It's a new year and I, like many of you, have been looking for new opportunities to take part of. As such, I thought it would be good time to talk about some online
websites/platforms that offer great resources for artists seeking just that. If you type "call for art," you will quickly become overwhelmed by the results. It can be hard to figure out exactly which websites are worth your while. Below are some resources I learned about through college, word of mouth or through my own searches. I have found them useful because they are organized, direct and low on gimmicks.
ArtCall.org – Artcall is a website structured for galleries to get the word out about upcoming opportunities. Like the name suggests, they are all about calls, so you won't really find things such as residencies and grants here. While searches are not really customizable (you can do a keyword search), the site's clean look makes it easy to navigate. Artcall showcases both national and international calls. Calls are displayed in a list view with small blurbs and links to the host's website. Unfortunately, expired calls are not always removed. Since calls are not listed in any particular date order, you do have to sift through to ensure you have seen all upcoming exhibition deadlines.
ArtDeadline.com – Artdeadline is a very well organized website providing multiple artist opportunities, including calls. Users can check off options to tailor searches for their needs. Also, there are even color coded labels to the left of search results for easy identification of opportunity types. Search results are in list view that feature a location, blurb and link to the host organization. Artdeadline features both national and international calls for art.
TheArtGuide.com – TheArtGuide specifically features calls for art. Click the menu tab labeled "Calls for Artists," and a list view will display calls by featuring the event name, gallery, location and deadline. The list prioritizes calls by soonest deadline dates and seems to be updated regularly. Calls are removed as soon as the deadline expires. Clicking on the event provides more details, including links provided by the host organizations. Its very straight forward layout makes it easy to scan through.
ArtShow.com - While I use this site strictly for calls for art, Artshow has other features such as tutorials, workshops, classes and more. Click on the "Calls for Artists," and artists are given the option to sort their calls by United States Regions, Online, Featured or simply "Outside the U.S." Calls are listed with extensive blurbs and placed in date order. Upcoming deadlines are given priority, with expired posts removed right away so as not to waste your time.
CallforEntry.org (aka, CaFÉ), has a sign up option that is not mandatory but advisable for this site. You will still be able to browse calls for art without one, but using the member interface you can upload images to your portfolio to be reused for applications, receive emails about new calls or upcoming deadlines. Upon signing up, they allow you to customize what types of notifications you be interested in receiving and how you wish to be notified. It can be via email, post card or both. Also, some calls do require you utilize the CaFÉ process in order for you to submit. If you have visited CaFÉ in the past and found the interface a bit messy, you should reconsider it. CaFÉ underwent a new website update sometime last year, which presents a cleaner, user friendly interface. CaFÉ also offers more than just calls for art; users can also browse grant opportunities and residencies as well.
EntryThingy.com – Like CaFÉ, Entry Thingy does not require you to register to view calls, but it is advisable as some calls for art will only allow you to submit via Entry Thingy's application system. If you decide you would like to create a login, you will be prompted to create one when you click on a viable call, rather than clicking a specific menu tab. While the interface is not the greatest, Entry Thingy will allow you to use a drop down menu to sort calls by deadline date, region, state or show type and does feature a large number of calls. Entries are for calls for art only. Calls fall within the United States and Canada.
Instagram.com – Instagram is a very important for artists because it's really the most popular visual social media platform today. Besides allowing you to showcase your work, Instagram also allows you to keep up with people or companies your interested in. If you aren’t already, I recommend following companies that market art supplies that you either use or would consider using. Companies such as Dickblick, Faber Castell, Windsor Newton, among others, often do seasonal or annual art competitions and promotional sweepstakes. Even if you don’t win one of their competitions, it’s a great way to get attention through their hashtags. Also, if you use their products regularly, be sure to tag them in your posts. You never know, the company may like your work and feature you on their page or story!
Re-title.com – Although it has a slightly confusing interface, re-title is a good option because it allows you search calls for free. Once you select the option from the main menu, calls from all over the world will be displayed with all information immediately placed below. Because of this, it can take a good deal of scrolling from one call to the next, but it's worth it as they expand into areas such as residencies, grants and more. There is a tab menu on the right that allows you to select opportunities by popular categories, but I myself often find it easier to simply scroll through.
TalentHouse.com – Talenthouse is website for creators to submit to calls for art from often high-profile companies. Users create a profile and are invited to upload images to their portfolio, as well as an artist statement and links to their website or social media. Users can then like, comment or follow other artists or artworks. In their drop down menu they have a section for creative invites. By clicking on this link you are able to view all calls for art, past and present and see their current status. Many of the calls for art are for promotional materials such as upcoming movies, beverages, and consumer goods. The status specifies whether they are accepting admissions, in the selection period, or have chosen their artists. By clicking the link, sponsors give in-depth info as to what they are looking for and cash prizes. To enter, simply upload your image to a comment. Other users have the ability to look at your submission, comment and like it. Even for artists whose work are not chosen, Talenthouse is a great venue to promote your work. Artists submitting to calls can receive a lot of attention through their likes and comments. Talenthouse staff also highlights artists on a regular basis.
Wooloo.org – Wooloo like some of the other platforms, allows you to create a username and login for their website. However, this is not mandatory or even essential to surf through their calls. Wooloo showcases calls for both national and international opportunities. Their highly customizable search feature allows you to choose calls and opportunity types down to the media it pertains to. Once all options are selected, hit enter, and it will display opportunities in a blog style blurb, with more information upon selection.
So there you go, 10 artist platforms that I use regularly to find calls. If you know of any great websites/platforms that I didn't mention, please feel free to comment below. I am always looking for new resources. Also be sure to comment if this blog helped you. I want to wish all my fellow artists great success in the new year. Thanks for reading and as always happy artmaking!
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