Open Call for an Art Project: 5 Steps to Success

Contents:

• What is an open call?
• Why are open calls important for galleries, theaters, and exhibition spaces?
• Differences in open calls for different types of art
• Strict rules for open calls: myths and reality
• How are artworks selected in open calls?
• When can an open call be a problem?
• How to organize a successful open call: key aspects

What is an open call?

An open call is a specialized selection program for artists, photographers, theater groups, and other creative professionals who want to participate in a variety of art projects. This initiative opens the door to self-expression and allows you to make a name for yourself in the artistic community. Participation in open calls not only contributes to the development of an individual style but also to the expansion of professional contacts, which is important for growth in the creative field. The program offers a unique platform for showcasing your work and receiving feedback from experts, which can significantly increase your chances of future success.

Open calls are most often held in a competition format, which allows curators and cultural institutions to involve creative authors in their projects. This approach promotes the exploration of current trends in art and the raising of important issues. Participation in such initiatives gives authors the opportunity not only to meet an audience, but also to receive funding for the implementation of their artistic works. This creates a platform for the exchange of ideas and promotes the development of the cultural space.

Why are open calls important for galleries, theaters, and exhibition spaces?

Oksana Chvyakina, curator and art historian from the School of Contemporary Art MMOMA's "Free Workshops" recognizes the importance of open calls in the work of art institutions. These open competitions not only contribute to the educational mission but also to the discovery of new talent, making the artist selection process more equitable and accessible. Open calls play a key role in the development of art, providing an opportunity for a wide range of artists to present their work and gain recognition within the art community.

Limiting an exhibition space to only established artists can cause resentment within the art community and negatively impact its reputation. This can lead to a decline in interest from visitors and artists seeking diversity and new approaches in art. It is important to create a space that presents not only recognized masters, but also emerging talents, in order to stimulate the development of cultural exchange and maintain the dynamics of the art scene.

Elina Kulikova, curator of the TACT participatory project at the Thursday Cultural Projects Foundation, emphasizes that the main value of open calls is the opportunity to discover new talents. These events serve as a platform for experimentation and the creation of unpredictable solutions, which plays a key role in the evolution of contemporary art. Open calls promote the diversity of artistic practices and open doors to fresh ideas, which in turn enriches the cultural space and gives artists the opportunity to make a name for themselves.

Sasha Kremenets, founder of the international production center BarentsDome, notes that open calls are becoming especially important in regions with poor transport accessibility. In Northern Russia, despite the proximity of Arkhangelsk and Murmansk, there is no direct air travel, which creates serious problems for artists and art managers. These circumstances highlight the need for new approaches to organizing cultural events and supporting creative initiatives in remote regions.

Disunity and difficult transportation conditions negatively impact cultural life. Open calls are becoming an effective motivational tool that allows you to attract artists, art managers, and producers without the need for long trips across the regions. This contributes to the development of cultural initiatives and expands opportunities for creative interaction, improving access to art and cultural projects.

Differences in open calls for different types of art

When discussing performance art, it is important to note that its result is not a material object, but a live action that develops over time. At the stage of selecting participants, it is impossible to accurately predict the final result. Creating a performance work in an open competition format is always an experiment that leads to unpredictable and unique results. Even if audiences witness multiple performances over the course of a single evening, each will be independent and self-contained, and their spatial organization will be diverse. Performance art, therefore, is a platform for self-expression and creativity, where each participant brings their own individuality to the table, creating unique artistic experiences.

The architectural concept plays a key role in exhibition projects, determining how the art objects will be presented and how the space will be designed. An exhibition is a coherent ensemble that the viewer perceives as a unified whole. It is important that all elements of this ensemble be conceptually interconnected. In this context, an open call serves as an effective tool for creating a harmonious visual experience, where each work contributes to the overall idea. This allows us not only to enrich the exhibition, but also to deepen our understanding of its subject matter, drawing attention to each individual work in the context of the entire project.

Strict rules for open calls: myths and reality

Oksana Chvyakina, a curator and art historian, shares her experience of holding open competitions for artists. She notes that there are no universal regulations for such events. The most recent open competition at the MMOMA School of Contemporary Art's Free Workshops lasted nearly three months and attracted over 300 applications. Notably, some were submitted even after the deadline. When applications arrive after the deadline, organizers face the need to ensure equal access for all applicants. Oksana notes, "We proposed an alternative solution: participation in the MMOMA Lecture Hall's open educational programs or the opportunity to apply next year." This approach maintains fairness and gives everyone a chance. When submitting an application, it is important that applicants receive up-to-date information about the status of their application and response timelines. Transparent communication helps reduce misunderstandings and increases trust in the process. Keeping applicators informed about their application status also allows them to plan their actions and expectations, which is essential for successful collaboration.

To effectively select artists and curators, all data is recorded in a centralized table. If documents are missing or questions arise, organizers can promptly request missing information. This ensures the creation of a unified database of participants, significantly simplifying the selection process and project management.

The selection of participants takes place in several stages. During the first stage, applications that do not align with the project concept are rejected. Authors of such applications receive notifications of rejection. This process continues until the core team of project participants is formed.

Elina Kulikova, curator of the Thursday Cultural Projects Foundation, emphasizes the uniqueness of olfactory art. This direction actively engages the viewers' sense of smell, involving them in works of art through aromas and scents. Elina not only explores her own artistic interests but also fosters the ideas of other artists in this new and exclusive field. Olfactory art is becoming an important tool for creating deep emotional connections between the work and the viewer, opening new horizons in contemporary art.

Following the open call, the shortlisted artists meet weekly with the curator for workshops. Elina notes that working with scents requires special skills, and she strives to convey the practical aspects of this process. In addition, she provides support to authors in the technical and conceptual implementation of their projects.

How is the selection of works of art in open calls carried out?

Oksana Chvyakina, art critic and curator, takes an active part in the selection of works for The "Workshop" exhibition, organized by the Free Workshops School of Contemporary Art at MMOMA, is a biennial open competition for artists working in Russian. This event provides a unique opportunity for artists to showcase their work and gain recognition in the contemporary art scene. A curatorial team of experienced specialists from the school evaluates the applications. Chvyakina emphasizes that to enhance the objectivity of the selection process, it is necessary to involve external experts. This will minimize the influence of personal likes and dislikes, ensuring a fairer and more impartial assessment of the submitted projects. It is important to consider the opinions of professionals from various fields, which contributes to a higher-quality and more diverse selection. The curator emphasizes that personal acquaintance with the artist can introduce subjective assessments, but it also contributes to a deeper understanding of their creative approach and style. A key aspect is the presence of both familiar and new experts on the jury, ensuring a diversity of opinions and a more objective assessment of the artworks.

An interesting aspect is that the works themselves can determine the concept of the exhibition. Themes and visual elements often intersect, creating a unified atmosphere and setting viewers for a certain perception. This interaction between art and its presentation contributes to a deeper understanding and emotional response from the audience.

Chvyakina shares her experience organizing an internal open call for graduates, during which it was decided to adapt the exhibition to reflect the thematic unity of the presented works. This emphasizes that the selection of works of art is not only a matter of their quality but also an important aspect of their alignment with the overall concept of the exhibition. Adapting the exhibition to a conceptual framework helps create a harmonious visual space and deepen the perception of the works, making the event more meaningful for participants and viewers.

Don't be discouraged by rejection. Often, failure isn't due to a lack of talent, but rather a mismatch with the overall theme or style of other participants' work. It's important to remember that every experience is an opportunity for growth and development. Analyze your work, learn from your mistakes, and continue to improve. Success comes to those who don't rest on their laurels and keep moving forward.

Even if an artist isn't selected for a specific project, this doesn't mean their work has gone unnoticed. Museum staff often remember talented artists and may offer them participation in future projects. It is important that artists continue to develop their skills and actively showcase their work, which increases the chances of further offers and collaborations.

Sasha Kremenets, Director of the international production center BarentsDome, emphasizes the importance of creating a comfortable atmosphere for artists. The selection of participants should take place in conditions free from pressure from external experts. This is especially relevant when the project involves representatives of business or government agencies. Creating a safe and supportive environment promotes a higher quality and creative process, allowing artists to reach their potential without unnecessary stress.

Elina Kulikova, curator of the participatory project TACT at the Cultural Projects Foundation "Chetverg", questions the traditional understanding of expertise. She emphasizes the need to engage diverse voices, including both professionals and ordinary viewers. This will help avoid excessive verticality in the selection process and make it more democratic and diverse. It is important to consider the views of all participants to create a more inclusive and representative platform for cultural exchange and interaction.

Inclusive expert panels provide fresh perspectives and informed conclusions, which is especially important in the context of contemporary art. Their diversity of opinions and experiences contributes to a deeper analysis and understanding of artistic works, updating the discussion of current topics and issues. Inclusivity in expert circles allows for the consideration of different points of view, which enriches the creative process and promotes the development of innovative approaches in art.

When can an open call turn into a problem?

As an art historian and curator of educational programs At the Free Workshops School of Contemporary Art at MMOMA, I notice that open calls can create significant instability in curatorial processes. These initiatives attract a wide range of artists and creative individuals, which, on the one hand, enriches the cultural space, but on the other, complicates the selection and selection of works. As a result, curators are faced with the task of sifting through a large volume of applications, which can lead to subjective decisions and a decrease in the quality of the curatorial approach. It is important to find a balance between the diversity of proposals and the need to maintain high standards in artistic practice. Works submitted by artists can often introduce changes to the original concept of an exhibition. If the curator has a clear idea of ​​​​which works should be included, it is advisable to engage with artists whose work aligns with the intended theme. This approach will preserve the integrity of the exhibition and highlight its key ideas, as well as attract the attention of the target audience. Selecting artists whose works fit harmoniously with the concept will provide a deeper perception of the exhibition and enhance its aesthetic value.

Creating artworks for an exhibition can be a challenging task for artists. Often, more resources are required, and the final works can differ significantly from the initial concepts. For me, an open call symbolizes a lack of control over the content, which contradicts my desire for clarity and specificity. It is important to consider that each exhibition requires a unique approach and careful planning to maintain artistic integrity and meet audience expectations.

An open call may be ineffective when the exhibition budget is limited. Each curator has their own circle of artists whom they value and strive to introduce to viewers. It is more effective to organize a high-quality exhibition with a limited number of participants than to try to include a large number of works that do not meet high standards. This will allow the focus to be on artistic value and create a memorable experience for visitors.

The connection between artists and curators is an important and intimate process based on trust and clarity. When working on a limited budget, it is critical to discuss all terms of engagement in advance, including responsibility for the creation, transportation, and installation of artwork. Transparent communication helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures the successful completion of the project, which in turn contributes to the development of professional relationships and the improvement of the quality of exhibitions.

As the founder of the international production center BarentsDome, I believe that holding an open call without a clear understanding of the goals and objectives may be inappropriate. Insufficient project planning often leads to project failure, which, in turn, can negatively impact the curator's reputation. A clear vision and a strategic approach to event organization are key factors for the successful execution of production projects.

If you need to fill a space, you can invite artists you know to collaborate on the project. The worst-case scenario occurs when the curator doesn't understand who exactly they need and what the project requirements are. This can lead to miscommunication and ineffective work. Therefore, it's important to clearly define goals and objectives before engaging specialists. Engaging with artists early on will help create a harmonious and cohesive space that aligns with your vision.

As the curator of the TACT participatory project at the Thursday Cultural Projects Foundation, I want to emphasize the importance of an ethical approach to organizing open calls. Such events should not lead to the exploitation of artists' labor. Regional open calls often offer minimal funding while maintaining high entry requirements. This creates an imbalance and can negatively impact the creative environment. It's important for organizers to provide adequate compensation for participants' work, which will help maintain the quality of the projects and inspire artists to come up with new ideas.

In such cases, the concept is formulated as a commercial commission, and the terms of participation imply creative freedom. Many young artists accept such offers because they value gaining experience. However, if financial compensation is absent, organizers are obligated to provide symbolic compensation—for example, in the form of informational support and promotion of the artists' work. This creates an opportunity for young talents to make a name for themselves and draw attention to their work, which can further lead to new contracts and opportunities.

How to organize a successful open call: key aspects

Oksana Chvyakina is a famous historian Art, curator, and educational program coordinator at the Free Workshops School of Contemporary Art at the Moscow Museum of Modern Art (MMOMA). She is actively involved in developing educational initiatives in contemporary art, which contribute to the deepening of the knowledge and skills of both professionals and art enthusiasts. Oksana Chvyakina makes a significant contribution to the popularization of contemporary art and the creation of platforms for interaction between artists and audiences.

The key to a successful open call is a comprehensive methodology and transparent communication with potential participants. An effective open call strategy includes clearly defining goals, actively engaging stakeholders, and regularly updating information. High-quality communication helps build trust and increases the level of participant engagement, which in turn contributes to the successful implementation of the project.

To ensure a successful outcome, it is necessary to analyze key issues requiring attention. This will allow you to delve deeper into the topic and identify important aspects. Key issues include understanding the target audience, identifying the main problems and needs, and analyzing the competitive environment. Answers to these questions will help shape your strategy and optimize your content for search engines. This, in turn, will increase your website's visibility and attract more target users. Be sure to consider the relevance of the information and its relevance to the interests of your audience.

• What goal are you trying to achieve with an open call?
• Who is your target audience?
• How will the open call process be organized, including its stages?
• What opportunities are available to participants?

Answers to these questions should be clearly formulated both in the open call organization and in the accompanying materials, including announcements and applications for participation. Eliminate uncertainty: compile a list of required documents and define the content of applications, clearly stating the selection criteria. This will allow participants to better understand the process and increase the likelihood of successful participation.

Determine platforms for announcing your open call. For example, at the Ural Industrial Biennial in 2020, the Association of Russian Art Residencies presented an effective aggregator, AiR of Russia. This resource is a valuable tool for artists seeking to stay informed about current programs and projects in the art scene. Using such platforms will increase the visibility of your open call and attract the attention of your target audience.

It's important to understand which aggregators and online publications best suit the interests of your target audience. "Free Workshops" has its own community and, as part of MMOMA, attracts the attention of the broader museum community to its initiatives. In most cases, publications on social media and the website are sufficient for disseminating information. However, for more effective promotion, curators are advised to establish partnerships with media outlets. This will significantly expand your audience reach and increase the visibility of your projects.