We’re seeking artists and writers for our next online exhibition and publication themed “Pushing Boundaries.” This open call invites work that engages with the concepts of boundaries in all their forms - physical, mental, conceptual and virtual.

BOUNDARIES can take many forms.

They state where one thing ends and another begins. They act as separators and define a border. 

They can be implicit or clearly defined. They can be legal, part of a code of conduct, expected, geographical,  emotional, conceptual and political. 

They can change over time and evolve. 

Sara Ahmed writes in "Strange Encounters" of the many types of borders which include the skin, neighbourhoods, culture, fear and belief systems.

There are some borders we can control and others we cannot. 

For this open call, we are seeking art and writing that explores how we can push against borders in all their forms. 

Deadline: 3rd July 2025

This open call seeks work that:

• Responds to the theme in a lively, thought-provoking way.
• We love innovation and work that excites and challenges.
• Must include a short text to accompany any work that provides the context and why the work fits the theme
• You MUST have an Instagram account
  
  

Who Can Submit?

This call is open to artists across all visual media (painting, photography, sculpture, digital art, etc.) and writers working in poetry, fiction, nonfiction, or hybrid forms. We encourage experimental, boundary-pushing work that brings fresh perspectives to the theme.

Submission Guidelines

For Artists:

• Visual Art: Painting, sculpture, photography, digital art, mixed media, installations, etc.
• Specifications: Up to 3 high-quality images, (if you are accepted we will request high-resolution images of the work JPEG or PNG, minimum 300 dpi) – film-based work as a Vimeo or You Tube link only
• Description: A brief description of each work (200-300 words) detailing the concept, medium, and how it relates to the theme

For Writers:

• Genres: Short stories, essays, poetry, experimental writing, and cross-genre works
• Length: Up to 1,000 words for prose; up to 3 poems
• Format: Word document only
• Synopsis: A brief summary of the piece (50 words) explaining how it connects to the theme.

Terms and Conditions

• All submissions must be original works created by the applicant.
• Selected works will be featured in an online exhibition and/or a publication. By submitting, you grant us the right to display, publish, and promote your work as part of this project. Typically, the works are online for six months, but this is not guaranteed.
• Artists and writers retain all rights to their work.

We look forward to your submission.

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