Animator, Photo by Maciej Zakrzewski
review

10 open calls to apply in January & February 2025 Seize the new year!

With the new year come new opportunities. Don’t miss the chance to showcase your work, build valuable connections in the art community worldwide, and take your career to the next level!

18th edition of the Animator International Animated Film Festival 

On July 5-15, the 18th edition of the Animator International Animated Film Festival will take place in Poznań. It is the largest event dedicated to animated films in Poland, and since 2017, it has been a qualifying festival for Oscar nominations. This year’s theme is ROTAMINA – THE CHEMISTRY IN US, referencing iconic works, such as the short The Marvellous Bubbles In the Throbbing Lymphocytes (1973) by Julian Antonisz and the 1980s TV series Once Upon a Time… Life by Albert Barillé (1986-87). The festival aims to explore the complexity of the human body, especially in the context of chemistry, the building blocks of organisms, and biology. Moreover, the theme delves into the different ingredients we put in our bodies (or choose to avoid) and the motivations behind such decisions. Despite its specificity, the theme welcomes various perspectives and approaches, from health and well-being to discussions of social issues, such as the global opioid epidemic.

Deadline: 27.01.2025

Animator, Photo by Maciej Zakrzewski
Animator, Photo by Maciej Zakrzewski

SUBMISSIONS DETAILS

Animated films created with any technique (experiments, video collages, AI art, installations) from artists from around the world.

HOW TO APPLY?

Apply here: https://filmfreeway.com/animatorfestival

CONTACT DETAILS 

Website: https://animator-festival.com/en/sample-page/open-call-rotamina-the-chemistry-in-us/ 

Email: hello@animator-festival.com 


The 14th Graphic Arts Biennale: IMPORT/EXPORT

The Graphic Art Biennale invites the young-generation artists to apply for its 14th edition. This year, the Biennale has international scope for the first time, inviting creatives from around the world. The theme of the 14th Graphic Art Biennale is IMPORT/EXPORT. Drawing from the global capitalist system that reinforced supranational connection, this theme focuses on importing and exporting culture-forming artistic phenomena. It aims to reflect on its role in supporting socialisation and sustaining diversity. In this way, import and export can be seen not as mere forms of product exchange, but as a creative process that enriches cultures rather than reinforcing globalisation. 

Deadline: 10.02.2025

HOW TO APPLY 

Apply here: https://forms.gle/nVbYtFXJnQtaM6q97 

SUBMISSION DETAILS

Preview files of original graphic works with a short description of the idea and technique.

WHO CAN APPLY

Artists from all over the world aged 18 to 40 years.

CONTACT DETAILS 

Website: https://grafikaart.pl/en/biennale-of-graphic-arts/the-14th-graphic-arts-biennale-import-export/ 

Email: kontakt@grafikaart.pl


STRABAG Artaward International 2025 

STRABAG is a European-based technology group providing construction services. It is a leader in innovation and financial strength, offering an international art sponsorship programme, the STRABAG Kunstforum, which organises art awards and exhibitions, and permanently presents its art collection across 75 locations in Europe. 

Deadline: 27.01.2025

FEES AND SUPPORT 

Main prize – €15.000

Four recognition prizes – €8.000 each  

Along with the financial prize, the winners will also get an opportunity to sell their artworks to the STRABAG Art collection. 

WHO CAN APPLY

Artists born after 1985. 

Citizens or permanent residents (for at least 2 years) of Austria, Germany, or Slovenia, as well as Ukrainian citizens currently residing in those countries (regardless of the duration of their stay). 

Applicants must have an academic artistic education (art academy, art college, university) or comparable professional experience in the gallery and/or museum environment.

SUBMISSION DETAILS 

Three works of art from the field of painting and drawing, with maximum dimensions of 200×240 cm and maximum weight of 15 kg. No thematic specifications. 

HOW TO APPLY 

Apply here: http://www.strabag-kunstforum.at/

CONTACT DETAILS

Website: https://www.strabag-kunstforum.at/artaward-en/application/#accordion17 

Email: kunstforum@strabag.com 


Artist of the Year Award, Visual Artists Association

The Visual Artists Association is a professional body for artists, offering a range of membership benefits, knowledge, and experience. It aims to provide both established and emerging artists with means to successfully growth their artistic practice. Artists of the Year Awards is a competition that celebrates talent and creativity. Visual creators at all stages of their careers are welcome to participate, thanks to the inclusive nature of the competition reflected in six different categories. 

Deadline: 21.01.2025

FEES AND SUPPORT 

Artist of the Year: £1k, Art Supplies, their choice of any VAA Short Course, 12-month Mentorship Online Solo Expo & Lifetime VAA Membership, Certificate.

Best International Artist: Certificate, premium membership for 1 year, their choice of any VAA Short Course.

Best Professional & Established Artist: Certificate, premium membership for 1 year, their choice of any VAA Short Course.

Best New & Emerging Artist: Certificate, premium membership for 1 year, their choice of any VAA Short Course.

Members Choice: Certificate, premium membership for 1 year, their choice of any VAA Short Course.

5 Highly Commended Artists: Certificates & Profiling Opportunities.

Entry is free for VAA Premium Members and is open to VAA Standard Members & Non-Members for a pricing structure of:

  • 1 Artwork    =  £20
  • 2 Artworks  =  £30
  • 3 Artworks  =  £40
  • 4 Artworks  =  £50
  • 5 Artworks  =  £60 

WHO CAN APPLY

Amateur and professional artists, working in any visual art medium (i.e. drawing, printing, painting, photography, digital art, sculpture, mixed media).

HOW TO APPLY 

Apply here: https://visual-artists.org/vaa-artist-of-the-year-apply/ 

CONTACT DETAILS

Website: https://visual-artists.org/vaa-artist-of-the-year/ 

Email: hello@visual-artists.org


OPEN CALL Meta.Morf 2026 – the 9th Trondheim Biennale for Art and Technology

Established in 2010, Meta.Morf is a biennale for art and technology and the most extensive event of such kind in Scandinavia. The upcoming edition tackles the question of the uncertain future. It aims to reflect on what is ahead, and how we can prepare for a world dominated by algorithms, predictive models, and speculative technologies. What is the role of an artist in navigating this ambiguity? 

Deadline: 31.01.2025

SUBMISSION DETAILS 

Art installations and performances that act as provocations, tools, maps, or guides to help us confront the unknown and embrace the unexpected.

HOW TO APPLY 

Apply here: https://forms.gle/NA5J8LTNTmriFgcC9

CONTACT DETAILS 

Website: https://teks.no/metamorf-call/ 

Email: zane@teks.no


Open Call 2025 Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours 

Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours was established in 1831 and is universally recognised as one of the leading art institutes. Once again, it allows artists to exhibit their contemporary watercolour and watermedia paintings for the RI 213th Exhibition in Spring 2025. 

Deadline: 28.01.2025

WHO CAN APPLY 

Artists aged 18 or older from all around the world. 

SUBMISSION DETAILS 

Watercolour or water-soluble mediums including watercolour, acrylic, ink, or gouache (excluding water-soluble oils). 

Maximum of 6 original creations per artist.

Completed within the last two years and not previously exhibited in London.

Not larger than 240cm high and 150 cm wide (including frame).

FEES AND SUPPORT 

There are over 15 various prizes and awards available, worth over £7,000 in addition to the opportunity to exhibit works in Mall Galleries. 

HOW TO APPLY

Apply here: https://www.mallgalleries.org.uk/open-calls/royal-institute-painters-water-colours

CONTACT DETAILS

Website: https://www.mallgalleries.org.uk/open-calls/royal-institute-painters-water-colours 

Email: info@mallgalleries.com 


Blind Spot, Fine Art Photography Exhibition at Mora 

The curators from Mora, a modern art museum in Jersey City invite photographers to submit their artworks for the upcoming exhibition. The theme of the exhibition is “Blind Spots”, which can be interpreted as: 

Works that explore one of the interpretations of blind spots will get a chance to be exhibited in the museum in April 2025. 

Deadline: 16.02.2025

SUBMISSION DETAILS
All entries must be printed on paper and professionally framed in black, white, or metallic frames (no gold). Minimum image requirements are: at least 1200 pixels on the longest side, under 5MB, JPG or JPEG.

FEES AND SUPPORT 

No entry fee

WHO CAN APPLY 

Artists from all around the world and at all stages of their career.

HOW TO APPLY

Apply here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfomfUOzxnYJmrvfqP24qFhnTyTJE2i1rmYPcTThxzK4rGwcg/viewform 

CONTACT DETAILS 

Website: https://www.facebook.com/MoRAmuseum 

Email: Tlmaneca@gmail.com


Open Call The Male Figure 2025 

Since 2010 the Gallery Kunstbehandlung has explored the subject of male figures during its annual internationally renowned exhibition. The exhibition allows new talents to exhibit their works alongside the creations of well-known artists from the gallery. As a result, the exhibition offers a blend of different perspectives and approaches that appeal to diverse audiences. 

Deadline: 16.02.2025

SUBMISSION DETAILS

Artworks referring to the theme “Male Figure” and experimenting with forms of visual arts can be submitted.

HOW TO APPLY 

Applications should be sent by email to tmf@kunstbehandlung.com

Photographs of a maximum of five examples of work, each with title, year of creation, technique, dimensions, short biography, name ( artist name if applicable), contact details, website, and social media links.

Preferably all documents should be sent as a coherent PDF with a maximum file size of 10 MB. 

FEES AND SUPPORT

No application fee

CONTACT DETAILS

Website: https://kunstbehandlung.com/opencallTMF 

Email: tmf@kunstbehandlung.com


Open Call Know Thy Infinite Self – The Infinite Self Pavilion 

The Infinite Self Pavilion is an online exhibition curated by Dr. Lila Moore & Cybernetic Futures for the 7th edition of The Wrong Biennale. It aims to explore the concept of the Self and its dynamic relationship with AI. It aligns with this year’s theme of the independent, non-profit The Wrong Biennale. This event aims to promote and showcase digital art. It is a great opportunity to be featured at The Wrong Biennale 2025, a curated exhibition catalogue, and a special academic presentation on technology, spirituality, and well-being. 

Deadline: 15.02.2025

SUBMISSION DETAILS

Artworks across diverse media—video, image, sound, text, interactive media, and immersive experiences—where AI actively participates in the creative process. 

Works must engage deeply with AI, reflecting the artist’s agency rather than simply showcasing AI-generated results. 

HOW TO APPLY

Send a link to your proposed artwork(s) and a short bio to drlilamoore@cyberneticfutures.com

CONTACT DETAILS

Website: https://www.cyberneticfutures.com/post/open-call-wrong-biennale-2025-infinite-self-pavilion 

Email: drlilamoore@cyberneticfutures.com

Infinite Self Pavilion Open Call Wrong Biennale Dr Lila Moore 2025
Infinite Self Pavilion Open Call Wrong Biennale Dr Lila Moore 2025

Open Call Unframed 

Unframed is a cross-disciplinary exhibition project that intertwines contemporary art with augmented reality (AR). It invites emerging artists to interpret topics like climate action, digital rights, food security, deforestation, coastal vegetation, queer culture, and others that are covered by European politics. These interpretations take the form of ten unique artworks, that will be displayed through AR. Unframed is an immersive experience that allows the audience to interact with the art. 

Deadline: 01.02.2025

WHO CAN APPLY

Artists aged between 21 and 40. 

SUBMISSION DETAILS

Accepted formats include 2D artworks (e.g., high-quality images of paintings, short series of paintings or drawings), 3D works (e.g., sculptures, installations), other forms of digital artworks, and video documentation for performance art.

The artworks must refer to three topics from the 15 provided on the website. 

The artworks will undergo reimagining via augmented reality. 

FEES AND SUPPORT

No entry fee

Each selected artist will receive a one-time fee of 200€

CONTACT DETAILS

Website: https://destructura.com/unframed/
Email:
hello@destructura.com 

About The Author

Julia
Wędrychowska

Originally from Cracow, Poland, and currently based in Amsterdam, she holds a BA degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences from Maastricht University and an MA degree in Linguistics from the University of Amsterdam. With a passion for storytelling in all its forms, she is deeply interested in writing, languages, literature, and cinema.

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