[Side Arts Certified Sponsored Listing] Visual Art Open announces a call for artists for Visual Art Open (VAO) 2025.
The VAO is a prestigious art competition celebrating creativity across all levels of artistic experience. Offering a £10,000 prize fund, this platform provides exceptional opportunities for artists, from emerging talents to established professionals. Participants gain global recognition through social media promotion, a finalist exhibition in London, and access to a network of art collectors and enthusiasts. The VAO fosters inclusivity with multiple categories, empowering artists from diverse backgrounds to showcase their individuality.
Click here for the application / registration
Enter by: 12 March 2025
In collaboration with the Visual Artists Association (VAA), the competition ensures winners receive career-boosting support, including cash prizes, mentorship, memberships, and exhibition opportunities. As a not-for-profit initiative funded by registration fees, donations, and sponsorships, the VAO passionately supports artists while aiming to make art accessible and impactful. By entering, artists connect with a vibrant community, gain exposure, and embrace unique opportunities to advance their careers.
Artists can gain significant benefits from participating in the Visual Art Open (VAO) competition:
- Cash Prizes: The total prize fund of £10,000 includes financial rewards for winners, helping to support their artistic journey.
- Global Exposure: Winners and finalists receive extensive promotion across social media, exhibitions, and through a network of art collectors and enthusiasts.
- Exhibition Opportunities: Finalists showcase their work at a prestigious exhibition in London, offering a chance to connect directly with the art community.
- Career Support: Winners gain mentorship, Visual Artists Association (VAA) memberships, and guidance to advance their artistic careers.
- Community Engagement: Artists join a vibrant and supportive community, gaining inspiration and networking opportunities.
About The Visual Art Open
The Visual Art Open (VAO) stands out as an exciting and meaningful opportunity for artists at any stage of their career. It offers a platform for creative individuals to showcase their talent on a global scale, with the chance to gain international recognition and valuable exposure.
What makes it particularly intriguing is its holistic approach to supporting artists. Beyond the impressive £10,000 prize fund, the VAO provides career-advancing benefits such as mentorship, exhibition opportunities in London, and promotion across a network of collectors and art enthusiasts. Its inclusive categories encourage diversity and celebrate individuality in the art world.
Moreover, the competition’s partnership with the Visual Artists Association ensures ongoing support for winners, making it not just a contest but a career-boosting experience. The VAO also contributes to the art community as a not-for-profit initiative, adding a sense of purpose and impact. It’s a perfect blend of creativity, opportunity, and support!
For more information, contact info@visualartopen.com
...
[Side Arts Certified Sponsored Listing] Embracing Our Differences announces a call for artists for their outdoor juried art exhibition.
Since 2004, Embracing Our Differences has used the power of art to promote acceptance. The centerpiece of Embracing Our Differences is an outdoor juried art exhibition featuring 50 billboard size images (12.5 feet by 16 feet) created by local, national, and international artists. The display reflects the artists’ interpretations of the theme, Embracing Our Differences.
Click here for the application / registration
Enter by: 1 July 2025
The outdoor juried art exhibition will be on display mid-January through mid-April 2026 in two locations in Sarasota and Pinellas counties in Florida.
- Awards are given for Best-in-Show Adult, Best-in-Show Student, and People’s Choice categories, with the last chosen by visitors to each exhibit location.
- Adult winners each receive $2,000.
- Student winners receive $2,000, with $1,000 to be directed to the student and $1,000 to their school’s art program, if they worked under the direction of an educator.
The 2024 exhibition was viewed by more than 422,000 visitors, allowing the artist to have their work viewed by locals and tourists from around the world.
About Embracing Our Differences
Embracing Our Differences is a Southwest Florida nonprofit celebrating individuality and shared humanity through art and education. An annual juried exhibition features thought-provoking artwork from around the world, sparking conversations about understanding and acceptance. Additionally, comprehensive educational programs engage students of all ages, providing them with the tools to critically examine their own biases and build empathy for others. Through interactive workshops, teacher training, and curriculum development, Embracing Our Differences equips educators to create inclusive learning environments where every student can thrive.
For more information, contact exhibit@embracingourdifferences.org
...
[Side Arts Certified Sponsored Listing] The PASEO announces a call for artists for the 2025 PASEO Festival, an outdoor event in Taos, New Mexico. Works should be immersive, site-responsive, participatory, and/or will make a dynamic impact within the Taos Historic District.
The PASEO started in 2014 as an outdoor arts festival connecting the 40th annual Taos Fall Arts Festival in the Downtown Historic District of Taos, New Mexico. In its twelfth year, The PASEO has become the anticipated art event of the year, bringing out thousands of locals and visitors alike to fill the streets. Taos is a centuries-old Art Colony and home to Taos Pueblo, UNESCO protected and the oldest continually inhabited community in North America. Home to artists for centuries, The PASEO holds to the tradition of bringing artists from around the world to both inspire and be inspired.
Click here for the application / registration
Enter by: 15 February 2025
The PASEO Festival features installations, projections, and performance art that can be installed, shown, projected, or performed outdoors for this two-day outdoor art festival. Installations must be designed for nighttime viewing. Artists must be on site sunset to 11 pm daily, September 12th and 13th. Artwork must be able to withstand the outdoor environment of the high desert of Northern New Mexico. Overnight security is provided.
Submissions must be of fully executed projects. All work must be original and created by or under the direction of the artist(s). Collaborations are welcome.
The PASEO Festival is seeking 20 installations for 2025. Stipends range from $500 to $3,000 (with larger projects funded at $5,000 – $15,000). Stipend is contingent on size, complexity, and anticipated festival impact. PASEO provides funds for the shipping of artwork, but artists are responsible for the installation of their work. The festival will provide staff and volunteers to assist.
About PASEO
Since 2014, the Paseo Project has brought projection, performance, and installation art to the streets of Taos, New Mexico with free, community events.
The PASEO was founded in 2014 as a project of Taos Fall Arts Festival. Its original purpose was to connect the multiple venues of Fall Arts’ exhibitions with street activities to keep visitors engaged and moving.
Over the years the event has grown, from one night to two nights, hosting dozens of artists regionally, nationally, and internationally. In 2016, the PASEO team took the leap into a more sustainable model and became a 501c-3 nonprofit, The Paseo Project.
The Paseo Project offers year-round programs and events in addition to hosting the annual fall PASEO festival.
For more information, contact paseo@paseoproject.org
...
[Side Arts Certified Sponsored Listing] The Bay School Community Arts Center announces a call for artists for Art Speaks, a juried exhibition for Virginia artists. This is an annual exhibition. Since 2013, 668 artists have applied, with 369 selected to participate.
Click here for the application / registration
Enter by: 1 March 2025
The show is open to any artist living or working in Virginia, 18 or older. Both 2D and 3D media are eligible, excluding AI-produced work. Artists may submit up to three works for consideration, which will be juried online through ArtCall. Work that is accepted into the exhibition will be judged in person when installed. This year’s juror and judge is Diego Sanchez.
Art Speaks Artist Benefits
The exhibition will be on display April 26 – May 26, 2025, with the opening reception and awards ceremony on April 26. The location is the Art Speaks Gallery at the Bay School Community Arts Center in Mathews, Virginia.
$6,350 in prize money is awarded. There are separate 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place awards for 2-D and 3-D art, plus Best in Show, partner awards, and honorable mentions.
The exhibition is on display in the Art Speaks Gallery for one month, with about 800 visitors expected. The artwork is available for sale online during this time and viewable online for one year. Accepted artists will have the opportunity to make a gallery appearance, conduct a demonstration of their work, or have a video interview or studio visit shared on social media during the month of the exhibition.
About Bay School Community Arts Center
The Bay School is a non-profit community arts center, focused primarily on visual arts. They conduct over 175 classes in the fine arts and crafts in two classrooms, one of which is a pottery studio with over 30 community members. On occasion, off-site classes are held at local artist studios. The backyard contains a stage that often is used to present students’ theatrical and musical explorations for the community.
Over 30 talented local artists teach our classes in a variety of media for both adults and children. The school encourages you to explore the online class catalog to discover your next creative adventure! The Art Speaks Gallery showcases the work of over 80 local and regional artists, with monthly themed exhibitions, an annual statewide juried exhibition, a monthly featured artist, and artisan markets throughout the year.
For more information, contact artspeaks@bayschool-arts.com
...
[Side Arts Certified Sponsored Listing] The Visual Artists Association (VAA) announces a call for artists for the International Exhibition and Scholarship Prize, an exciting initiative designed to support and elevate emerging and re-emerging artists. Announced in Summer 2022, the Prize is a comprehensive programme worth £20,000. It aims to provide artists with crucial resources to develop their arts businesses and enhance their international exposure while contributing to the VAA artist education programmes.
Click here for the application / registration
Enter by: 19 September 2024
Artist Benefits
- Exhibition in Central London: Winners will exhibit their artwork in a London venue.
- Mentorship Package: The four-week Artists Momentum course features weekly online sessions with industry experts, offering personalized guidance to help artists unlock their potential.
- Art Portfolio Review: Winners will have an exclusive one-on-one session to discuss their current practice, gain insights, identify new opportunities, and overcome challenges.
- Monthly Online Group Support Sessions: These drop-in sessions offer a collaborative environment for artists to share experiences, knowledge, and receive support to fuel their artistic growth.
- Networking Opportunities: Winners can build lifelong connections with fellow artists through exclusive networking events and activities.
- Access to VAA Resources Vault: Unlimited access to a wealth of resources
Artfinder Benefits
For the VAA’s International Exhibition and Scholarship Prize, Artfinder would like to welcome the winner to their platform, with a prize comprising a free Homepage Placement and a free six month Professional Plan, which includes unlimited artworks upload, a reduced commission rate, and many other features such as in-depth reports.
Artfinder will contact selected participants who have entered the competition with an offer to join the platform to help them expand their sales potential to an international database of art collectors. They will provide help through a faster application process, support to get their shop live, and promotion on site and email.
About Visual Artists Association
The Visaul Artists Association champions artists at all stages of their careers to succeed in the business of art. VAA assists artists in building their businesses by generating sales via marketing and distribution channels (self-representation, galleries, publishers) as well as advising on personal brand creation, alongside the practicalities of managing your arts business.
The VAA offers members the right tools to succeed including access to a range of training, business advice services, online resources, events, and access to a supportive and progressive community.
For more information, contact hello@visual-artists.org
...
[Side Arts Certified Sponsored Listing] Zephyrhills Main Street announces a call for artists for the Public Art Series, Jump Right In. Using the theme of water, Zephyrhills is the City of Pure Water and the City’s new tag line is Jump Right In. The first art project will be murals created for locations within the City’s historic downtown district. Professional artists, designers, and fabricators of public art are encouraged to submit their work for future public art projects.
Click here for the application / registration
Enter by: 8 July 2024
Jump Right In is open to all professional artists, with prior experience of creating and implementing the design of large outdoor murals that foster a unique sense of place.
The Review Committee will select up to three (3) artists to create an original mural design incorporating water and the City’s tag line, Jump Right In. The three (3) selected artists will be compensated $500 for their time in creating a site-specific design rendering. The top-ranked artist or artist team will be compensated up to $10,000 for original large scale mural. The City of Zephyrhills is home to many downtown festivals and events that will showcase the artwork. There will be a series of public art projects in the downtown area of Zephyrhills.
About Main Street Zephyrhills
Main Street Zephyrhills is dedicated to fostering a robust business district with a creative cultural experience and living environment. Zephyrhills is a place where each building tells a story, the downtown is a place where the community comes together. Young and old, lifelong residents, newcomers, and people from all walks of life mingle together at events throughout the year. Main Street Zephyrhills fosters a vibrant business climate, promotes unique special events, and designs the historic core as an inviting location for the community and its visitors.
For more information, contact director@mainstreetzephyrhills.org
...
[Side Arts Certified Sponsored Listing] The City of Keller, Texas, announces a call for artists for the 2024 Bates Street Public Art Bench Project.
Click here for the application / registration
Enter by: 22 March 2024
The portion of Bates Street, where the public art bench will be installed, is a recently reconstructed festival street featuring string lighting, gateway structures, and food truck accommodations. The ideal bench will be useful, aesthetically pleasing, and contribute to the place-making goals of the improvements project. There is no theme for the art bench. The bench must be family-friendly and appropriate for public display. The City of Keller will provide a 4″x6″ plaque for each bench to include artwork title, artist name, and year of installation.
The Old Town Keller Improvements Project is aimed at upgrading the infrastructure in one of the oldest areas of the city. It includes amenities like landscaping, street lighting and public art. The city hopes to foster the development of Old Town Keller into an arts and entertainment district, with an eclectic blend of restaurants, shops, and services.
A stipend of $8000 will be paid, one-half upon acceptance and one-half following installation and acceptance.
About the City of Keller
The City of Keller Public Arts is a growing program in the community within and outside of the Keller area. It boasts 15 permanent sculptures, 11 sculptures that rotate 5 or 6 yearly for a 2-year period. Five gallery art shows take place in Keller Town Hall throughout the year, boasting a wide variety of genres. Concerts are part of the annual arts events, with an annual performance by the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, and smaller, intimate concerts at Town Hall or in the park.
For more information, contact publicarts@cityofkeller.com
...
[Side Arts Certified Sponsored Listing] The McKinney Performing Arts Center (MPAC), with Arts and Music Guild volunteers, announces a call for artists for the Unique By Nature juried art competition and exhibition.
Click here for the application / registration
Enter by: 15 March 2024
One large scale artwork will be awarded a $6,000 Purchase Prize and become part of MPAC’s permanent, public art collection. The artwork must be 36″ on any dimension (not including the frame). No 3D artwork will be considered for the Purchase Prize. Based on received applications, 10 large scale pieces will be selected. The selected artwork will become a permanent part of the MPAC collection, which welcomes over 100k visitors annually.
Daisha Board of Daisha Board Gallery, Dallas, Texas, will identify the winning artwork in addition to judging the cash prize pieces.
About The McKinney Performing Arts Center
McKinney Performing Arts Center is considered the community arts center for McKinney, Texas. MPAC is home to two theater groups and hosts events, meetings, schools, concerts, city sessions, and church on the weekend. Since their Cultural District designation in 2018, the Center has added 12 public art pieces and continued to grow their collection. Visitors to Downtown McKinney not only get to shop, dine, and play, but also are exposed to great art and storytelling. The Center’s goal is to continue to provide a space for the community to share their experiences, culture, and ideas in the unique form of fine and performance art. The location and activity in the building has been a wonderful catalysis to the booming economy within Downtown McKinney, Texas.
For more information, contact jbrunell@mckinneytexas.org
...
[Side Arts Certified Sponsored Listing] The Milford Cultural Council announces a call for artists to submit designs for the Milford Town Park Mural, to be included on the multipurpose training wall of a Fitness CourtⓇ this spring. The mural wall will be 32′ L x 7′ H in size and printed digitally on high quality anti-graffiti laminated vinyl. The front side of the Fitness Court training wall will also feature four small zones of artwork (“windows”) framing the Fitness Court usage and reference information.
Click here for the application / registration
Enter by: 12 January 2024
Artwork can be created in any medium; however, it must be submitted digitally. Artwork should promote positive, light-hearted imagery and represent local or regional values unique to the area. The goal is to share fun, vibrant, innovative artwork that tells the story of wellness and fitness in the community.
In addition to having the artwork available in Milford Town Park for years to come, the winning artist will receive a $5,000 grant after the Fitness Court is installed. Plus, the two side panels of the training wall will feature the selected artist’s headshot, logo, and a short bio/description of the work.
The winning artist will be joining a network of over 30 artists across the country who have participated in the public art aspect of the National Fitness Campaign. All winning artists are featured on the campaign website.
The 2024 Town Park Fitness Court mural project adds a new phase to the MCC’s ongoing Art in the Parks initiative, conducted in partnership with the Milford Parks Department and Highway Department.
About Milford Cultural Council
As a local partner of the Massachusetts Cultural Council, the Milford Cultural Council seeks to promote excellence, inclusion, education, and diversity in the arts, humanities, and sciences to foster a rich cultural life for all Milford residents, thereby contributing to the vitality of the community and economy. The council is particularly interested in continuing to create public art as a means of enriching community spaces with color and beauty, creating spots for interaction and conversation, and helping bring all residents together.
For more information, contact culturalcouncil@townofmilford.com
...
[Side Arts Certified Sponsored Listing] Boomer Gallery announces an invitation to creators across all visual arts disciplines: The Boomer Art Prize. The gallery welcomes wholeheartedly passionate artists from both local and international backgrounds to submit their artwork. The gallery welcomes all artists, whether emerging or established, to share their unique voices and visions. The gallery’s quest is to discover diverse creativity from all corners of the world.
Click here for the application / registration
Enter by: 25 September 2023
For a nominal fee of only £35, submit three of your artworks to The Boomer Art Prize. Each additional artwork beyond the initial three adds a cost of just £10.
Artists of any country, age, and background can apply. Submit works that have been previously exhibited or published. There are no thematic limitations. 2D works should not exceed 230×230 cm. 3D artwork (sculptures, installations) should not be bigger than 230 cm high and 150 cm wide on any side. Apply with a minimum of 3 works and a maximum of 5.
Important Dates
- The 50 preselected artists will be listed on the Boomer Gallery website on October 10, 2023
- The jury will meet and select the 20 winners of the competition on October 20, 2023
- The final results will be available on the Boomer Gallery website on October 22, 2023
The gallery does not contact each artist applicant individually regarding the open call results. Check the gallery’s website on October 22, 2023, to see the results. The 50 preselected artists will be contacted individually.
Jury
- Anthony Fawcett: Esteemed art critic and historian known for his extensive collaborations with globally-renowned artists. His illustrious career boasts of interactions with icons such as Man Ray, John Lennon, Yoko Ono, and Andy Warhol, and his guidance in the “Anthony Fawcett Archive” project with the Tate Gallery.
- Tabish Khan: An art critic specializing in London’s art scene, Tabish is the visual arts editor for Londonist. He regularly contributes to Culture Whisper and writes for FAD’s “What’s Wrong With Art?” series. His dedication to supporting artists is displayed in his trustee roles at ArtCan and City & Guilds London Art School.
- Constantin Cosmin: An internationally acclaimed visual artist and co-founder of Boomer Gallery. As an editor at Boomer Magazine and a featured artist on Artsy, Constantin offers a unique perspective to the panel, drawing from his extensive firsthand experience in the art world.
The Boomer Art Prize Artist Benefits
Successful applicants will receive £10,000 in cash awards and exhibition opportunities in an iconic gallery space near Tower Bridge, London.
- 1st place – £5,000 and a solo show
- 2nd place – £3,000 and inclusion in two group shows
- 3rd place – £2,000 and inclusion in one group shows
- 4th to 20th place winners – included in one of the group shows
Cash awards will be paid to the winners within 48 hours after validating the votes. All 20 winners will be contacted individually regarding exhibition dates, delivery, and other details. The solo show is planned for January 2024, but the exact dates will be mutually agreed upon between the gallery and the winner of the 1st place. The group show is scheduled for November 2023. All winners will be contacted individually at least three weeks in advance. Should any of the winners wish to attend the show in person but face visa restrictions, the gallery will provide a letter of recommendation. This letter will be stamped and signed by both the gallery and the three esteemed judges of this grand competition.
About Boomer Gallery
Boomer Gallery is a unique platform for artists around the world, standing out for its diverse showcase of talent and remarkable curation led by art critic and historian Anthony Fawcett. The gallery transcends cultural boundaries, bringing to light emerging artistic gems and providing them a global stage.
The gallery is committed to promoting artistic expression in all its forms and facilitating the growth and recognition of artists. They do more than just host exhibitions, they catalyze artists’ journeys and create a ripple effect of creativity and innovation in the global art community – a unique blend of support, exposure, and reward.
For more information, contact email@boomergallery.net.