OPEN CALL FOR ARTISTS
Current Exhibition Opportunity:
Van Der Plas Gallery invites artists to submit work for Around, Above, Below, a contemporary group exhibition exploring spatial perception. Selected artists will exhibit in our Lower East Side gallery as part of our ongoing Open Call Program, which supports emerging and established contemporary artists working across all mediums.
On view: October 1st - October 15th, 2026.
Opening reception: October 1st, 2026, 6 - 8 pm
Submission deadline: September 17th, 2026.
Submission Details
Open to all artists • Up to 4 artworks • Application fee required
Around, Above, Below
Art is not what you see, but what you make others see. — Edgar Degas
Around, Above, Below is a group exhibition exploring perception and the experience of daily life as we move through urban environments, rural landscapes, and the spaces in between. By translating these perspectives into art, artists can share a deeper understanding of our human experience and the countless ways we interpret the world in and around us.
Artists are invited to participate and share their individual creative process with a palette of unique color combinations and gestural brushwork. A fluid line of penmanship, or a unique meditative lens, gives each artwork endless possibilities and uniqueness.
The exhibition embraces a dialogue between the built environment and the natural world, encouraging artists to explore a balance between tension and harmony and how these relationships can contribute and coexist.
Artists working in all media are encouraged to submit, including painting, sculpture, photography, printmaking, installation, mixed media, and digital art.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Van Der Plas Gallery’s Open Call Program is a year-round opportunity for artists to be considered for exhibitions at our Lower East Side gallery in New York City, reflecting the gallery’s longstanding commitment to supporting emerging and established artists through exhibitions, public programming, and ongoing open call opportunities.
We welcome submissions from emerging and established artists working across all media. We seek work that demonstrates originality, conceptual depth, and a distinctive artistic voice while reflecting the diversity of contemporary practice.
Our curatorial team reviews every submission with care and consideration. Applications received during the current cycle are being considered for Around, Above, Below. Our upcoming group exhibition, as well as future exhibitions, will be presented through the Open Call Program.
While selection is not guaranteed, submitted work remains in consideration as part of the gallery’s ongoing exhibition programming and may be reviewed for future opportunities beyond the current exhibition cycle.
WHY APPLY
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Exhibit in New York City: Selected artists exhibit at Van Der Plas Gallery on Manhattan's Lower East Side, joining a dynamic community of emerging and established contemporary artists.
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Thoughtful Curatorial Review: Every submission is individually reviewed by our curatorial team with careful consideration.
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Professional Exposure: Selected artists benefit from professionally promoted exhibitions reaching collectors, curators, writers, and the public.
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Documentation & Visibility: Participating artists receive professional exhibition photography and promotional visibility through the gallery's marketing channels.
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Ongoing Opportunities: Because the Open Call Program is ongoing, artists may be considered for future exhibitions beyond the current open call.
HOW IT WORKS
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Complete the online application.
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Upload up to 4 artworks.
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Submit the $35 application fee.
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Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis by our curatorial team.
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Selected artists are contacted directly regarding exhibition participation.
SUBMISSION GUIDLINE
We welcome submissions from artists working in all media, including but not limited to:
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Painting
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Sculpture
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Photography
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Printmaking
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Mixed Media
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Digital Art
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Experimental Practices
Please include:
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Artist name and contact information
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Artist bio or artist statement
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Up to four artworks (JPG)
We look for originality, conceptual clarity, and a strong artistic vision.
FAQ
Who can apply?
Artists at every stage of their career are welcome to apply. We accept submissions from both emerging and established artists working in all media.
International artists are welcome to apply. Shipping, delivery, return arrangements, and all associated costs are the responsibility of the artist.
How are submissions reviewed?
Submissions are reviewed by our curatorial team throughout the year as part of the Open Call Program. Applications received during the current cycle are being considered for Around, Above, Below as well as future exhibitions.
What happens if I'm selected?
Selected artists will be contacted directly regarding participation in an upcoming exhibition. Details regarding artwork, installation, and scheduling will be shared at that time.
If I'm not selected for Around, Above, Below, will my application still be considered?
Yes. Because the Open Call Program operates year-round, artists not selected for the current exhibition may still be considered for future exhibitions and gallery programming.
Is exhibiting guaranteed?
No. Submission does not guarantee placement in an exhibition. Every application is carefully reviewed by our curatorial team.
What does the $35 application fee include?
The fee supports the time and labor involved in reviewing each submission, administrative coordination, exhibition planning, and the ongoing costs of operating a physical gallery and producing exhibitions.
Why is there an application fee?
Running a gallery and producing exhibitions involves ongoing costs, including curatorial review, staffing, installation, documentation, promotion, and programming. The application fee helps support a thoughtful review process while allowing us to continue providing exhibition opportunities for all artists throughout the year.
Can I apply more than once?
Yes. Artists are welcome to submit new work at any time. Each submission is reviewed independently.
ABOUT VAN DER PLAS GALLERY
Founded in New York City in the 1980s, Van Der Plas Gallery has exhibited emerging and established contemporary artists with a focus on downtown culture, outsider art, street art, painting, sculpture, and experimental practices. Located in Manhattan’s Lower East Side, the gallery continues to support artists through exhibitions, public programming, and recurring open call opportunities.
