Call for proposals
Written By Ruby Wilson

Featured work: Vusumzi Nkomo, Anxiogenic black spots XIV, 2024 (detail)

2026 OPEN CALL

Calling all artists and curators!

The Association for Visual Arts is pleased to invite proposals for our 2026 exhibition programme. 

We are looking to support exhibitions that expose new works, feature a wide range of media, highlight marginalised histories, experiences and/ or artistic practices, and confront social challenges. Proposals will be considered by a selection committee composed of AVA board members and invited panellists. 

Both solo and group exhibition proposals are welcomed. We encourage exhibitions offering works for sale, although we will consider all proposals including those that are non-commercial and experimental in nature. Early career artists and curators, womxn artists and curators, creatives working with digital and time-based media are encouraged to apply. 

Submissions for AVA’s 2026 programme close on 31 July 2025.

Applicants will be notified by the end of September 2025.

COSTS: 

At the AVA there are 4 different galleries; Main Gallery (96m2), Front Gallery (22m2), Long Gallery (35m2), Mezzanine Gallery (42m2), and a New Media room (7m2). The Long gallery is also equipped for digital projections and time-based media works. Depending on which gallery space you prefer, there is a facilitation fee payable. This fee includes gallery space for a period of + 6 weeks, assisted installation of the exhibition, marketing, signage, administration, insurance and management for the duration of the exhibition.

Front Gallery: R4000                           

Long Gallery: R3000     

Main Gallery: R7000         

Mezzanine Gallery: R4000                 

New Media Room: R1500

You will need to indicate in your proposal in which gallery you imagine installing your exhibition. The members of the selection committee will do their best to accommodate your choice, but the final placement depends on programming. 

When filling in your application you will have the opportunity to apply for a facilitation fee waiver and exhibition support. Only early-career (under 34) and womxn artists and curators as well as artists and curators living with disabilities are eligible to apply. Please note that AVA does not fund newly commissioned work. 

Please note that the AVA is not a funding body but applies to various funding institutions and sponsors for exhibition support on behalf of eligible applicants. The availability of such support is not guaranteed and the applicants must be prepared to cover the cost of their exhibition, including the facilitation fee should they be selected for the AVA programme.

OPEN CALL ADMIN FEE:

The administration fee for our open call is R150. Pensioners and students pay a reduced fee of R75. Once the fee is paid, applicants will receive a complimentary AVA membership valid for one year. Please note all current AVA members (with paid up membership fees) are exempt from this fee. Please complete your payment on www.ava/join before filling out the application form below. 

THE APPLICATION PROCESS: 

  1. If you're not currently a member of the AVA, pay the open call admin fee.

  2. Fill out the application form in full (see below). Incomplete applications will not be considered.

  3. All applications will be reviewed by the selection committee in August.

  4. Applicants will be notified by the end of September 2025.

  5. If you need assistance with the application process, please contact admin@ava.co.za .

We look forward to receiving your applications!

Ruby Wilson
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