For all the emerging and professional artists, the word open call is not at all an alien one. The art world offers various ways for an artist to showcase their work, but the most common opportunities can be open calls for artists and curated exhibitions. If you're an emerging or established artist looking to boost your artist portfolio, it’s essential to understand the differences between these two formats and determine which aligns best with your artistic goals. If you have responded to an international call for artist with galleries like TERAVARNA, you must know about it beforehand. In this blog, we will make the concepts clear so that next time you can decide on your choice.
What Are Open Calls for Artists?
Open calls are related to open invitations for artists to submit their works for showcase in exhibitions, art competition shows, or other creative endeavours. Contemporary art galleries like TERVARNA often make such calls, and there are art museums, online platforms, or art organizations making the call for entries. Open calls often require an entry fee, portfolio submissions, along with an artist statement.
What are the Advantages of Open Calls?
Any Artist Can Apply – The best of it is that open calls are accessible by anyone, regardless of experience, making it an excellent option for emerging artists looking for exposure.
No Bar on Mediums of Expression – Usually open calls encourage a mix of artistic styles, mediums, and perspectives, leading to a varied and dynamic exhibition.
Boost Visibility as an Artist – No wonder, winning or to get selected for art competition shows will fetch recognition for artists, and help them add credibility to their resume and boost art career.
Getting Connected to More Viewers – Many open call exhibitions attract collectors, curators, and art enthusiasts, offering networking opportunities.
Potential for Awards & Grants – Some open call gallery like TERAVARNA offer cash prizes, valuable art showcases & sales space and future exhibition opportunities.
What are the Limitations of Open Calls?
Competitive Ambiance – Open calls mean more artists willing to participate, as there are more relaxations, making it challenging to get selected.
Entry Fees – At times, the entry fees for open calls can get into your other art goals and commitments.
Issues with Exhibition Curation – Since open call for entries feature a mix of artists, the final presentation may not be as per your artistic choice or vision, but for galleries like TERAVARNA, curation part is taken care of quite aesthetically.
What Are Curated Exhibitions?
Unlike open calls, curated art competition shows are thematic showcases where specific artists and artworks are selected by the curator to fit a particular theme or vision. These exhibitions are often hosted by physical galleries, museums, or cultural institutions but there are also online galleries involved nowadays. They involve invited artists rather than an open submission for an art museum open call for artists.
Some Positive Things about Curated Exhibitions
Related to Prestige – When an artist gets chosen for a curated show it signifies a higher level of recognition and credibility in the art world for them.
Better Artistic Cohesion – As curated exhibitions follow a clear theme the artworks have a better artistic cohesion and are aligned to the central topic.
Greater Connectedness – Participation in curated shows often leads to deeper relationships with galleries, curators, and collectors.
No Submission Fees – Unlike most open calls, curated exhibitions often skip the entry fee part, giving artists a relief as far spending is concerned.
Customized Attention – Curators often work closely with artists, offering guidance and exposure to influential art professionals.
Some Drawbacks of Curated Exhibitions
Not so Friendly to Emerging Artists – Curated exhibitions usually prioritize seasoned and renowned artists, making it harder for newcomers to enter.
Fewer Opportunities Available – As most curated shows are selective regarding themes and artistic mediums, there are fewer opportunities available compared to open calls.
Less Diversity in Mediums and Styles – These shows do not allow much room for experimentation with different artistic styles and mediums, making the process less versatile.
The Dilemma - Which One Should You Choose?
So, the question might arise, which one should you choose? There is no formula of success for any artist, you have to take the call depending on your career stage, artistic goals, and preferred way of working. The best approach would be to take the best of both worlds, as and when necessary. Here are some tips -
ü For an emerging artist open-calls can help build your resume and gain exposure.
ü If you want to test your work in competitive settings, open calls for artists and art competition shows are ideal for honing your skills and visibility.
ü When you are more comfortable with thematic and selective expositions of your work, go for curated exhibitions with a more focused and prestigious setting.
ü If networking is what you are seeking, there’s nothing like the curated shows, building stronger ties with galleries and collectors.
ü If someone is looking for immediate opportunities, open calls can be the best option that are widely available.
Exciting Open Calls for Artists to Build a Better Tomorrow – Be Famous!
Hope you have a better understanding of both open calls and curated exhibitions offering valuable opportunities for artists. If you're just starting out, open calls can be a great way to enter the scene and build your portfolio. On the other hand, if someone is looking for a curated, high-profile exhibition setup, eyeing at personal relationships with curators then curated shows must be the key. If you explore TERAVARNA art gallery, you can have the best of both worlds, a perfect platform for budding artists and also for the already established ones!
Thus, a well-balanced approach matters while applying for open calls for artists. This way artists can have a successful and fulfilling artistic career.
So, are you all geared up to submit your work? Start exploring opportunities today and take your work to the level of Van Gogh or Dali!
