VAA OpenSpaces - Global Artist Call

About the Open Call

VAA OpenSpaces 2025 is a global, grassroots art trail inviting Artists anywhere in the world to transform ordinary, overlooked, or unconventional spaces into platforms for contemporary art. For four weeks in autumn 2025, artists across the globe will exhibit in local galleries, exhibition spaces, homes, shops, studios, libraries, gardens, hotels, community centres, civic spaces, online and more – redefining how and where art is experienced. From a Sound piece in a Community Library in New York to a Window Display in Bristol or a Kitchen Gallery in Melbourne, OpenSpaces2025 turns the everyday into the extraordinary, no matter where you are. It’s not a single location or curated group show. It’s a worldwide, decentralised art trail built from Artist-led exhibitions in surprising or everyday places, Community-based creative interventions, a digital, global map connecting every location, and Shared visibility, storytelling, and support. OpenSpaces 2025 is designed with flexibility in mind, empowering artists to choose venues that align with their practice and goals. The VAA provides guidance on how to approach potential venues, including helpful email templates to get you started. We also collaborate with venue partners who are actively looking for artists. Artists can exhibit anywhere they can make their work accessible and visible: Art Galleries and local exhibition spaces, Domestic windows, kitchens, hallways, or gardens, Empty shops or local businesses, Studios and shared creative spaces, Libraries, civic buildings, or schools, Hotels, restaurants, rooftops – even unexpected places like windmills! Or Online – through digital exhibition spaces. Artists are responsible for securing a space in their city, town, or neighbourhood, installing and de-installing their work, sharing exhibition details with the VAA for trail inclusion, using provided signage and social campaign to help promote their show, and optionally hosting open hours or local events.

What is Offered

Your exhibition listed on our international digital map, QR Code Signage, Shared Publicity across VAA Channels and international networks, guidance to Exhibit Anywhere (including help securing space with partners), Creative Freedom to curate your own space, Professional Documentation Tools, and 2 Workshops (Exhibition Essentials; Curate & Connect). No commissions are taken.

Requirements

We welcome applications from Artists worldwide, Individuals & Collectives, Artists working in all mediums (painting, sculpture, digital, sound, installation, performance), Artists interested in exhibiting at home, in public, or at local galleries or venues, and Artists with a desire to engage directly with their communities.

How to Apply

To apply for the VAA OpenSpaces 2025, complete the Artist Application Form found at https://visual-artists.org/vaa-openspaces-2025-application/. Once accepted onto the VAA Art Trail, non-members will receive an invitation to join the VAA membership. Artists will receive a pack in August/September to help them set up and promote their exhibit. Artists should upload up to 5 images of their work and one headshot.