Finding calls for artists: FAQ
The questions artists ask most about finding and applying to open calls, residencies, grants, and art fairs.
- Where can I find calls for artists?
- Calls for artists are spread across many places: submission platforms and boards (CaFÉ, EntryThingy, ShowSubmit, ArtCall, Zapplication), gallery and museum websites, city and state arts-council pages, artist newsletters, and social media. Aggregators like OpenCall pull these sources into one free, searchable index that's refreshed throughout the day, so you don't have to check each board by hand.
- Where can I submit my art online?
- You submit through the organizer's own application page, which is usually hosted on a submission platform such as CaFÉ, EntryThingy, ShowSubmit, ArtCall, or Zapplication. Find an open call that fits your work and deadline, then follow its link to apply on the host platform. OpenCall links every listing directly to the organizer's application page.
- Are there free calls for artists with no entry fee?
- Yes. Many open calls, and most grants and residencies, are free to enter. Entry fees for juried shows typically range from $0 to about $50. On OpenCall you can filter to Opportunities Without Fees to see only verified $0-to-apply listings.
- How do I find artist residencies near me?
- Browse residencies by region and filter to your area. Residencies range from short local programs to fully funded international ones; some cover travel, housing, and a stipend. OpenCall lists residencies alongside open calls and grants so you can compare deadlines in one place.
- How do I find art grants?
- Art grants come from arts councils, private foundations, nonprofits, and government programs. Deadlines are often annual, so tracking them ahead of time matters. Browse the Art Grants category on OpenCall to see open grants and stipends sorted by soonest deadline.
- What's the difference between an open call and a juried show?
- An open call is any public invitation for artists to submit work. A juried show is an open call whose entries are selected by one or more jurors, so acceptance is competitive rather than guaranteed. Most exhibition open calls are juried.
- How much are entry fees for calls for artists?
- Entry fees for juried exhibitions are commonly $20–$50, though many calls are free. Also check the sales commission: if your work sells in the show, the organizer may keep a percentage (often 0–40%). OpenCall surfaces both the entry fee and the commission on every listing.
- Is there a website that matches art opportunities to my work?
- OpenCall scores every listing against your medium, location, budget, and size limits and gives each a 0–100 fit score with the reasoning, and it flags exhibition-window conflicts so the same piece isn't committed to two overlapping shows. Browsing is free; sign up to turn on matching.
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