New works across all disciplines will be presented in 2021
April 13–May 31, 2020
The Shed is seeking proposals for new works across all disciplines for the second edition of Open Call, its large-scale commissioning program for early-career artists who live and work in New York City. Proposals are currently being accepted online with a submission deadline of May 31, 2020. Commissions from selected artists will be presented in 2021.
Born out of The Shed’s commitment to supporting early-career artists and a diverse range of voices and experiences, the Open Call program selects, fosters, and presents new work from NYC artists who have not yet received major support. It embraces NYC’s diversity of emerging talent in its many forms—including artistic medium, race, ethnicity, age, identity, physical ability, and more.
The Shed will support selected projects with a commissioning fee of up to USD 15,000 per artist or collective. Participants will be selected by leaders in their fields, including artists, cultural programmers, academics, and members of The Shed’s staff.
Additionally, as part of the Open Call process, The Shed will offer four online information sessions. All applicants are encouraged to join one of these to learn more about the program and have any questions answered.
Open Call 2021 will be presented throughout The Shed’s spaces in 2021 (dates to be announced)—on the Plaza, in The Griffin Theater, and Level 2 Gallery—allowing for the presentation of a range of artistic experiences and perspectives in these newly commissioned works.
What are we looking for?
In line with The Shed’s mission, Open Call values proposals that are cross-disciplinary, inventive, and bold. We look for submissions that are both idea-driven and resonant, and which can be feasibly realized. We encourage artists to be inclusive and equitable as they engage their ideas and communities with intellectual and aesthetic rigor.
How can I apply?
For more information and to apply, visit theshed.org/opencallapply. Applications close May 31, 2020. There is no application fee. Please email opencall@theshed.org with any questions.
About The Shed
Located on Manhattan’s West Side, The Shed commissions original works of art, across all disciplines, for all audiences. From hip hop to classical music, painting and sculpture to literature, film to theater and dance, The Shed brings together leading and emerging artists and thinkers from all disciplines under one roof. Committed to nurturing artistic invention and bringing creative experiences to the broadest possible audiences, The Shed is a 21st-century space of and for New York City.
About Open Call
Open Call is organized by Tamara McCaw, Chief Civic Program Officer; Emma Enderby, Chief Curator; and Solana Chehtman, Director of Civic Programs. The program was conceived by The Shed’s Artistic Director and CEO Alex Poots, Tamara McCaw, Emma Enderby, and Senior Program Advisor Hans Ulrich Obrist. From May through August 2019, 42 artists and collectives in the inaugural edition of Open Call presented their intentional and boundary-pushing new work at The Shed. A complete list of 2019 Open Call artists is available here.
The Lead Sponsor of Open Call is TD Bank, with additional support generously provided by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF), Rockefeller Brothers Fund, Howard Gilman Foundation, public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, and The Shed Creative Council. The creation of new work at The Shed is generously supported by the Lizzie and Jonathan Tisch Commissioning Fund and the Shed Commissioners, a group of visionary philanthropists providing essential early support for The Shed’s mission of commissioning original works of art, across all disciplines, for all audiences.
