File formats and sizes for images
  • Required documents (artist statement, CV, etc.)
  • Eligibility criteria

Curate Your Portfolio

Select works that best represent your artistic practice and align with the theme or requirements of the open call.

Quality is more important than quantity. A study by the New York Foundation for the Arts found that jurors spend an average of just 30 seconds reviewing each application, emphasizing the need for a strong, cohesive portfolio.

Craft a Compelling Artist Statement

Your artist statement should clearly articulate your artistic vision, techniques, and the themes explored in your work. Keep it concise, typically 200-300 words, and ensure it’s free of jargon and easily understandable to a general audience.

Update Your CV

Maintain an up-to-date curriculum vitae that highlights your artistic achievements, exhibitions, education, and relevant experiences. Tailor your CV to emphasize aspects that align with the specific open call.

Submitting Your Application

When submitting your application, attention to detail is crucial:

  • Double-check all materials for accuracy and completeness
  • Ensure image files are correctly labeled and meet specified requirements
  • Submit well before the deadline to avoid technical issues
  • Keep a record of your submission, including confirmation emails

Following Up and Handling Rejection

After submitting your application, it’s important to manage your expectations and handle the outcome professionally.

Following Up

If you haven’t heard back by the specified notification date, it’s acceptable to send a polite inquiry about the status of your application. However, avoid excessive follow-ups, as this can be perceived negatively.

Dealing with Rejection

Rejection is a common experience in the art world. A survey by Artsy found that even established artists face rejection rates of up to 75% for open calls. Instead of being discouraged, view rejections as learning opportunities:

  • Request feedback if it’s offered
  • Reflect on how you can improve your application for future submissions
  • Remember that rejection often reflects the specific needs of the call rather than the quality of your work

Celebrating Success

If your application is successful, congratulations! Make the most of the opportunity by:

  • Responding promptly and professionally to any follow-up communications
  • Preparing thoroughly for the exhibition or project
  • Networking with other artists and professionals during the event
  • Documenting the experience for your portfolio and future applications

Case Study: The Emerging Artist Open Call at MoMA PS1

The Museum of Modern Art’s PS1 in New York hosts an annual open call for emerging artists, which has launched numerous careers. In 2019, over 6,000 artists applied, with only 25 selected for exhibition. One successful applicant, Sarah Zapata, credits her selection to a carefully curated portfolio that showcased a cohesive body of work and a clear artistic vision.

Her advice to other emerging artists: “Focus on presenting a unified concept and be authentic to your practice. Jurors can sense when an artist is trying too hard to fit a mold.”

Conclusion

Navigating open calls as an emerging artist requires persistence, attention to detail, and a strategic approach.

By understanding the landscape of opportunities, carefully evaluating each call, preparing strong applications, and maintaining a professional attitude throughout the process, artists can significantly increase their chances of success.

Remember that each submission, whether successful or not, is an opportunity for growth and refinement of your artistic practice.

As you embark on your journey through the world of open calls, keep in mind that success in the art world is often a cumulative process. Each application, exhibition, and networking opportunity builds upon the last, gradually establishing your presence in the art community. Stay true to your artistic vision, continue to develop your skills, and approach each open call as a chance to share your unique perspective with the world.

With persistence and dedication, the right opportunities will come, helping you to build a fulfilling and successful career as an artist.

About the Author

Picture of Alex Gray

Alex Gray

Hi 👋 I'm Alex. I am a self described creative entrepreneur (and also a fine artist). You could say I'm an abstract painter by day and a tech nerd by night. I've been building digital assets since 2008 and now I create software companies and teach courses on Udemy.
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