Organizer Information
Collective Z is an artist-founded contemporary art gallery and project space located in the Lower East Side art district of New York City. The gallery specializes in presenting focused solo presentations and curated programming centered around abstraction, psychological intensity, and cohesive bodies of work. Collective Z actively champions emerging and mid-career artists whose practices are alive, restless, and deeply committed to a sustained creative vision.
Title & Description
Summer 2026: A Two-Artist Exhibition Open Call
Collective Z is seeking two contemporary artists with a highly developed body of work and a serious, sustained studio practice for a concentrated summer exhibition. Moving away from a standard group or salon show format, this curated opportunity gives each selected artist dedicated gallery wall space to present a single, cohesive body of work in depth. The call does not require a response to a specific theme; instead, the gallery is looking for a practice with a clear point of view and the discipline to sustain it across multiple pieces. The final exhibition will be uniquely titled and curated directly from the two portfolios selected, serving as the foundation for a long-term professional relationship, gallery representation, and inclusion in future major art fairs.
Categories
Fine art and Visual Disciplines, specifically focusing on Painting, Drawing, Mixed Media, Photography, and Sculpture.
Eligibility
- Career Stage: Open to artists at any stage of their career, ranging from emerging to well-established.
- Practice: Applicants must have a coherent, unified body of work and a committed, active studio practice.
- Geographic Scope: Open to both national and international artists.
- Logistics: International and domestic applicants must ensure their physical works can safely arrive in New York City during the strict delivery window, as shipping, packaging, and fine art insurance are the sole responsibility of the artist.
Program Benefits & Awards
- Exhibition Presentation: Secure placement in a curated two-person physical exhibition at Collective Z's Lower East Side space from August 6 to August 22, 2026.
- Studio Visits: Shortlisted finalists will receive formal studio visits (either in-person or virtually) with the gallerist.
- Documentation & Digital Presence: Professional fine art installation photography and a dedicated digital exhibition presentation hosted via Artsy.
- Marketing & Press Outreach: Dedicated promotional features across all Collective Z channels and targeted outreach to local and national press.
- Public Events: A fully managed public opening reception featuring an exclusive preview for art collectors.
- Long-Term Representation: Serious consideration for official gallery representation and inclusion in Collective Z's prestigious 2027 art fair roster (spanning major contemporary art fairs in New York City, Los Angeles, and Miami).
Application Fee
- Standard Submission Fee: $45 (Covers the processing and juried review of 6 to 10 submitted artworks).
- Reduced Barrier Rate: A discounted $15 rate is available to any artist for whom the full fee presents a financial barrier. Applicants can obtain a coupon code by emailing info@collectivez.com; no formal documentation or proof of income is required.
- No Hidden Fees: Selected artists face no hanging fees, participation costs, or exhibition expenses. Installation, event photography, press relations, and reception logistics are fully covered by the gallery.
Application Requirements
All application materials must be finalized digitally through the designated portal and should include:
- Artistic Portfolio: Submission of 6 to 10 completed works, complete with metadata details (Title, Year, Medium, and Dimensions).
- Artist Statement: A clear textual breakdown outlining the concepts, vision, and focus of the submitted body of work.
- Professional CV & Artist Bio: A comprehensive curriculum vitae and biographical summary detailing the artist's career background.
- Digital Links (Optional): Active links to the artist's professional website or professional Instagram portfolio.
How to Apply?
- Application Link: Collective Z Jotform Submission Portal
Key Dates
- Application Submission Deadline: Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST
- Shortlisted Finalist Studio Visits: July 13 – July 17, 2026 (Conducted in person or virtually)
- Final Artist Notification: By July 20, 2026
- Physical Delivery of Artwork: July 29 – July 30, 2026
- Exhibition Run: August 6 – August 22, 2026
- Public Opening Reception & Collector Preview: Thursday, August 6, 2026, from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location
The physical presentation, opening reception, and shipping delivery destination will occur live in New York at: Collective Z, New York, United States
Additional Details
Works selected for the Summer exhibition are eligible for public commercial sale. Collective Z operates on a standard 50/50 gallery split commission structure on all artworks sold during the run of the exhibition. The gallery provides full transactional support, invoicing, and sales administration for the duration of the show.