Open Calls

OPEN CALLS

Indian Ocean Contemporary invites submissions for a series of online group exhibitions presenting contemporary artists from the Indian Ocean region and around the world.

We welcome applications from emerging and mid-career artists working across a wide range of disciplines.

Artists from Indian Ocean countries will receive special consideration, although applications from all countries are encouraged.

CURRENT OPEN CALLS

DREAMS, HOPES, BLESSINGS

Exhibition Dates: 8 August – 8 September 2026

Application Deadline: 6 July 2026 at midnight.

Theme

This exhibition explores dreams, hopes, and our relationship with the world of blessings around us.

We invite artists whose work reveals moments of dreams, hopes, awe, connection, discovery, hope, or appreciation for the blessings and miracles of our natural and human worlds.

AWE

Exhibition Dates: 22 September - 22 October 2026

Application Deadline: 4 July 2026 at midnight 

Theme

What does awe mean in contemporary life?

Artists are invited to submit works that explore awe inspiring moments, places, spaces, times, emotions, dreams, hopes, atmospheres, realities.

HAPPINESS

Exhibition Dates: 15 August – 15 September 2026

Application Deadline: 5 July 2026 at midnight 

Theme

What does happiness mean in contemporary life?

Artists are invited to submit works that explore joy, fulfilment, celebration, wellbeing, intimacy, resilience, and personal or collective happiness.

BEAUTIFUL DAY

Exhibition Dates: 22 August – 22 September 2026

Application Deadline: 7 July 2026 at midnight 

Theme

A beautiful day can be extraordinary or entirely ordinary.

This exhibition invites artists to reflect on moments, places, encounters, or experiences that define beauty in everyday life.

ELIGIBILITY

Applications are open to emerging and mid-career artists worldwide.

We welcome submissions in:

  • Painting

  • Drawing

  • Printmaking

  • Photography

  • Mixed Media

  • Digital Art

  • Sculpture

  • Ceramics

  • Textile Art

  • Video Art

  • Performance Documentation

  • Sound Art

HOW TO APPLY

Please send the following materials to:

iocontemporary@protonmail.com

Include:

  • Artist statement or introduction letter

  • CV / Biography

  • 5–10 images of artworks

  • Artwork details (title, year, medium, dimensions, price)

SELECTION CRITERIA

The gallery seeks artists with a distinctive artistic voice, commitment to their practice, and works that resonate with the themes of the exhibition.

Particular consideration may be given to artists whose work engages with questions of cultural identity, migration, belonging, and intercultural dialogue.

EXHIBITION FORMAT

Selected artists will participate in an online exhibition presented through the Indian Ocean Contemporary platform.

Artists retain possession of their artworks.

If an artwork is sold, the gallery will coordinate collection and shipping arrangements directly with the artist.

FEES

Application Fee: $15 or 15€

Payable only if the application is accepted.

Participation Fees: 

*PARTICIPATION FEES ARE FREE FOR THE ARTISTS WHO APPLY ON DAYS 4, 5, 6 AND 7 JULY.

  • First artwork: $15

  • Second artwork: $5

  • Third artwork: $5

  • Fourth artwork: $5

  • Fifth artwork: $5

  • Sixth artwork: $5

A portion of the proceeds will support charitable and cultural initiatives.

SALES

Indian Ocean Contemporary charges a 20% commission on sold artworks.

Artists will be paid within 30 days of successful delivery and acceptance of the artwork by the collector.