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8 Open Calls for Visual Artists to Apply to This Winter. Don’t miss your chance!

The new year brings exciting opportunities for artists. Start 2025 on a strong note by applying for open calls with deadlines in January and February. Don’t miss your chance to advance your creative career and showcase your work.

18th International Triennial of Textile Łódź 2025 

Deadline: 31 January 2025 

Location: Poland

The Museum of Textile in Łódź calls on artists to submit their work for the exhibition held in spring 2025 during the International Triennial of Textile. The curators of ITT, Marta Kowalewska and Bukola Oyebode-Westerhuis, selected “Deconstruction/Reconstruction” as the theme for this year’s ITT edition. The theme is inspired by the challenges of present times that call for rethinking old systems and reimagining new pathways for a better future. An international jury will select the winners for the 18th ITT prize which will be announced on the day of the event’s opening, 18 October 2025. 

SUBMISSIONS DETAILS

  • Opportunity is open for individuals and groups from around the world 
  • Submissions must relate conceptually or formally to medium of textile
  • Submissions must reflect the theme of the 18th edition of ITT – Deconstruction/Reconstruction

FEES AND SUPPORT 

  • No submission fee 
  • The winner of the Golden Medal will be awarded with 10.000 in prize-money

HOW TO APPLY?

To apply, submit a portfolio via email ([email protected]). 

A portfolio must include: 

  • Colour photograph of the artist 
  • Contact details (name, surname, city and country of birth/residence, phone number, e-mail address, date of birth) 
  • A short (max. 2000 characters with spaces) bio of the artist
  • Colour photographs of the works, shown against a neutral background and presented in a manner similar to their planned presentation in the exhibition. Each work must be labelled with a title, year of production, technique and materials, dimensions, and a short conceptual description

Applications can be written in Polish or English. 

CONTACT DETAILS 

Website: https://cmwl.pl/public/ 

Email: [email protected]

Marta Kowalewska and Bukola Oyebode-Westerhuis, the curators of 18th edition of ITT.
Marta Kowalewska and Bukola Oyebode-Westerhuis, the curators of 18th edition of ITT.

The Vulnerable Man 

Deadline: 30th January 2025 

Location: Online

The Starving Artist initiative focuses on the intersection of art and activism. It encourages using art and creativity to promote representation, intersectionality, and inclusivity. This year, The Starving Artist invites male-identifying (he/they) artists to participate in The Vulnerable Man. This project aims to challenge harmful stereotypes, foster vulnerability and create a space for dialogue. It will take the form of a virtual exhibition and publication focused on masculinity, men’s mental health, and lived experiences in non-traditional male bodies. 

WHO CAN APPLY 

  • Visual artists working with diverse mediums such as painting, photography, mixed media, video, sculpture and installation 
  • Artists from all around the world are invited to apply 
  • Due to sensitive topics, participants must be minimum 13 years old 
  • Each participant can submit up to 10 pieces 

FEES AND SUPPORT

  • There is no submission/participation fee

HOW TO APPLY

Application form: https://forms.gle/EgWa1Y3janqURGtY9 

CONTACT DETAILS

Website: https://starvingartist.cargo.site/ 

Email address: [email protected]


FUTURES Baltic Talents 2025 

Deadline: 5th January 2025 

Location: International

ISSP, a platform for contemporary photography, art, and education, is looking for three artists to join the FUTURES Photography Platform in 2025. This initiative is co-funded by the Creative Europe Programme of the European Union, through which selected artists can become a part of an international network, thus expanding their careers to new markets and audiences. It is a unique opportunity to boost your photographic career and connect with peers worldwide. 

WHO CAN APPLY

  • Photographers who are from or currently based in Latvia, Lithuania or Estonia
  • Participants who can demonstrate dedication and continuity in their artistic practice (3-10 years, including at least one solo exhibition) 
  • Participants able to submit a portfolio developed during last three years 

FEES AND SUPPORT

  • Participation grant of 500 euro 
  • Invitation to take part in the programme of networking events, workshops and talks at the Futures Annual Event in September – October 2025 (travel costs and accommodation covered).
  • All FUTURES artists are featured at futures-photography.com website and promoted via the FUTURES social media channels and the annual publication

HOW TO APPLY

Application form: https://forms.gle/MpyUVw2dSnqk72JR7 

CONTACT DETAILS 

Website: https://issp.lv/en/home/open-call-futures-baltic-talents-2025 

Email address: [email protected]

Photo: Ruudu Ulas

Residency Project and Exhibition “A Critical View on Plastic”

Deadline: 15th January 2025

Location: Finland 

Art in Lov Residence is an artist-run space based in a small coastal town in Finland with a dynamic art scene. It invites artists to apply to a three-month residency project focused on the influence of plastic in the region. During the residency, selected artists will develop work for an exhibition parallel to the Loviisa Town Museum’s exhibition on the history of plastic production in Loviisa. 

WHO CAN APPLY 

  • Both international and local artists can apply to work independently or be paired with another artist.

FEES AND SUPPORT 

  • No application fee
  • Free accommodation 
  • Travel expenses covered up to 200 euro (or 400 euro if less fossil fuel consuming options are chosen) 
  • Artist fee of 800 euro per month for the resident artist 
  • Material expenses covered up to 200-400 euro 

HOW TO APPLY 

  • Free-form application via email ([email protected]) introducing the artist. theme, working methods. 
  • It is essential for the application to include explanation on how the work will relate to the theme.
  • In the body of the email, include a summary of the proposed project and a short bio. You may attach a CV, portfolio, and links to relevant online material (not mandatory). 
  • Application should include a preferred time frame (between 5th March and 5th June, min. 1 month). 

CONTACT DETAILS 

Website: https://www.artinlov.org/

Email: [email protected]


Startup Art Fair 2025

Deadline: Applications accepted on rolling basis from November 2024 to February 2025

Location: San Francisco 

In April 2025, Hotel de Sol in San Francisco will once again fill with thousands of visitors coming to buy art from newly discovered, under-recognized artists during the Startup Art Fair. It is an event where independent creators can boost their careers by not only selling their works but also making valuable connections with collectors, curators, and art professionals. 

WHO CAN APPLY

  • Individual visual artists or groups of up to 4 members 

FEES AND SUPPORT 

  • No application fee
  • Selected artists will be given the opportunity to exhibit their work at the Hotel del Sol for three days of the fair. 
  • Exhibitor fee includes 4 nights at the hotel and rental of the exhibition room. There is a possibility to split costs by sharing the exhibition room with other artists. 
  • Startup Art Fair does not take a commission of sale, artists keep 100% of the sale. 

HOW TO APPLY: 

Application form: https://form.jotform.com/243216366228153

CONTACT DETAILS

Website: https://www.startupartfair.com/

Emails address: [email protected]


33 Officina Creativa Residency Program 2025 

Deadline: 30th December 2024

Location: Italy 

33OC is a small, artist-run non-profit association that offers international artist residencies in a small medieval village Toffia. The four-week program offers professional artists time and space to work in a peaceful rural Italian region. The residency is located in what used to be a 13th-century church and now serves as an active theater. 

WHO CAN APPLY 

  • Artists whose professional and artistic merit can be illustrated by a portfolio.
  • The residency is open to professional artists working in: visual arts, puppetry/marionettes (all forms), photography, film & video, media arts, performing arts, music/sound art and literature

FEES AND SUPPORT 

  • Application fee is 25 euro
  • The accommodation and studio costs, as well as utilities and administrative expenses are covered by the host.
  • Artist fee is equal to 300 euro per month

HOW TO APPLY 

Application fee: https://33oc.submittable.com/submit

CONTACT DETAILS

Website: https://33oc.org/

Email address: https://33oc.org/contact/email-us/ 


Feminist Futures: Micro-Experimental Art Projects 2025

Deadline: 10th January 2025 

Location: Berlin

Karne Kunst is a Berlin-based arts and culture initiative with a feminist agenda. With a curatorial focus on a gender perspective and contemporary art, they use art to challenge power structures and subvert stereotypes. This winter, Karne Kunst is looking for innovative, collaborative, and feminist micro-projects that explore art, care, and resistance in unexpected ways.

WHO CAN APPLY 

  • Feminist individuals and collectives based in Berlin (18+)
  • Artists from any disciplines are welcome to apply 

FEES AND SUPPORT 

  • No application fee 
  • Selected artists are granted access to creative spaces
  • Access to collaborative environment with diverse participants 
  • Materials budget of 300 euro 
  • Support from experienced advisors and promotion through Karne Kunst networks

HOW TO APPLY 

Apply by sending an email to [email protected],

The email should include following information: 

  • Project description (max 300 words) and its alignment with feminist values 
  • Outline of goals and methodology 
  • Proposed timeline and needs
  • Artists bio (max 150 words) and contact details 
  • Budget outline for the project 

CONTACT DETAILS 

Website: https://www.karnekunst.com/ 

Email address: [email protected]


13th International Latgale Graphic Art Symposium 

Deadline: 25th January 2025

Location: Latvia

The Rothko Museum invites artists to apply to the 13th International Latgale Graphic Art Symposium. It is a recurring, most significant international event in the graphic medium held in Latvia. By drawing artists from different parts of the world, the symposium aims to not only revitalize the graphic medium but also boost the international profile of the Latgale region. 10 artists will be selected to take part in the next year’s edition of International Latgale Graphic Art Symposium. The event will take place between 10th and 22nd March. 

WHO CAN APPLY 

  • The application is open to professional graphic artists. 

FEES AND SUPPORT 

  • No application/participation fee
  • Accommodation, studio space, catering, basic materials and tools are covered by Rothko Museum
  • Travel costs are not covered. 

HOW TO APPLY 

Application form: https://rothkomuseum.com/en/museum/catalogues/symposia/13-starptautiskais-latgales-grafikas-simpozijs/ 

CONTACT DETAILS

Website: https://rothkomuseum.com/

Email address: [email protected]

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