During the summer months, the pace of the art world typically slows down. Many galleries and institutions temporarily close their doors for a well-deserved break, creating a seasonal pause in exhibitions, programming, and public engagement. However, this quieter period need not be a time of inactivity for artists. In fact, artists who continue working while others pause often find themselves a step ahead when the season resumes. Those who keep their studio lights on—both literally and figuratively—are frequently the ones who move forward when others are standing still. As a result, in this article we present five fee-free open calls for artists who are ready to stay active and visible this summer.
All opportunities focus on high-quality opportunities in the form of exhibition open calls and do not require an application fee. We strongly recommend Artenda.net as a go-to platform for discovering more high-quality artist opportunities. Whether you’re seeking a first exhibition, a residency, an award, or a biennale participation, Artenda.net offers a curated selection of international calls for artists at every stage of their career. It is strongly recommended to also read our companion guide, 5 Golden Rules When Applying to Art Opportunities, to help you evaluate which calls are not only a good match for your work but also capable of offering genuine career impact.
1. Kasseler Dokfest — 42nd Kassel Documentary Film & Video Festival
Filmmakers, artists, distributors, producers, gallerists, universities, and institutions are now invited to submit recent works and projects for the 42nd Kassel Documentary Film and Video Festival. All works for the film program and the Monitoring exhibition will be selected from the submissions received. All installations featured in Monitoring will be eligible for the Golden Cube Award. All artists working in film or video are eligible for this open call. There is no submission fee, and the festival pays a screening fee for films included in the official program. The submission deadline is June 24, 2025.
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2. Paul Robeson Galleries — Criminal Justice
The Paul Robeson Galleries, in partnership with the Department of Criminal Justice at Rutgers University–Newark, invites artists to submit work for upcoming exhibitions focused on themes related to criminal justice, in the broadest sense of the term. Two exhibitions are produced annually and presented in a gallery space located within the Department of Criminal Justice, accessible to students, faculty, staff, and the wider public. Past exhibitions have explored topics such as access to healthcare in the prison system, gun violence, legal structures, activism, and justice reform. The program emphasizes contemporary art and is committed to supporting artists from diverse backgrounds and practices. All residents of the United States of America are eligible for this open call. There is no application fee, and all selected artists will receive an artist fee for participation in the exhibition, with additional compensation for any public programs or events related to their work. The deadline is June 25.
3. Kunstpavillon & Neue Galerie Innsbruck — Under Pressure
The Künstler:innen Vereinigung Tirol invites artists from all countries, disciplines, and media to apply for the 2026 Annual Programme, to be held at the Kunstpavillon and Neue Galerie in Innsbruck, Austria. On the occasion of its 80th anniversary, the 2026 programme will revolve around the theme Under Pressure, reflecting on the societal, ecological, economic, and psychological stress factors that shape our present. Up to three projects will be selected by a professional jury to be realized between January 2026 and January 2027. The average exhibition duration is 9–13 weeks. Artists may specify a preference for either the Kunstpavillon (175 m² skylight gallery) or the Neue Galerie (95 m² vaulted projection-friendly space). Projects will receive a production budget of up to €3,500 for the Kunstpavillon or €3,000 for the Neue Galerie, accompanied by an artist fee of up to €2,000 (incl. VAT), full curatorial and technical support, and additional coverage for printing, translation, PR, insurance, and installation. There is no application fee. The deadline is June 30.
4. Malta Biennale
The Malta Biennale is currently accepting proposals from local and international artists for its second edition, which will take place in the spring of 2026. Organised by MUŻA—The National Museum of Art in the Community, the biennale will be held across a range of historically significant sites throughout Malta and Gozo, including several UNESCO World Heritage locations. This open call welcomes artists from all stages of their careers and across all visual art disciplines, including installation, painting, sculpture, photography, video, performance, and collaborative or multidisciplinary work. Artists may apply with site-specific proposals, new works, or existing pieces from their portfolio. Submissions should respond to the curatorial framework of the 2026 edition and will be evaluated for their relevance to the chosen exhibition sites and themes. Each selected artist or artist collective will receive a grant of up to €13,000 to support their participation. This funding may cover artist fees, production and material costs, equipment rental or purchase, travel and accommodation, insurance, shipping, and a contingency of up to 10% of the total budget. Additional support is provided by the organising team in the form of technical assistance, promotional services, on-site infrastructure, exhibition signage, and inclusion in the official Malta Biennale catalogue. Artists may also be invited to contribute to public programming such as talks, workshops, or guided tours. There is no application fee. The deadline is June 30.
5. Galerie TIC — 2026 Exhibition Programme
Galerie TIC in Brno is currently accepting proposals for its 2026 exhibition programme across its three exhibition spaces: Galerie mladých (The Young Gallery), Galerie U Dobrého pastýře, and Galerie Kontext. The open call is aimed at both emerging and established artists, collectives, and curators working in contemporary art, with a commitment to experimentation, dialogue, and pluralism in visual expression. Selected projects will receive an indicative exhibition budget of CZK 30,000 or approximately USD 1,400, which covers artist fees, transport, accommodation, and installation costs. The institution also provides additional services, including PR, photo documentation, and production support. There is no application fee. The deadline is July 28.
Last Updated on September 25, 2025
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About the author:
Julien Delagrange (b. 1994, BE) is an art historian, contemporary artist, and the director of CAI and CAI Gallery. Previously, Delagrange has worked for the Centre for Fine Arts (BOZAR) in Brussels, the Jan Vercruysse Foundation, and the Ghent University Library. His artistic practice and written art criticism are strongly intertwined, examining contemporary art in search of new perspectives in the art world.
