The Uncivil Canvas: Art in the Age of Discord

About the Open Call

The Uncivil Canvas: Art in the Age of Discord invites artists working across all mediums to contribute to a collective visual essay that reflects our turbulent times through a feminist lens, in particular to reflect the lived experiences of women, children, and marginalized communities. We seek art that responds to pressing issues shaping our global landscape, including racial injustice, immigration, systemic inequities, criminal (in)justice, and stark imbalances in wealth, power, education, housing, and access to essential resources like food, water, healthcare, and ongoing wars. We also welcome pieces that confront the climate crisis, affirm women's rights, and celebrate gender diversity. The exhibition seeks nuanced, multi-dimensional works—from realism to conceptual—that confront the erosion of human rights. It will operate as an instrument of resistance and empathy, challenging policies and ideologies rooted in division and authoritarianism. The exhibition is open to women and non-binary artists, including transgender women and femme/feminine-identifying genderqueer artists. It will be held from January 17 to February 14, 2026, at Woman Made Gallery. The juror for this exhibition is Karen M. Gutfreund, an independent curator and artist focusing on feminist and social justice art, who has extensive experience curating national exhibitions and is a consultant to corporations and individuals.

What is Offered

Opportunity to exhibit artwork in a physical gallery setting, potential for art sales (WMG retains a 40% commission), and participation in fostering important global dialogues.

Requirements

Open to women and non-binary artists, including transgender women and femme/feminine-identifying genderqueer artists. Artists from local, regional, and international communities are welcome. Artworks must be no larger than 6 feet horizontally and under 75 pounds, unless delivered and picked up by the artist. Submitted works must address the exhibition theme and not have been previously exhibited at Woman Made Gallery. For new media, artists must submit a .mp4 sample or URL under 10 minutes for consideration and provide a digital transfer (.mp4) and a USB formatted in .mp4 for exhibition. Artists are responsible for additional new media needs beyond limited screens and projectors provided by WMG.

How to Apply

Artists are invited to submit images of up to three works in all mediums, ensuring they include a visual element and have not been previously exhibited at WMG. Artists must address the exhibition's theme in their work and artist statement. New media artworks require a sample .mp4 or URL under 10 minutes for consideration. Submissions are processed through the Submittable platform. An entry fee of $35 applies per submission, though Enhanced Artist Level members ($100+) receive one free entry annually by emailing general@womanmade.org for a code. Up to 30 fee waivers are available per exhibition, mainly reserved for ALAANA/BIPOC and/or LGBTQIA+ artists; requests should be sent to general@womanmade.org.