VAA OpenSpaces - Global Artist Call
A Worldwide Art Trail in Everyday Spaces2nd November – 28th November 2026
A Global Movement. Your Space, Your Terms.
VAA OpenSpaces is the global, artist-led exhibition initiative that transforms everyday spaces into vibrant art experiences – from cafes, studios and shop windows to digital venues and community hubs. Our aim is to help artists get seen, connect with audiences, and develop their creative careers on your own terms.
Last year’s edition saw over 75 international artists take part across cities and communities worldwide, bringing art out of traditional galleries and into everyday life – homes, libraries, local venues, and unconventional spaces that spark curiosity and conversation.Â
Within 2026, we are inviting artists around the world once again to join us in creating the world’s biggest art trail, in November. Â
Who Can Apply?
We welcome applications from:
- Artists worldwide
- Individuals & Collectives
- All Mediums – painting, sculpture, digital, sound, installation, performance
- Artists interested in exhibiting at home, in public, or at local galleries or venues
- Artists with a desire to engage directly with their communities
What is VAA OpenSpaces?
It’s not a single location or curated group show. It’s a worldwide, decentralised art trail built from:
- Artist-led exhibitions in surprising or everyday places
- Community-based creative interventions
- A digital, global map connecting every location
- Shared visibility, storytelling, and support
OpenSpaces is designed with flexibility in mind, empowering artists to choose venues that align with their practice and goals. The VAA provides guidance on how to approach potential venues, including helpful email templates to get you started.Â
When you join OpenSpaces in 2026, you’ll benefit from:
Global Exposure
Your exhibition listed on our international digital map – viewed by thousands of art lovers, curators, and collectors.
Featured artists from 2025, reached new audiences and networks thanks to extensive online visibility.
Promotion to the VAA’s Network
We’ll share your work and event details with our community of over 30,000 artists and collectors, through the website, email, and paid social media advertising.
Venue Support & Tools
You choose and secure your own venue – whether that’s a pop-up space, local business, community building, gallery, or an unconventional location that speaks to your practice.
Not sure where to start? We’ll support you with communications, offering templates and outreach tips to help you approach venues effectively.
In 2025, an impressive 96% of participating artists successfully secured and confirmed their venue, with 4% choosing to exhibit digitally.
Workshops, PR & Marketing Tools
OpenSpaces artists are invited to make the most of their exhibitions with:
- PR Tips – best practices for press outreach and storytelling
- Marketing Tools – a curated pack of social media templates, signage guidance, and QR Code signage techniques
- VAA Workshops & Mentorship – practical guidance for artists to exhibit beyond traditional gallery settings.
Creative Freedom & Supportive Artistic Community
Connect with peers from around the world, who are redefining where and how art is seen. Gain the confidence, inspiration, and practical skills as you take your art into real life and public settings.
Where Can You Exhibit?
Anywhere you can make your work accessible and visible:
- Art Galleries and local exhibition spaces
- Domestic windows, kitchens, hallways, or gardens
- Empty shops or local businesses
- Studios and shared creative spaces
- Libraries, civic buildings, or schools
- Hotels, restaurants, rooftops – even unexpected places like windmills!
- Online – through digital exhibition spaces.
We can provide guidance and support when looking for and securing your venue.
FREE ONLINE WORKSHOP
Through conversation and case-led discussion, speakers will reflect on what worked for their OpenSpaces Exhibitions in 2025, what they learned, and how artists can confidently approach exhibiting in everyday and unexpected locations.Â
You’ll gain practical guidance and insights shared directly from artists who have worked in non-traditional spaces, alongside the VAA Team and Partner organisations.Â
2026 Artist Checklist
- Book onto our OpenSpaces FREE workshop
- Secure a space in your city, town, or neighbourhood
- Share your exhibition details with the VAA for trail inclusion by August 21st
- Install and de-install your work
- Use our curated marketing resources to help promote your show
- Optionally host open hours or local events
This is an artist-led, non-commercial platform. As such:
No Commissions are taken
There are no participation fees for VAA Members.Â
For non-members, there is an application fee, with VAA Membership included, allowing you to access all the OpenSpaces workshops, alongside VAA Events and Resources.
The application fee with subsidised membership rates, made possible through the VAA and its partners, are as follows:
-
Standard Membership: £48 (normally £59)
-
Premium Membership: £100 (normally £125)
-
International Membership: £88 (normally £110)
If more than five artists are exhibiting together under a collective name, individual membership fees can be further reduced, please contact us directly for a tailored price.
We look forward to welcoming you as part of the VAA community!
All creative rights and control remain with you
How to Apply
How do I apply?
Applications are currently closed for 2026, reopening soon.
Please see our 2025 Featured Artists here.
How many images of work should I upload?
Artists should upload up to 3 images of their work and one headshot.
Do I need to find the location or can you help?
If you already have a location, please propose this in your application form. If you need help with a venue, get in touch with the team at hello@visual-artists.org and we can provide you with the resources to confidently securing your space.
What is the deadline for submissions?
The deadline for applications for OpenSpaces 2026 is 22nd May 2026
Are there any application fees?
The VAA OpenSpaces 2026 Global Art Trail is free for VAA Members to join.
For non-members, we ask you to join the VAA for a subsidised fee, that is much cheaper than most art trails.
For Standard Membership: £48
For Premium Membership: £100
For International Membership: £88
The fee is the same regardless of how many individually listed artists are at a single venue. The fee is also the same regardless of how many days you participate. However if more than 5 artists work together under a collective and wish to exhibit under that collective name, the individual fees will reduce, please get in touch for more details hello@visual-artists.org.
2025 OpenSpaces Artists
Agnieszka Lokaj | December 2025, Member of the Month
An Interview with Agnieszka Lokaj: Visual Abstract Artist and December Member of the Month Agnieszka Lokaj – Artist Feature – VAA Member of the Month December 2025gnieszka is a professional artist who has only just recently delved into her passion...
OpenSpaces 2025: A Celebration of Art Beyond the Gallery
s the curtain closes on OpenSpaces 2025, we’re filled with gratitude and inspiration. The VAA would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to every artist who took part in this year’s trail,the first artist-led global community art event of its kind....
OpenSpaces 2025: A Global Art Trail Celebrates Creativity Everywhere
OpenSpaces 2025 has brought together artists from around the world to celebrate creativity in unexpected places. From local libraries to charity shops, nursing homes, and even radio stations, artists have been showcasing their work in venues that connect directly with...
Art doesn’t need permission – just a place.Â
Apply now to be part of the global art trail transforming everyday spaces into powerful platforms for creativity, bring your ideas to life and share your art with new audiences around the globe.
Questions?
Contact us at hello@visual-artists.org