Organizer Information
ICOSA Collective is an artist-run nonprofit contemporary art space based in Austin, Texas, USA. Founded in 2015, ICOSA is dedicated to supporting experimental artistic practices, emerging voices, and collaborative approaches within contemporary art. The organization provides a platform for artists through exhibitions, sound installations, film screenings, performances, and community-focused programming.
Located in Austin’s Canopy Arts Complex, ICOSA has hosted more than 80 exhibitions and collaborated with artists and independent art spaces across the United States. Through its artist-driven model, the collective encourages creative exchange, dialogue, and new approaches to contemporary artistic production. The ICOSA Annual exhibition offers non-member artists the opportunity to present their work in the gallery as part of the annual Austin Studio Tour, a major self-guided art event that attracts thousands of visitors.
Title & Description
ICOSA Annual Call for Entry 2026
ICOSA Annual Call for Entry 2026 is a national juried group exhibition organized by ICOSA Collective in conjunction with the Austin Studio Tour. The open call invites artists to submit recent works created in any 2D, 3D, video, or performance-based medium.
The exhibition does not follow a fixed theme. Instead, the selected works will be curated by the juror, who may develop an exhibition theme and title based on the submitted artworks. The program aims to showcase diverse contemporary practices and provide artists with an opportunity to exhibit their work in a professional gallery environment alongside Austin’s wider independent art community.
The 2026 edition will be juried by Dennis Nance, an artist and curator from Houston, Texas, whose professional experience includes organizing exhibitions featuring contemporary artists throughout Texas and the Gulf Coast region.
Categories
The open call accepts works in the following disciplines:
- Visual Art
- 2D Art
- 3D Art
- Painting
- Drawing
- Sculpture
- Mixed Media
- Installation Art
- Video Art
- Performance Art
- Other contemporary artistic practices
Artists may submit works completed within the past two years.
Eligibility
The opportunity is open to:
- Artists residing in the United States
- Artists working in any eligible 2D, 3D, video, or performance medium
- Emerging and established contemporary artists
Due to shipping requirements, applicants must reside within the continental United States. Artists outside the Austin area may apply but are responsible for delivering or shipping accepted artworks to the gallery.
There are no stated age restrictions or limitations based on gender, nationality, or artistic background.
Program Benefits & Awards
- Exhibition opportunity at ICOSA Collective during the Austin Studio Tour
- Presentation of artwork in a professional contemporary art gallery setting
- Exposure to visitors attending Austin Studio Tour
- Promotion through ICOSA’s printed materials and website
- Opportunity for artwork sales during the exhibition
Artwork sales are optional. Artists determine sale prices after acceptance. After payment processing fees, 60% of the sale price goes to the artist and 40% goes to ICOSA.
The exhibition does not provide travel support, accommodation, production funding, or cash awards.
Application Fee
The entry fee is $30 USD
Artists experiencing financial hardship may request an entry fee waiver. ICOSA can waive fees for up to ten artists through support from an anonymous donor. Requests must be submitted by email before beginning the application process.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 1 October 2026
- Artist Notification: 6 October 2026
- Artwork Shipping Deadline: 6 November 2026
- Hand Delivery Date: 7 November 2026
- Opening Reception: 13 November 2026
- Exhibition Period: November 13–22, 2026
- Curator Meet and Greet: November 22, 2026, 5 PM
- Artwork Return Shipping/Pickup Deadline: 1 December 2026
Location
Austin, Texas, United States
Additional Details
Accepted artists are responsible for shipping costs both ways and must include return shipping arrangements with their artwork. Works must arrive professionally prepared for display. ICOSA does not provide insurance coverage for artworks during shipping or exhibition, and artists are responsible for protecting their work against damage or loss during transit.
Submitted artworks must fit through the gallery entrance (maximum approximately 8 feet high by 4 feet wide) and weigh no more than 50 pounds.
Artists grant ICOSA permission to use images of selected artworks for promotional purposes, including printed materials and the gallery website.