Organizer Information
apexart is a nonprofit contemporary arts organization based in New York. Founded in 1994, apexart is internationally recognized for its democratic and transparent open call model, which invites artists,
curators, writers, and creative professionals worldwide to shape its annual exhibition programming.
Rather than functioning as a granting body, apexart integrates winning proposals directly into its official exhibition season. Its distinctive crowdsourced jury system—composed of more than 600 jurors across 70 countries—ensures that projects are selected based solely on the strength of their ideas. All proposals are reviewed anonymously, emphasizing conceptual clarity and curatorial rigor over institutional affiliations or past achievements.
Title & Description
apexart Open Calls 2025–2026: International & NYC Exhibition Proposals
apexart invites artists, curators, writers, and creative professionals from anywhere in the world to submit a focused, idea-driven, and original group exhibition proposal (maximum 500 words). Winning proposals are realized as fully supported apexart exhibitions, either in New York City or internationally, as part of the 2026–27
Exhibition Season.
The Open Call operates twice annually:
- Every October Open Call (NYC Exhibitions): For projects to be presented at apexart’s New York space.
- Every February, Open Call (International Exhibitions): For exhibitions taking place anywhere in the world except New York City.
Selected proposals become part of apexart’s official programming and receive funding, production oversight, logistical coordination, and curatorial support. apexart is not a grant-making organization; all selected exhibitions are produced within apexart’s institutional framework.
For international proposals, applicants must select a geographic location they have previously visited to demonstrate awareness of local logistics and potential organizational challenges. The final venue may be determined in collaboration with apexart following selection.
Categories
- Visual Art
- Curatorial
- Installation
- Multimedia
- New Media
- Performance
- Interdisciplinary Practices
- Public Programming
This opportunity is concept-driven and open to diverse artistic disciplines, provided they are structured as a group exhibition proposal.
Eligibility
- Open internationally to anyone, from anywhere.
- Artists, curators, writers, creative professionals, students, and trained curators are eligible.
- No experience requirement.
- No geographic restriction.
- No age limit specified.
- Individuals or collaborative organizers may apply.
There are no fees at any stage of the submission or selection process.
Program Benefits & Awards
Each selected Open Call exhibition receives a total production budget of $10,000 USD, structured as follows:
- Up to $2,000 USD honorarium for the curator/organizer (for project coordination and writing the exhibition brochure essay).
- Approximately $8,000 USD allocated toward exhibition-related expenses, including:
- Curator travel
- Artwork shipping
- Artist honorariums
- Public program participant honorariums
- Equipment and installation costs
For international exhibitions (outside NYC), apexart will match up to $1,000 USD toward location rental if required.
Additionally, apexart covers:
- Approved insurance
- Advertising and publicity
- Exhibition brochure design, printing, and mailing
- Documentation (NYC exhibitions only)
- Opening reception costs
- Administrative and logistical coordination
- Loan agreements and shipping management
The apexart team works closely with selected curators to fully realize the exhibition within the institutional framework.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit:
- A 500-word maximum exhibition proposal
- A clearly articulated, focused, idea-driven group exhibition concept
- Anonymous submission (no identifying information within proposal text)
All submissions must be made through apexart’s online form during the designated submission period.
Incomplete or non-anonymous applications may be disqualified.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
NYC Open Call (October Cycle)
- Submission Period: October 1 – October 31, 2026
- Jury Voting: November 2026
- Exhibition Season: 2027–28
International Open Call (February Cycle)
- Submission Period: February 1 – March 1, 2026
- Jury Voting: March 2026
- Exhibition Season: 2026–27
Winners are announced online shortly after the completion of each voting period.
Location
New York City, United States
Additional Details
- More than 600 jurors across 70 countries participate annually in apexart’s crowdsourced online voting system.
- Each juror reviews at least 50 proposals.
- Proposals are judged exclusively on conceptual strength and clarity of communication.
- University classes also participate in the jury process.
- apexart ensures that each proposal receives an equal number of anonymous views.
This Open Call is widely regarded as one of the most transparent and accessible exhibition selection processes globally, emphasizing equity, experimental thinking, and curatorial innovation.
