Artists, curators, writers and creative thinkers worldwide are invited to propose an original group exhibition for apexart’s New York City programme, with selected projects receiving funding and production support.
9 September 2026
Open Call:
apexart invites proposals for its NYC Open Call 2027–2028, offering individuals worldwide the opportunity to develop an idea-driven group exhibition at apexart’s space at 291 Church Street, New York City.
Applicants must submit a 500-word proposal outlining a focused, original group exhibition. The programme is centred on the strength and clarity of the exhibition concept rather than an applicant’s professional experience or reputation.
Institutional Context:
apexart is a New York-based arts organisation whose Open Calls invite artists, curators and other creative practitioners to contribute directly to its exhibition programme. Rather than operating as a grant-making organisation, apexart incorporates winning proposals into its own programming and provides funding, logistical assistance and staff support to realise the selected exhibitions.
Each selected Open Call exhibition has a budget of US$10,000. Up to US$2,000 is allocated as an honorarium for the curator or organiser, while US$8,000 supports expenses including artwork shipping, travel, artist and public programme honoraria, equipment and installation. apexart also covers a range of approved costs including insurance, publicity and exhibition brochure production.
Eligibility and Criteria:
The Open Call is accessible internationally, with no application fee and no requirement for formal curatorial training or previous professional experience. Artists, curators, students, writers and other creative individuals may submit.
Proposals must be written in English and present an original group exhibition featuring work by at least three independent artists. If the curator or submitter is also participating as an artist, the exhibition must include at least four artists in total. Applicants may submit only one proposal.
To preserve anonymity during judging, proposals must not contain the submitter’s name, CV, biographical information or links. Proposals should also exclude specific exhibition dates, artist open calls and sales-related activities.
Evaluation Process:
Proposals are evaluated through apexart’s distinctive anonymous crowdsourced jury system. An international jury reviews submissions online, with applicants’ identities concealed and proposals distributed to ensure comparable exposure among jurors.
Projects are assessed according to the strength of the exhibition idea and the organiser’s ability to communicate it. Professional connections, previous achievements and reputation do not form part of the evaluation. The highest-ranked proposals are subsequently developed as apexart exhibitions with organisational and production support.
Practical Information:
Application period: 1 to 31 October 2026
Programme: apexart NYC Open Call 2027–2028
Exhibition location: apexart, 291 Church Street, New York City
Proposal length: 500 words
Application fee: None
Exhibition budget: US$10,000 per selected project
Curator or organiser honorarium: Up to US$2,000
Submit applications online through apexart’s website.
Applications and Queries:
Applicants should consult the full submission requirements and FAQs before preparing their proposal. The online application form will be available through the apexart website during the submission period.
For direct questions about the Open Call, email opencalls@apexart.org. apexart requests that enquiries be made by email rather than telephone.
