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Open Call (Stipend available) Group Exhibition

Submit 1–5 completed artworks exploring the lived experience of mental illness for a group exhibition.

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Deadline
17 days left
Entry fee
Free
Award
$400
Location
Chicago
Exhibition window
Nov 14, 2026 → Dec 18, 2026
Applicants notified
Oct 10, 2026

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Heads up: this show’s exhibition window can overlap other calls you enter - the same piece can’t hang in two places at once.Check conflicts →

About

Overview

LIVING MADNESS: ANGUISH, JOY, AND THE TERRORS OF EXISTENCE is a group exhibition exploring the lived experience of mental illness—its rawness, contradictions, beauty, and resilience. Curated by Catie Burrill & Aespyne Alix, the exhibition reframes mental health through the voices of artists who live it, centering authentic narratives over clinical definitions. All mediums welcome.

Key Dates

  • Submission Deadline: October 1st, 2026
  • Selected artists notified: October 10th, 2026
  • Install Dates: November 7th and 8th, 2026
  • Exhibition Run: November 14th – December 18th, 2026
  • Deinstall: December 18th & 19th, 2026

Eligibility

Artists whose practices engage with mental health from lived experience are strongly encouraged to apply. Only completed work will be considered.

What to Submit

  • 1–5 works (JPEG or PDF images)
  • Image List with thumbnail photo, title, medium, dimensions, year, and price for each piece
  • Short artist statement or explanation (250 words max)
  • Artist biography
  • Response to: How do you relate to the topic of 'madness'? Do you feel comfortable sharing your story? Why would your work be a good fit for this exhibition?
  • CV/Resume (optional)

Award

  • $400 stipends per selected artist

How to Apply

Submit all required materials by October 1st, 2026 via docs.google.com.

Media accepted
all mediafiberglasslandscapepaintingsculpture
Award
$400 stipends per selected artist
Entry fee
Free to enter
Entries per artist
Up to 5
Theme
The exhibition explores the lived experience of mental illness—its rawness, contradictions, beauty, and resilience—centering authentic narratives of artists navigating anxiety, depression, neurodivergence, bipolar disorder, PTSD, grief, and other conditions often silenced or misunderstood.
Eligibility
Artists whose practices engage with mental health from lived experience are strongly encouraged to apply; all mediums welcome.
Audience
Artists with lived experience of mental illness or neurodivergence

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