Organizer Information
ORAC Gallery is a contemporary art gallery based in Warsaw, Poland, with an international exhibition and art-fair programme extending to Venice and other international contexts. The gallery works with artists whose practices demonstrate a distinctive visual language, conceptual clarity and professional maturity. Its activities include exhibitions, curated projects, international art fairs and artist selection initiatives. For Spectrum Chicago 2026, ORAC Gallery is developing a focused presentation intended to connect selected artistic practices with collectors, curators, art professionals and new audiences.
Title & Description
Spectrum Chicago 2026 Open Call for Artists
ORAC Gallery Open Call — Artist Selection for Spectrum Chicago 2026 invites professional contemporary artists to apply for inclusion in ORAC Gallery’s presentation at Spectrum Chicago 2026, held at THE MART in Chicago from 7–10 October 2026. The selected artist will have their work presented within ORAC Gallery’s official fair booth, with the final selection and arrangement of works developed collaboratively with the gallery.
The opportunity is intended for artists with a developed practice, recognisable artistic identity and work capable of functioning effectively in an international contemporary art-fair environment. Selection considers artistic quality, coherence, visual impact, market readiness, price positioning and practical factors such as dimensions, weight and transportation requirements.
Categories
- Visual Art
- Painting
- Photography
- Sculpture
- Installation
- Applied Arts
- Mixed Media
- Digital Art and other contemporary art practices.
Eligibility
The call is open internationally to professional contemporary artists with a developed artistic practice and work suitable for presentation at an international art fair. Artists should demonstrate a clear artistic identity, professional consistency and a body of work capable of engaging both curatorial and collector audiences. At least one proposed work must be physically available for presentation during Spectrum Chicago 2026.
Program Benefits & Awards
The selected artist will receive presentation within ORAC Gallery’s official Spectrum Chicago booth, including exhibition space, curatorial development, installation coordination, on-site gallery representation, communication support and sales representation. The artist’s work will be presented to visitors, collectors and professional audiences.
The selected artist will not pay a booth, exhibition, curatorial or representation fee. However, transport, packing, insurance and customs arrangements are handled separately and must be agreed with the gallery. Works should generally be available for sale, with retail prices and sales conditions established in the participation agreement.
Application Fee
€20 per complete application. The fee covers administration, formal verification and professional review. It does not guarantee selection, exhibition, representation or individual feedback.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 10 September 2026
- Shortlist Review: 12–14 September 2026
- Final Selection: By 16 September 2026
- Spectrum Chicago: 7–10 October 2026
- Selection: Rolling; the call may close early once an artist is confirmed.
Location
THE MART, Chicago, Illinois, United States
Additional Details
Applications may be assessed on a rolling basis, so shortlisted artists can be contacted before the official deadline. Because the fair is relatively close to the application period, selected artists must be prepared to coordinate works and logistics promptly. Personal attendance in Chicago is not required unless otherwise agreed with ORAC Gallery. Any gallery commission, transport responsibilities, insurance and customs arrangements will be established in the final agreement. ORAC Gallery may also consider applicants for future exhibitions, fairs and curatorial projects in Warsaw, Venice or internationally, subject to separate consent.