Top Art Competitions and Open Calls for Artists
Are you an artist looking for prestigious opportunities to showcase your work? Whether you are an emerging talent or an established artist, participating in renowned art competitions can significantly elevate your career. Here are five major open calls you should consider every year: the Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition, London Art Biennale, Luxembourg Art Prize, Saatchi Art Prize, and Aesthetica Art Prize.
1. Summer Exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts (RA), London
Overview:
The RA Summer Exhibition is the world’s oldest open submission exhibition, dating back to 1769. It features a diverse range of contemporary art, including painting, sculpture, photography, and printmaking.
How to Apply:
- Eligibility: Open to artists worldwide.
- Submission Fee: Non-refundable fee per artwork.
- Application Steps:
- Create an account on the RA’s submission platform.
- Upload high-resolution images of your artwork.
- Pay the submission fee.
- Provide detailed information about your pieces.
Key Dates:
- Submission Period: Typically opens in January.
- Notification: Selected artists will be notified via email.
- Exhibition Dates: Runs from June to August.
2. London Art Biennale
Overview:
Held in the historic Chelsea Old Town Hall, the London Art Biennale is a significant contemporary art exhibition that gathers artworks from around the globe.
How to Apply:
- Eligibility: Open to all international artists.
- Submission Fee: Detailed on the official website.
- Application Steps:
- Register and submit your work through the official website.
- Provide high-resolution images and descriptions of your artwork.
Key Dates:
- Submission Period: Annually, with specific dates varying.
- Notification: Artists are contacted if their work is selected.
- Exhibition Dates: Typically held in May or June.
3. Luxembourg Art Prize
Overview:
The Luxembourg Art Prize, organized by the Pinacothèque Museum, is an annual international prize aimed at discovering and promoting talented yet under-recognized artists.
How to Apply:
- Eligibility: Open to artists of any nationality and age.
- Submission Fee: Participation fee required.
- Application Steps:
- Register on the Luxembourg Art Prize website.
- Submit a portfolio of your work with your application.
Key Dates:
- Submission Period: Opens in January and closes in April.
- Notification: Finalists are notified in June.
- Award Ceremony: Held in September.
4. Saatchi Art Prize
Overview:
The Saatchi Art Prize, also known as The Other Art Fair, offers a platform for emerging artists to showcase their work and gain exposure to a global audience.
How to Apply:
- Eligibility: Open to emerging artists worldwide.
- Submission Fee: Varies by event.
- Application Steps:
- Submit your work through the Saatchi Art platform.
- Include high-quality images and descriptions of your artwork.
Key Dates:
- Submission Period: Varies depending on the event location.
- Notification: Artists are notified after the selection process.
- Exhibition Dates: Multiple times a year in various cities.
5. Aesthetica Art Prize
Overview:
The Aesthetica Art Prize, organized by Aesthetica Magazine, is an annual award celebrating excellence in art across multiple disciplines, including both emerging and established artists.
How to Apply:
- Eligibility: Open to artists globally.
- Submission Fee: Entry fee required.
- Application Steps:
- Register on the Aesthetica Art Prize website.
- Submit your work along with descriptions and high-resolution images.
Key Dates:
- Submission Period: Generally opens in January and closes in August.
- Notification: Shortlisted artists are notified in October.
- Exhibition Dates: Shortlisted works are exhibited in spring.
Conclusion
Participating in these prestigious art competitions and exhibitions can provide invaluable exposure and recognition, helping you to advance your artistic career. Be sure to check the specific dates and requirements for each open call, and prepare your best work for submission. Good luck!
By engaging with these art opportunities, you can join the ranks of artists who have successfully launched and sustained their careers through these esteemed platforms.