apexart
Submit a 500-word curatorial proposal to become an apexart exhibition in NYC or internationally, with $10,000 production support and a $2,000 organiser honorari
apexart's Open Calls invite artists, curators, writers, and creative thinkers from anywhere in the world to pitch a curatorial idea and potentially turn it into a fully funded apexart exhibition. There are two annual rounds:
NYC Open Call — Proposals accepted every October for exhibitions in apexart's New York City space. The next round opens 1 October 2026 (deadline 31 October 2026) for the 2027–28 season.
International Open Call — Proposals accepted every February for exhibitions taking place anywhere in the world outside NYC. The next round opens 1 February 2027 (deadline 1 March 2027) for the 2027–28 season.
You don't need prior curatorial experience, institutional affiliation, or a track record. What matters is a strong, focused, idea-driven group exhibition concept communicated clearly in 500 words. There are no submission fees at any stage.
Proposals are selected by a crowdsourced international jury of more than 600 people across 70 countries, voting anonymously online. Every proposal receives an equal number of views, and jurors cannot see submitters' names — so success depends entirely on the strength of your idea, not your connections or reputation. University classes also participate in the jury process each year.
Winning proposals receive
For international proposals, submitters must choose a location they have personally visited, to ensure familiarity with the logistical realities of organising there. The specific venue can be confirmed after selection.
Your 500-word proposal text will form the first section of the final exhibition essay — so write it with care and clarity.
