2026 AUTOMAT OPEN CALL
APPLICATION GUIDELINES
https://airtable.com/appILdIZheUsYG1Vk/pagtttE3bFyZMLxAw/form
AUTOMAT announces a call for artworks for our 2026 Open Call exhibition, open to emerging and mid-career artists working in any medium in the Philadelphia region. This group exhibition will be curated by our members and will run from December 10th, 2026 - January 23rd, 2027. Accepted works must be available for the duration of the show. Please see submission requirements below to apply.
This year’s Open Call is interested in exploring themes of transformation, facade, growth, movement, generations, re/pavement, transmogrification, and private/public space. However, we will accept all submissions from Philadelphia artists.
Open calls introduce your work to our curators and present possibilities for future exhibitions even if you are not included in this group show. Our members often review our open call records when preparing for new projects.
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Each artist must fill out the digital application and pay the application fee at the bottom of this page. Both the application form and payment must be submitted by November 24th at 10PM EST to be considered for exhibition.
Artists may submit up to 3 artworks and include up to 2 images per work. Video projects or documentation of other time-based work must be submitted via a public YouTube or Vimeo link. Please limit these to no longer than 10 minutes in length. We encourage experimental and installation works, though a detailed installation plan must be submitted prior to acceptance.
IMPORTANT DATES
11/3 - Applications open
11/24 Deadline - Open call application closes at 10PM EST
11/28 - Applicants notified of their acceptance
12/5 - Artwork drop-off (All shipped artworks must be received by 12/5)
12/10 - Show Opens
12/10 - Reception on Second Thursday 6-9pm
12/12, 12/19, 1/2, 1/9, 1/16, 1/23 - Gallery open Saturdays 12-5
1/23 - Exhibition closes
1/24-1/25 - Deinstall / Artwork pick up
SHIPPING AGREEMENT
If you plan on shipping work, please take note that work should be received at the gallery located at 1400 N American St., Suite 105 on December 5th. Shipping costs must be covered by the artist. A return shipment should be arranged for January 25th, with a prepaid return shipping label included with your work. An AUTOMAT member can assist with dropping off the return shipment if the label is provided.
PAYMENT
The $25 open call entry fee supports the general operation of AUTOMAT and the production of this show, which is otherwise funded by our artist members. We acknowledge the barriers that fees create for artist submissions. If you self-identify as someone who requires aid to afford the entry fee, we offer you the option of selecting the lower-tier payment option of $10.
Thank you for your interest in showing at AUTOMAT!
