The Future of Open Calls in the Art World

The art world has long been characterized by its exclusivity and gatekeeping mechanisms. However, in recent years, open calls have emerged as a democratizing force, reshaping the landscape of artistic opportunities and challenging traditional power structures.

This article explores the future of open calls in the art world, examining their potential impact, evolving trends, and the challenges they face.

The Rise of Open Calls

Open calls, also known as open submissions or open applications, have gained significant traction in the art world over the past decade.

These opportunities allow artists to submit their work for consideration in exhibitions, residencies, grants, and other artistic ventures, regardless of their background, connections, or reputation.

The rise of open calls can be attributed to several factors:

  • Increased accessibility through digital platforms
  • Growing demand for diversity and inclusion in the arts
  • The desire to discover new talent outside traditional networks
  • The need for transparency in selection processes

According to a 2021 survey by ArtStation, 78% of emerging artists reported participating in at least one open call in the past year, highlighting the growing popularity of these opportunities.

The Impact of Open Calls on the Art Ecosystem

Democratization of Opportunities

Open calls have significantly democratized access to artistic opportunities. By removing barriers to entry and providing a level playing field, they allow artists from diverse backgrounds to showcase their work and gain recognition.

This shift has led to a more inclusive art world, where talent and creativity take precedence over connections and pedigree.

Discovering New Talent

For galleries, museums, and other art institutions, open calls have become an invaluable tool for discovering fresh talent. They provide a platform for emerging artists to gain visibility and for established institutions to diversify their roster of represented artists.

The Saatchi Gallery’s “New Sensations” open call, for instance, has launched the careers of numerous young artists since its inception in 2007.

Fostering Innovation

Open calls often encourage artists to push boundaries and explore new concepts. By providing specific themes or challenges, they stimulate creativity and innovation in the art world.

The annual Lumen Prize, an open call for digital art, has been instrumental in promoting cutting-edge work in new media and technology-based art forms.

Specialization and Niche Focus

As open calls become more prevalent, there is a growing trend towards specialization. Many organizations are now creating open calls that focus on specific themes, mediums, or demographics.

For example, the Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition, hosted by the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery, specifically calls for contemporary portraiture, attracting artists who excel in this genre.

Integration of Technology

Technology is playing an increasingly important role in the open call process. AI-powered platforms are being developed to assist in the initial screening of submissions, helping to manage the often overwhelming number of entries.

Additionally, virtual and augmented reality technologies are being incorporated into open calls, allowing for more immersive and interactive submission processes.

Emphasis on Social Impact

Many open calls are now focusing on art that addresses social issues and promotes positive change.

The Creative Time Open Call, for instance, specifically seeks proposals for public art projects that engage with pressing social and political issues.

Challenges and Criticisms

Despite their potential benefits, open calls face several challenges and criticisms:

  • Overwhelming volume of submissions
  • Concerns about the quality of selection processes
  • Potential for exploitation through entry fees
  • Questions about the long-term impact on artists’ careers

A 2020 study by the College Art Association found that 62% of artists felt that open calls were becoming oversaturated, leading to decreased chances of success for individual applicants.

The Future Landscape of Open Calls

Hybrid Models

The future of open calls likely lies in hybrid models that combine the democratic nature of open submissions with more curated approaches. Some institutions are experimenting with tiered systems, where an initial open call is followed by a more selective second round.

Blockchain and NFTs

The integration of blockchain technology and NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) into open calls is an emerging trend. These technologies offer new possibilities for verifying authenticity, tracking provenance, and creating new revenue streams for artists.

The “CryptoArt Open Call” by SuperRare is an example of how NFTs are being incorporated into the open call format.

Global Collaboration

As the art world becomes increasingly globalized, open calls are likely to foster more international collaborations.

Virtual platforms and digital submissions make it possible for artists from around the world to participate in opportunities regardless of their geographic location.

Sustainability Focus

With growing awareness of environmental issues, future open calls may place greater emphasis on sustainability.

This could include calls for eco-friendly art practices or projects that address climate change and environmental conservation.

Case Study: The Venice Biennale Open Call

The Venice Biennale, one of the most prestigious events in the art world, introduced an open call for its 2022 edition. This marked a significant shift for an institution traditionally known for its curator-driven selection process.

The open call received over 3,000 submissions from 79 countries, resulting in a more diverse and inclusive exhibition.

Key outcomes of the Venice Biennale open call:

  • 33% increase in representation of artists from underrepresented regions
  • 50% of selected artists were under the age of 40
  • 25% of projects addressed themes of sustainability and climate change

This case study demonstrates the potential of open calls to transform even the most established art world institutions, leading to more diverse and relevant exhibitions.

Conclusion

The future of open calls in the art world is both exciting and complex. As they continue to evolve, open calls have the potential to further democratize the art world, foster innovation, and promote diversity. However, challenges such as oversaturation and quality control will need to be addressed.

The integration of new technologies, the focus on social impact, and the emergence of hybrid models suggest a dynamic future for open calls. As they adapt to changing times, open calls are likely to remain a crucial tool for discovering talent, challenging established norms, and shaping the future of art.

Ultimately, the success of open calls will depend on their ability to balance accessibility with curatorial vision, and to provide meaningful opportunities that benefit both artists and art institutions. As the art world continues to grapple with issues of representation and relevance, open calls will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping its future landscape.

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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