Applying for Open Calls and Exhibitions

At the start of 2025, an artist friend suggested I try to get my prints into some exhibitions.

I applied to four open calls this year and I was successful at three of them.

How Did I Find Out About Open Calls?

Galleries and art organisers promote their open calls on Instagram. It seemed to be their main form of communication. Once I started looking, the algorithm became aware of my activity. More suggested posts for open calls kept appearing.

I only applied to open calls that fitted my style of work and weren’t too expensive. Organisers who were looking for artists from the East of England, printmakers and nature lovers seemed to be my wheelhouse.

I’ve set a reminder on my calendar. Every month I now look for suitable artists opportunities on curator space, OESS and artopps . Check them out and see if anything there suits your style.

Why Apply to Open Calls?

For me this year, it was wondering if I would actually be accepted anywhere. Some open calls are competitions. If there’s a prize you like the look of, just do it! Pay the entry fee and try your luck! It’s also for the exposure, the prestige too. There’s nothing like seeing your work in an artist’s catalogue to give yourself a confidence boost. It also gave me an opportunity to travel around the new parts of the UK and meet new people. I’m very shy, my networking skills are rubbish. Hopefully I will do more of these next year and build up my confidence.

The more people who see your work at exhibitions, the more likelihood there is of someone buying your work. Unfortunately, no sales for me through galleries this year, but there’s always 2026!

Or… Organise Your Own Exhibition!

If there are no opportunities in your area, why not create your own! In Bedford, I am a member of The Circus of Illustration and we organised two open calls on 2025. You just need a willing venue to host your show. Our local college was very helpful. Just ask! Most people love to support and encourage the arts.

Made By Humans

This is our current open call. So if you are looking to exhibit next year, why not apply and start your exhibition journey now! The details on how to apply are here. Good luck!