New York NY 10013
USA
Hours: Tuesday–Saturday 11am–6pm
The apexart open call provides an opportunity for university students to help determine real-world arts programming and get familiar with a wide range of art writing and ideas across the globe. Each open call assembles a jury of nearly 1000 international arts professionals to evaluate 500-word idea-based group exhibition proposals submitted from participants 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.
“The students were elated to be given responsibility and authority.” —Athena Hadji, teacher at College Year 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 October 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.
If you’re interested in joining a brief information session over zoom or have questions you would like to ask apexart staff directly, please RSVP Here. The information session will be held on Tuesday, August 18, 2026 at 11am EST.
