Open Calls for Artists — Australia

Open calls in Australia span submission-based exhibitions, artist residencies by expression of interest, public art commissions, festival participation, and entries for some of the country's most significant prizes.

The Archibald, Wynne, and Sulman Prizes (Art Gallery of NSW) and the National Works on Paper Prize are among the highest-profile annual open calls for Australian artists. The Ramsay Art Prize (Art Gallery of SA) and the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards offer significant prize money and exhibition opportunities. Most major state galleries run at least one open submission competition per year.

Artist-run initiatives (ARIs) across Australia run frequent open calls for group shows, residencies, and collaborative projects. Outre Gallery, Bus Projects, Alaska Projects, and TCB Art Inc are examples of organisations that regularly invite submissions through open calls. Following ARI networks in each state is essential for staying across emerging opportunities.

Public art commissions are increasingly offered as open expressions of interest, with budgets ranging from $10,000 for small installations to $1,000,000+ for major infrastructure projects. The National Capital Authority, state transport departments, and local councils all list these opportunities, though they are often time-sensitive and require demonstrated experience with large-scale fabrication.

When entering Australian open calls, applications typically require a project proposal or artist statement, a portfolio of relevant work (usually 5–10 images), a CV, and sometimes a budget. Many open calls are now submitted through online portals such as Submittable, Slideroom, or Arts Hub.