2026 Open Call for Artists

APPLY TO OPEN CALL

Call Summary
The Contemporary at Blue Star is pleased to offer this open call opportunity to artists based in Texas, nationally, and internationally. Artists are invited to submit a portfolio of their work and be considered for future exhibition opportunities, public programs, and other special projects. Exhibitions in development draw from competitive applicants whose work aligns with the Contemporary’s mission and core values. The Contemporary was founded in 1986 by San Antonio artists as a space to show their work and bring art to San Antonio, thus supporting and exhibiting work by our region’s artists remains a central part of our programming, in addition to working with artists from across the globe.

Budget Description
Artists’ work will be considered for exhibition opportunities and special projects. For a better understanding of the Contemporary’s program visit our exhibitions history at contemporarysa.org/calendar/
Exhibition Support & Expectations for Selected Artists
The Contemporary is a W.A.G.E. certified organization. We pay all exhibiting artists an honoraria based on our operating budget. Artists participating in or leading public programs are also paid an honoraria. The Contemporary covers two-way shipping costs for all works exhibited. If an artist is requested onsite to complete an installation or invited for a public program the Contemporary covers travel and accommodations and pays artists a per diem (some limitations apply). The Contemporary does not offer materials stipends for non-commissioned projects. We do not cover packing expenses, framing, studios assistants labor, etc. Installations are completed by our full-time, staff Chief Preparator and contracted gallery technician crew. Artists on site for installation are provided assistance by our Chief Preparatory and contracted gallery technicians. Displays, vitrines, pedestals, miscellaneous hardware, and technology are most often provided or fabricated by the Contemporary. We work with artists to evaluate their needs and offer as much support as possible within our capacity. Artists send work ready to install with detailed instructions. When the Contemporary is commissioning projects additional support is provided. We remain flexible and committed to our mission to support artists. The Contemporary also provides professional documentation, promotion, assistance editing and fine tuning artist statements and biographies for exhibiting artist, fine art insurance for work while in transit and on view, and develops public programs, connecting our audiences more deeply with the work on view. This description serves to give artists an understanding of the Contemporary’s institutional capacity and is not a binding document or set in stone. Detailed definitions of categories can be found on the W.A.G.E. website.

Project Description
Contemporary is pleased to offer this open call opportunity to artists based in Texas, nationally across the US, and internationally. Artists are invited to submit a portfolio of their work and be considered for future exhibition opportunities, public programs, and other special projects. Exhibitions in development draw from competitive applicants whose work aligns with the Contemporary’s mission and core values. The Contemporary was founded in 1986 by San Antonio artists as a space to show their work, thus supporting and exhibiting work by our region’s artists remains a central part of our programming, in addition to working with artists from across the globe.
Your submitted portfolio should give us an understanding of the visual and conceptual themes within your practice, and your voice as an artist. Please note applications do not need to be specific exhibition proposals. The Contemporary is interested in working collaboratively with artists to figure out what work suits our organization, audiences, and supports each artist’s creative vision. Exhibitions are scheduled about two years out, sometimes longer, sometime slightly shorter. This means they continue to develop over time. We identify artists to work with through open calls and a variety of other ways. You can get a better understanding of our programs by visiting our exhibition archive page.

The Contemporary’s values of equity, diversity, and inclusion are foundational to our mission to serve all artists. These values are demonstrated by creating the conditions for an approachable application process, by continuing efforts to support artists of all backgrounds, and by working towards inclusivity and accessibility for applicants. The Contemporary inspires the creative genius in us all by nurturing artists through innovative contemporary art and fulfills this mission guided by five core values– being artist-centric, forward-thinking, inclusive, educational, exceeding expectations and surprising visitors. Artists we engage share in these values and conduct themselves with integrity and respect when collaborating with the Contemporary and its staff.

Eligibility
-Artist must have at least 5 years of relevant experience and/or specialized arts training, such as a degree or certificate.
-Artist’s application demonstrates a clear investment of time and resources into their artistic practice.
-Artist has professional portfolios that include publicly displayed and possibly published works.
-Artist has not had a solo exhibition or two person exhibition at the Contemporary within the last five years.
-Artist is not currently a student.
-Artist’s work demonstrates artistic excellence.
-Artist is at least 18 years old.
-Artists can live anywhere

Application Requirements
Biography
Resume: 2 page(s) maximum
Work examples: 20
Artist Statement: 600 word maximum

•Artists are allowed to apply in teams.
•Artists applying as a team must split the allotted number of work examples between themselves.

Contact Information
Jacqueline Saragoza McGilvray
Curator and Exhibitions Director
116 Blue Star
San Antonio TX 78204 United States
jack@contemporarysa.org
(210) 227-6960