Organizer Information
The Shed is a multidisciplinary cultural institution in New York City dedicated to supporting innovation in the arts. The Shed serves as a platform for artists across a wide range of disciplines—including Visual Arts,
Theater, Dance, Music, Performance, Literary Arts, Film, and New Media—by commissioning, presenting, and producing works that engage audiences and expand artistic possibilities.
As part of its civic mission, The Shed prioritizes accessibility, inclusivity, and equity, centering artists from historically underrepresented communities, including Black, POC, and artists with disabilities. The institution provides resources, mentorship, and production support to foster the development of new works that reflect the diverse experiences of New York City.
Title & Description
The Shed Open Call 2026 – A Commissioning Program for Early-Career NYC-Based Artists
The Shed’s Open Call 2026 is a commissioning program designed to select, support, and present new work by early-career artists living or working in New York City. The program encourages applications across a broad spectrum of artistic disciplines, including
Visual Arts, Theater, Dance, Music, Performance, Spoken Word, Literary Arts, Film, Fashion, Art and Technology, New Media, Social Practice, Public Art, and Architecture, as well as cross-disciplinary and hybrid practices.
Open Call fosters innovation by decentralizing the curatorial voice: over 50 independent leaders across artistic fields—including artists, cultural programmers, curators, producers, and academics—participate in the selection process. This approach ensures that a wide range of perspectives and lived experiences inform the program while challenging traditional gatekeeping in the arts.
Selected artists or collectives will receive a commissioning fee of up to $15,000 and collaborate with The Shed’s artistic and production teams to develop, co-produce, and present their projects. Each commission includes support for development timelines, customized accessibility plans, and in-kind production resources for installation and presentation on-site. Projects will be publicly presented in summer 2027 or summer 2028, with all performances and exhibitions offered free to the public.
Categories
- Visual Arts
- Theater
- Dance
- Music
- Performance
- Literary Arts
- Film
- Fashion
- Art and Technology
- New Media
- Social Practice
- Public Art
- Architecture
- Interdisciplinary / Hybrid Arts
Eligibility
- Early-career artists or art collectives
- 18+ years old
- Currently living or working in New York City (five boroughs or predominantly NYC-based work)
- Able to provide a W9 for payment
- With or without a formal arts degree or training
- Both individual applicants and collectives (up to three collaborators per project)
- Nonprofit or incorporated collectives are not eligible; only physical persons can apply
Early-career is defined as an artist who has not yet received major support to create new work, including substantial institutional funding or large-scale presentation opportunities.
Program Benefits & Awards
- Commissioning fee: up to $15,000 per selected artist or collective
- Artistic and production support for project development, implementation, and installation
- Customized accessibility plans and stewardship support for development timelines
- In-kind presenting support at The Shed’s spaces
- Public presentation of projects in summer 2027 or 2028, free to the public
- Professional mentorship and collaboration with The Shed’s artistic and production teams
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Project proposal describing objectives, activities, and intended outcomes
- Development timeline for the project
- Budget plan (within commissioning support limits)
- CV or portfolio demonstrating prior work and experience
- Statement of motivation explaining relevance to New York City and The Shed’s civic mission
- Indicate individual or collective application and list up to three collaborators (if applicable)
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 24 February 2026
- Notification of Selection: Fall 2026
- Public Announcement: Early 2027
- Project Presentation: Summer 2027 or Summer 2028
Location
New York City, United States
Additional Details
The Shed prioritizes inclusion and accessibility in all aspects of the program. Artists from communities historically excluded from institutional support—including Black, POC, and artists with disabilities—are strongly encouraged to apply. Selected projects will benefit from tailored production support, ensuring high-quality execution and public engagement. All works are offered to the public free of charge, reinforcing The Shed’s commitment to civic participation and equitable access to the arts.
