Organizer Information
The open call is organized by Esselum Gallery, a contemporary, independent art space based in Norwich, United Kingdom. The gallery operates within a converted shipping container located in a creative district of the city, offering an intimate yet high-visibility setting for exhibitions and experimental art projects. Esselum Gallery positions itself as an accessible platform for both emerging and international artists, with a strong focus on showcasing diverse contemporary practices and supporting cross-border cultural exchange.
The gallery’s programming emphasizes curatorial experimentation, public engagement, and the creation of opportunities for artists outside of major institutional circuits. Alongside physical exhibitions, the gallery integrates online showcases and hybrid formats, allowing broader international participation. The CATS! International Open Call 2026 is part of this ongoing mission to expand visibility for global artists while maintaining a thematic and accessible exhibition structure.
Title & Description
CATS! International Open Call 2026 – Exhibition & Cat Art Market
This open call invites artists worldwide to submit works for a themed international exhibition and associated sales platform centered on artistic interpretations of cats. The opportunity is structured in two parallel formats:
- Main Exhibition (Curated Selection):
Selected works will be exhibited in a curated physical exhibition at Esselum Gallery in Norwich, United Kingdom. The exhibition will also be accompanied by an international online showcase, allowing global audiences to access and engage with the selected works. - Cat Art Market (Extended Participation):
Artists who are not selected for the main exhibition may still be invited to participate in a secondary sales-oriented platform called the Cat Art Market. In this format, artists can offer prints and merchandise for sale to both in-person visitors and online audiences.
The thematic focus of the open call is flexible but conceptually anchored in the idea of “cats” as subject matter or inspiration. Artists are encouraged to explore cats in any form—symbolic, humorous, surreal, conceptual, emotional, or critical. The structure of the program ensures broader inclusion by combining curatorial selection with an open marketplace model, increasing both visibility and potential income opportunities for participants.
Categories
- Painting
- Illustration
- Photography
- Printmaking
- Mixed Media
- Digital Art (submitted for print exhibition)
- Collage
- Contemporary Fine Art Practices
All works must be visually based. Time-based media, such as video or performance, is not explicitly included in the provided structure.
Eligibility
- Open to artists worldwide
- Open to all career stages (emerging, mid-career, and established artists)
- No geographical restrictions
- No age restrictions stated
- Both professional and independent artists are eligible
- Works must be suitable for physical display or print exhibition
Additional requirements:
- Maximum artwork size: 100 cm on the longest side
- All works must be ready for exhibition display
- Digital submissions are accepted for print production via the gallery service
Program Benefits & Awards
Selected and participating artists benefit from multiple exposure and commercial opportunities:
Exhibition Opportunities
- Inclusion in a curated physical exhibition at Esselum Gallery (Norwich, UK)
- International online exhibition showcase
Sales Opportunities
- Participation in the Cat Art Market for print and merchandise sales
- Opportunity to sell original works (where applicable)
- Revenue generation through a gallery-managed sales system
Production Support
- Optional gallery print service for digital artworks
- Reduced logistical burden for international artists who cannot ship originals
Visibility & Promotion
- Gallery-led promotional campaigns (social media, exhibition marketing)
- Inclusion in exhibition-related publications and online features
Post-Exhibition Benefits
- Sales reporting provided to participating artists
- Payments processed after the exhibition cycle
- Return of physical works after exhibition completion (if applicable)
Application Fee
The application requires a submission fee, structured as follows:
Early Bird (until 15 April 2026)
- 1 artwork: £10
- 2 artworks: £13
- 3 artworks: £16
- 4 artworks: £19
- 5 artworks: £22
Standard Period (16 April – 31 May 2026)
- 1 artwork: £15
- 2 artworks: £18
- 3 artworks: £21
- 4 artworks: £24
- 5 artworks: £27
Applicants may submit up to five artworks. Fees increase after the early bird deadline.
Application Requirements
Applicants are expected to provide:
- Completed submission form (via official platform)
- Artist contact information
- Artwork details (title, medium, size)
- High-quality images of artworks or digital files
- Selection of the number of submitted works (up to 5)
- Payment of the corresponding submission fee
- Optional indication if using gallery print service (for digital works)
No CV or artist statement is explicitly required in the provided material, but artists may be asked for additional information during curatorial review.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- 23 March 2026 – Open call launch
- 15 April 2026 – Early bird deadline
- 31 May 2026 – Final submission deadline
- 4 June 2026 – Results announced (curatorial selection)
- 15 June 2026 – Official announcement via website & social media (as per terms section)
- July 2026 – Exhibition & Cat Art Market (Norwich, UK)
- August 2026 – Sales reports, payments, and artwork returns
Note: There is a minor inconsistency between curatorial announcement timing (4 June) and official publication date (15 June), suggesting staged communication of results.
Location
Esselum Gallery, Norwich NR3 1GQ, United Kingdom
Additional Details
- Artists retain full copyright of their works.
- By submitting, artists grant Esselum Gallery a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use images of works for promotional and exhibition-related purposes.
- Personal data is used strictly for the administration and communication of the open call.
- Digital artworks are eligible through the gallery’s print production system, increasing accessibility for international participants.
- Selection is limited due to gallery capacity, indicating a competitive curatorial process.
- The structure is hybrid: combining curated exhibition selection with a parallel open sales market to maximize inclusion.