VAA OpenSpaces - Global Artist Call
A Worldwide Art Trail in Everyday SpacesA Global Movement. Your Space, Your Terms.
VAA OpenSpaces2025 is a global, grassroots art trail inviting Artists anywhere in the world to transform ordinary, overlooked, or unconventional spaces into platforms for contemporary art. For four weeks in autumn 2025, artists across the globe will exhibit in local galleries, exhibition spaces, homes, shops, studios, libraries, gardens, hotels, community centres, civic spaces, online and more – redefining how and where art is experienced.
From a Sound piece in a Community Library in New York to a Window Display in Bristol or a Kitchen Gallery in Melbourne, OpenSpaces2025 turns the everyday into the extraordinary, no matter where you are.
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 OpenSpaces 2025?
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 2025 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. We also collaborate with venue partners who are actively looking for artists.
Whether you’re seeking a space or already have an exhibition planned, independently, with a collective, or through a gallery, we encourage you to register it as part of our Art Trail. By joining, you can take advantage of:
Global Exposure
Your exhibition listed on our international digital map
QR Code Signage
Link passersby to your artist bio and work
Shared Publicity
Across VAA Channels and international networks
Exhibit Anywhere
From your home to a public library, a local gallery or even online. We can help you secure space with our partners. Venue Partners COMING SOON.
Creative Freedom
Curate your own space, your way
Professional Documentation Tools
Resources to help you present your work
Workshops
2 Workshops full of the tools you need to help you find a venue, create your exhibition, and promote it. Workshops will be available on demand if you’re unable to attend.
Workshop One: Exhibition Essentials
Workshop Two: Curate & Connect
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.
Need help finding a space? We can provide guidance and support.
Artist Checklist
- Book onto our OpenSpaces FREE workshops
- Secure a space in your city, town, or neighbourhood
- Install and de-install your work
- Share your exhibition details with the VAA for trail inclusion
- Use our signage and social campaign 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.
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:
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Standard Membership: £48 (normally £59)
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Premium Membership: £100 (normally £125)
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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
An engaging, FREE online workshop, designed specifically for visual artists eager to find and secure a venue to showcase their work – whether at home, internationally or remotely.
An inspiring, FREE online workshop designed for visual artists looking to curate, engage, and document their OpenSpaces exhibitions with confidence and creativity.
Open Spaces 2025 Timeline
How to Apply
How do I apply?
To apply for the VAA OpenSpaces 2025, complete the Artist Application Form that can be found here. Once you’ve been accepted onto the VAA Art Trail, if you are not a member you will receive an invitation to join the VAA membership for as little as £4.99 a month. Artists will receive a pack in August/September to help them set up and promote their exhibit.
How many images of work should I upload?
Artists should upload up to 5 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 securing a venue, get in touch with the team at hello@visual-artists.org and we will work with you and our partners to find the perfect venue for you.
What is the deadline for submissions?
The extended deadline for applications for the VAA OpenSpaces 2025 is midnight Sunday 31st August 2025.
Is there any application fees?
The VAA OpenSpaces 2025 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. Price on application.
Art doesn’t need permission – just a place.
Be part of the global art trail transforming everyday spaces into powerful platforms for creativity.
Questions?
Contact us at hello@visual-artists.org