How to Navigate Open Calls Without Getting Overwhelmed

The topic of open calls has sparked much interest recently, and rightfully so! Many artists want to be part of great projects but often struggle with finding and applying for opportunities. If you’ve ever felt lost in the world of open calls, this guide is for you.

The Two Extreme Approaches to Open Calls

Many artists either feel that no opportunities truly fit them or take the opposite approach—applying to everything in sight, hoping that something works. Scrolling through endless listings can feel discouraging when nothing seems relevant, while mass applications can lead to wasted effort on projects that don’t align with your practice. The key to success is striking the right balance by understanding what you have to offer and where your work fits best.

Understanding Your Offerings and Thematic Focus

Applying effectively starts with defining your artistic practice. Open calls are not just about exhibiting finished works. You may also offer lectures, workshops, writing, or curatorial projects, all of which create more opportunities beyond traditional exhibition spaces. Knowing your strengths expands the range of places where you can apply.

Another crucial step is recognizing the themes that define your work. Artists who establish a clear identity in their field tend to stand out more. Rather than trying to mold yourself to every opportunity, identify the recurring subjects in your practice. For instance, if your work deals with migration, gender issues, or underrepresented communities, focus on calls that engage with those topics instead of spreading yourself too thin.

Expanding Your Search Beyond Traditional Art Calls

Many artists limit themselves to open calls within the fine arts world, yet interdisciplinary projects can offer just as many possibilities. Opportunities exist in architecture, ecology, philosophy, anthropology, politics, and history, as well as in social sciences and regional studies. These fields frequently intersect with contemporary art, providing alternative funding sources and collaborations. Conferences, research-based exhibitions, and public initiatives often welcome artists whose work explores these themes.

Where to Find Open Calls

There are well-known platforms that aggregate open calls, as well as grant databases that provide funding for specific projects. Google searches based on your key themes can also yield promising results. For example, looking up “Conference on women’s art” or “Residency for socially engaged artists” may uncover lesser-known opportunities that align with your focus.

A surprisingly effective method is leveraging Instagram. Many organizations and institutions post opportunities on their social media, often before they appear on official sites. By engaging with art-related content—liking posts about grants, following residency programs, and watching stories from galleries—you train the algorithm to suggest relevant calls. Many opportunities are shared informally through Instagram posts and stories, making it a valuable research tool for artists.

Final Thoughts

Approaching open calls strategically requires more than just volume—it’s about making informed decisions. Rather than waiting for the perfect opportunity to appear or applying to everything in sight, focus on understanding your strengths, defining your themes, and seeking out opportunities across different disciplines. A well-placed application is always better than ten irrelevant ones.

In my next post, I’ll continue sharing insights on how to optimize applications and storytelling as part of your artistic career. Have you discovered an unexpected opportunity through open calls? Let’s discuss!