VisArts NextGen 13.0 Exhibition Free, Open Call for Submissions
Type
Other
Category
Design, Installation, Other
Status
Open for Applications
Deadline
March 11, 2026
Application Fee
Free
Host
SUSAN MAIN
Location
Philadelphia, United States
VisArts invites emerging artists ages 17–27 from the DC, Maryland, and Virginia region to apply for NextGen 13.0, our annual exhibition spotlighting new and developing voices. The exhibition will be presented in the Gibbs Street Gallery from March 27–May 10, 2026.
Designed especially for artists with little or no prior exhibition experience, NextGen 13.0 offers a rare chance to present work in a professional gallery setting while engaging in a robust slate of supportive programming. Selected artists will participate in an opening reception, artist talks, and conversations with fellow emerging artists, as well as critiques and professional development sessions led by local curators and arts administrators who actively work with young artists.
Artists who previously participated in NextGen are not eligible to apply. However, applicants who were not selected in past years are encouraged to reapply.
Application Deadline
Wednesday, March 11, 2026 All application materials must be submitted online through our Submittable portal by 11:59 PM (EST).
Incomplete applications will not be reviewed
Submission does not guarantee acceptance
Selected artists will be notified by March 13, 2026
Questions
Email maragon@visartscenter.org
Exhibition Programming Manager Subject line: VisArts NextGen 13.0 Open Call
Required Application Materials
Applicants must submit the following:
Completed application form
Images of artwork:
Up to five works of art
High-resolution images with captions
Accepted formats: .jpg, .tiff, .png, or .gif
Minimum resolution: 1920 × 1080 pixels
Film and video submissions:
Two minutes of video, film, sound, or performance documentation equals one work
Up to 10 minutes total may be submitted
Accepted formats: .mp4
Artist statement (maximum 250 words)
Artist bio (maximum 150 words)
Resume or CV
Resume Guidance
We understand that creating an artist résumé can feel intimidating if you’re early in your career. Strong résumés can be brief, as long as they are clear and well organized. Relevant experience may include:
Student art exhibitions
Assisting at art camps or community programs
Teaching or facilitating art classes
About VisArts
VisArts is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to transform individuals and communities through the visual arts.
A hub for artistic exploration and social impact since 1987, VisArts brings people together through shared creative experiences, including:
Critically acclaimed contemporary art exhibitions, programs, and events
Award-winning art classes, camps, and parties for children and adults
Studio Artist and Emerging Curator programs
VisAbility Art Lab and Accessible Arts Classes for artists with disabilities
Community art workshops
Art + Wellness programs
Volunteer and internship opportunities
Together, these initiatives inspire new ideas, encourage self-expression, embrace diverse perspectives, and celebrate the visual arts as essential to a connected community.
We use Submittable to accept and review our submissions.
Designed especially for artists with little or no prior exhibition experience, NextGen 13.0 offers a rare chance to present work in a professional gallery setting while engaging in a robust slate of supportive programming. Selected artists will participate in an opening reception, artist talks, and conversations with fellow emerging artists, as well as critiques and professional development sessions led by local curators and arts administrators who actively work with young artists.
Artists who previously participated in NextGen are not eligible to apply. However, applicants who were not selected in past years are encouraged to reapply.
Application Deadline
Wednesday, March 11, 2026 All application materials must be submitted online through our Submittable portal by 11:59 PM (EST).
Incomplete applications will not be reviewed
Submission does not guarantee acceptance
Selected artists will be notified by March 13, 2026
Questions
Email maragon@visartscenter.org
Exhibition Programming Manager Subject line: VisArts NextGen 13.0 Open Call
Required Application Materials
Applicants must submit the following:
Completed application form
Images of artwork:
Up to five works of art
High-resolution images with captions
Accepted formats: .jpg, .tiff, .png, or .gif
Minimum resolution: 1920 × 1080 pixels
Film and video submissions:
Two minutes of video, film, sound, or performance documentation equals one work
Up to 10 minutes total may be submitted
Accepted formats: .mp4
Artist statement (maximum 250 words)
Artist bio (maximum 150 words)
Resume or CV
Resume Guidance
We understand that creating an artist résumé can feel intimidating if you’re early in your career. Strong résumés can be brief, as long as they are clear and well organized. Relevant experience may include:
Student art exhibitions
Assisting at art camps or community programs
Teaching or facilitating art classes
About VisArts
VisArts is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to transform individuals and communities through the visual arts.
A hub for artistic exploration and social impact since 1987, VisArts brings people together through shared creative experiences, including:
Critically acclaimed contemporary art exhibitions, programs, and events
Award-winning art classes, camps, and parties for children and adults
Studio Artist and Emerging Curator programs
VisAbility Art Lab and Accessible Arts Classes for artists with disabilities
Community art workshops
Art + Wellness programs
Volunteer and internship opportunities
Together, these initiatives inspire new ideas, encourage self-expression, embrace diverse perspectives, and celebrate the visual arts as essential to a connected community.
We use Submittable to accept and review our submissions.