VAA OpenSpaces - Global Artist Call
A Worldwide Art Trail in Everyday Spaces2nd November – 28th November 2026
A Global Movement. Your Space, Your Terms.
OpenSpaces is suitable for emerging, mid-career and established artists
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 their own terms.
Last year’s edition saw hundreds of 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. With a forecast of over 20,000 visitors across the trail, OpenSpaces has grown into one of the most ambitious artist-led visibility platforms of its kind.
In 2026, we are inviting artists around the world once again to join us in creating the world’s biggest art trail this November and to be part of a movement that is redefining where and how art is experienced.
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
What OpenSpaces gives you
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Visibility that reaches beyond your existing audience
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Real audience growth
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Sales opportunities
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Professional experience that counts
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Confidence to exhibit on your own terms
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A global community of artists
More than an exhibition. A movement.
OpenSpaces is a growing global community of artists redefining where art is seen, who sees it, and what it can do.
Every artist who takes part adds to something bigger than their own show – a worldwide trail that brings art into everyday life and proves that creativity belongs everywhere, not just in galleries.
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.
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.
In this workshop, VAA artist mentor Karen van Hoey Smith walks through the OpenSpaces 2026 timeline and how to think about this opportunity, from deciding whether it is right for you, to what a successful exhibition actually looks like in practice.
Thinking about joining the OpenSpaces 2026 global art trail but not sure where to exhibit? This is the session for you.
Join us online as we introduce a selection of our partner venues, real spaces available to OpenSpaces artists across the UK and beyond. Whether you are still exploring your options or ready to confirm your exhibition space, this session will give you a clear picture of what is available and how the venue matching process works.
This practical masterclass is designed specifically for artists taking part in OpenSpaces 2026 – walking you through everything you need to plan, curate, and promote your exhibition with confidence.
In this open, informal session, participating OpenSpaces 2026 artists can share where they are with their plans, ask questions, and get practical guidance from the VAA team. Whether you are still figuring out the logistics, unsure about how to promote your show, or simply want a second pair of eyes on your thinking, this is the session to attend.
Your work is live – now what? Showing in a global art trail is a significant moment, but the real value often comes from what you do with it afterwards. This workshop is designed to help OpenSpaces 2026 participating artists make the most of their involvement long after the opening weekend has passed.
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.
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.
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
FAQ
How do I apply?
The application is straightforward and takes just a few minutes to complete. You will be asked for your basic contact details, a short artist statement, your website or portfolio link, and a few details about your ideal exhibition space.
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.
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Art doesn’t need permission – just a place.
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