Acts of Address: Gesture, Image and the World We Speak To

Overview

CISTA ARTS invites artists to submit work for Acts of Address, an online group exhibition exploring how artworks address viewers and communicate meaning. Works across all visual art disciplines are welcome.

Exhibition Theme

Every artwork addresses someone or something—through language, silence, gesture, material, symbol, or presence. The exhibition considers how images, objects, gestures and materials communicate, and what it means to reach another person, be heard, remain silent, translate experience, or hold space for what cannot be easily said. Artists may respond through painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, installation, collage, textiles, digital work, moving image, sound, performance documentation, text-based work, mixed media or interdisciplinary practice.

Key Dates

• Submission Deadline: 13 August 2026
• Exhibition Dates: 1–30 September 2026

Eligibility

Artists of all mediums and from all countries are welcome to apply.

What to Submit

• Contact information (full name, email, mobile)
• Details of the artworks (title, size, medium, year, price)
• Artist statement (max 100 words on how your work relates to the theme)
• Short biography (max 100 words, third-person)
• Up to 4 sample images of your work
• Note: Only two artworks per artist will be selected for exhibition

Fees

Applying to this exhibition opportunity is free. If your work is accepted, there is a participation fee of £30 for one accepted artwork or £50 for two accepted artworks.

What Selected Artists Receive

• Exhibition of work on the CISTA ARTS online platform (1–30 September 2026)
• Inclusion in a limited edition, professionally produced paperback catalogue (UK-based) plus complimentary PDF copy
• No commission taken on sales
• Daily social media features in the Meet the Artist series
• Exhibition placement on homepage with archived access after close
• Direct links to website or social media in all features
• Certificate of participation
• Permanent feature on Past Exhibitions page

About CISTA ARTS

Based in London, CISTA ARTS is an independent, artist-led curatorial platform dedicated to inclusive programming, cross-cultural dialogue, and supporting underrepresented voices in contemporary visual art. Since 2018, the organization has hosted over 50 solo and group exhibitions. Online exhibitions attract 1,200–1,800 unique visitors, and the website receives over 4,000 visits per month. The platform has over 12.1K Instagram followers, a Facebook audience, and a mailing list of 2K+ subscribers.