In the competitive world of art, artists are constantly seeking opportunities to showcase their work, gain recognition, and advance their careers. One of the most valuable tools at their disposal is the open call.
Open calls, also known as calls for entry or artist submissions, play a crucial role in an artist’s journey, offering a wide range of benefits and opportunities for growth.
This article explores the significance of open calls in an artist’s career, their impact on the art world, and how artists can effectively leverage these opportunities.
Understanding Open Calls
Open calls are invitations for artists to submit their work for consideration in various art-related opportunities. These can include exhibitions, residencies, grants, public art projects, and competitions.
Open calls are typically issued by galleries, museums, art organizations, government agencies, or private entities seeking to discover and promote new talent or fill specific artistic needs.
The democratic nature of open calls makes them an essential part of the art ecosystem, providing artists at all career stages with equal opportunities to present their work to a broader audience and industry professionals.
The Benefits of Participating in Open Calls
Engaging with open calls can significantly impact an artist’s career trajectory. Here are some of the key benefits:
- Exposure and visibility
- Networking opportunities
- Professional development
- Financial support
- Career advancement
- Portfolio building
Exposure and Visibility
One of the primary advantages of participating in open calls is the potential for increased exposure. Successful submissions can lead to exhibitions, publications, or public installations, allowing artists to showcase their work to a wider audience. This visibility can be crucial for emerging artists looking to establish themselves in the art world.
For example, the Jerwood/FVU Awards, an annual open call in the UK, has been instrumental in launching the careers of many emerging artists working with moving images. Winners not only receive substantial funding but also gain exposure through exhibitions at prestigious venues like Jerwood Arts in London.
Networking Opportunities
Open calls often bring artists into contact with curators, gallery owners, collectors, and other industry professionals. These connections can be invaluable for future collaborations, recommendations, and career opportunities. Even if an artist’s work is not selected, the submission process itself can lead to meaningful interactions and relationships within the art community.
Professional Development
Preparing submissions for open calls helps artists refine their artist statements, improve their documentation skills, and curate their portfolios.
This process of self-reflection and presentation is crucial for an artist’s professional growth and can lead to a clearer understanding of their artistic practice and goals.
Financial Support
Many open calls offer financial incentives in the form of grants, stipends, or production budgets. For instance, the Pollock-Krasner Foundation provides significant grants to artists through its open application process.
In 2020, the foundation awarded $3.17 million to 121 artists and organizations, demonstrating the substantial financial support available through such opportunities.
Career Advancement
Successful participation in prestigious open calls can significantly boost an artist’s resume and credibility. Accolades from well-known institutions or competitions can open doors to future opportunities and increase an artist’s market value.
Portfolio Building
Open calls often challenge artists to create new work or adapt existing pieces to fit specific themes or requirements. This process can lead to the development of new ideas and techniques, enriching an artist’s portfolio and pushing their creative boundaries.
Types of Open Calls
Open calls come in various forms, each offering unique opportunities for artists. Some common types include:
- Exhibition proposals
- Artist residencies
- Public art commissions
- Art competitions and awards
- Grant applications
- Publication submissions
Each type of open call serves different purposes and can benefit artists in various ways.
For instance, artist residencies provide time, space, and resources for creative exploration, while public art commissions offer the chance to create large-scale works and engage with communities.
Navigating the Open Call Process
Successfully navigating the open call process requires strategy, preparation, and persistence. Here are some key steps artists should consider:
Research and Selection
Not all open calls are created equal, and it’s essential for artists to carefully research and select opportunities that align with their artistic practice and career goals. Factors to consider include:
- Reputation of the organizing institution
- Relevance to the artist’s medium and style
- Potential benefits (exposure, funding, networking)
- Submission requirements and deadlines
- Associated costs (entry fees, shipping, etc.)
Preparation and Submission
Once an appropriate open call is identified, artists should focus on creating a strong submission package. This typically includes:
- High-quality images or documentation of artwork
- A well-crafted artist statement
- An up-to-date CV or resume
- A project proposal (if required)
- Any additional materials specified in the call
Attention to detail and adherence to submission guidelines are crucial for success. Many open calls receive hundreds or even thousands of submissions, and failing to follow instructions can result in immediate disqualification.
Follow-up and Feedback
Regardless of the outcome, artists should view each submission as a learning opportunity. If rejected, consider requesting feedback when possible. This information can be invaluable for improving future submissions and refining one’s artistic practice.
Case Studies: Success Stories from Open Calls
To illustrate the impact of open calls on artists’ careers, let’s examine a few success stories:
Njideka Akunyili Crosby
Nigerian-born artist Njideka Akunyili Crosby’s career took off after winning the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s James Dicke Contemporary Artist Prize in 2014, which she entered through an open call.
This recognition led to solo exhibitions at major institutions and skyrocketing prices for her work at auction.
Kehinde Wiley
Before painting Barack Obama’s official presidential portrait, Kehinde Wiley’s career was significantly boosted by winning the Rema Hort Mann Foundation Grant in 2002.
This grant, awarded through an open application process, provided crucial financial support and recognition early in his career.
Theaster Gates
Chicago-based artist Theaster Gates gained international recognition after being selected for the Whitney Biennial in 2010 through its open submission process.
This exposure led to numerous high-profile projects and collaborations, establishing him as a leading figure in contemporary art.
Challenges and Considerations
While open calls offer numerous benefits, artists should also be aware of potential challenges:
- Time and resource investment: Preparing submissions can be time-consuming and may require financial investment in materials or entry fees.
- Competition: Popular open calls can attract thousands of submissions, making selection highly competitive.
- Rejection: Dealing with frequent rejections is a reality of the process and requires resilience.
- Exploitation: Some open calls may have unfair terms or seek to exploit artists’ work without adequate compensation.
Artists should carefully evaluate each opportunity and consider the potential return on investment before committing to a submission.
The Future of Open Calls
As the art world continues to evolve, so do open calls. Recent trends include:
- Increased use of digital platforms for submissions and virtual exhibitions
- Greater focus on diversity and inclusion in selection processes
- Emergence of open calls specifically for digital and new media art
- Growing emphasis on socially engaged and community-based art projects
These developments are creating new opportunities for artists to engage with open calls and expand their practice in innovative ways.
Conclusion
Open calls play a vital role in shaping artists’ careers and the broader art ecosystem. They provide democratic access to opportunities, foster artistic growth, and contribute to the discovery of new talent. While navigating the open call process can be challenging, the potential rewards in terms of exposure, financial support, and career advancement make it an essential strategy for artists at all stages of their careers.
By approaching open calls strategically, preparing thorough submissions, and maintaining persistence in the face of rejection, artists can leverage these opportunities to build their portfolios, expand their networks, and advance their artistic practice.
As the art world continues to evolve, open calls will likely remain a crucial pathway for artists to gain recognition and make their mark in the global art community.
