apexart Classroom Voting Program

The apexart open call offers university students the opportunity to contribute to real-world arts programming and become familiar with a diverse range of art writing and ideas from around the globe. Each open call assembles a jury of nearly 1,000 international arts professionals to evaluate 500-word idea-based group exhibition proposals submitted by participants from around the world. Proposals exclude names, images, links, videos, and CVs. This unique double-blind selection process ensures our exhibitions reflect our commitment to fairness and align closely with audience interests. Universities that have participated to date include Goldsmiths, Bard College, Makere University, Seoul National University, Columbia University, MICA, and de Appell Amsterdam Curatorial Programme.

“This was a most rewarding experience for my class, thank you for the opportunity to connect learning with real-world exhibition practices.” —Dr. Athena Hadji, Professor, College Year in Athens

Some benefits of participating:
Real-world experience: Students gain practical experience and a résumé item by evaluating exhibition proposals, contributing to real-world programming decisions.

Develop global perspective: As jurors, they review proposals from many countries, broadening their perspective on global art trends, social issues and cultural practices.

Get insight into curatorial process: Being part of the selection process enhances student understanding of curatorial decision-making and criteria for compelling exhibitions.

Stimulate classroom discussion: Using provided online materials while participating in the “evaluation” process stimulates classroom discussions on the nature of art writing, its purposes, and what makes an effective well-written proposal. Students will be exposed to a wide range of art writing, helping them to develop a critical eye.

Develop critical thinking skills: It fosters critical thinking as students analyze proposals and make informed decisions, honing their ability to assess, critique and apply artistic concepts effectively.

To be part of this program, and to sign up your class to participate as jurors in our open call please send your contact info and a list of participating students’ first name and email addresses, or the number of students for numerical identification if you prefer, by February 20, 2026 to Lisa Vagnoni at lisa.vagnoni@apexart.org along with any questions you might have. We’re certain your students will enjoy and benefit from participation.

*Image above: Eileen Maxson’s Open Call 2025 class voting at Oberlin College.