Open call to artists

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS: Friday October 2^nd 2026
ADJUDICATION RESULTS WILL BE PUBLIC BY: Friday October 16th
ACCEPTED WORK DELIVERED BY: Friday November 20^th

EXHIBITION OPENING: Saturday 28^th November 12pm

THEME: “4OUL OVER 4OFTWARE”

How will Artificial Intelligence affect the future of humanity? From job losses, to government overreach with regard to surveilance and control – will people become redundant? As people become more dependent on AI will we lose our own intelligence, authenticity and sovereignity? Will your message to the world be one of hope, or will it be a warning?

All works must be 40cm in size. The number 40 universally symbolizes a period of trial, testing, transition, and eventual renewal. Across various cultures, religions, and everyday contexts, it represents a crucial duration of preparation or maturation before a breakthrough.

WHO CAN SUBMIT:

South African artists only with 3 years or more experience in fine art. You do not need gallery representation or previous exhibition experience.

TYPES OF WORK:

1. Paintings (30 works will be accepted in total)
   Oil, Acrylic, Watercolour, Mixed Media accepted.
   Sizes are limited to 40cm (w) x 40cm (h) and 2cm (d)
   No Digital or AI art, prints, photography or collages.
   
   
2. Sculptures (10 works will be accepted in total)
   Any material is accepted (Clay, Wood, Metal, Ceramic etc)
   No larger than 40cm high and 40cm wide not exceeding 30kg.
   Sketches and concept work may be submitted with examples of previous work before committing to creating the final piece.

WHAT WE LOOK FOR:

1. Originality and authenticity.
2. We want to see a clear message that provokes thought and debate around the theme of AI.
3. Professionally presented, skillfully hand-crafted.

EXHIBITION DETAILS

Accepted work must be couriered to Barrydale by no later than Friday 20^th November, at the artists own expense. Unsold work will be couriered back to the artist at the galleries expense.

Accepted works will be displayed at ArtySan Gallery in Barrydale on Route62 in the Western Cape, South Africa from the opening exhibition happening at 12 noon on Saturday 28^th of November until February 28^th 2027.

On Monday 1^st March 2027 any unsold works will be removed from the walls, repackaged and couriered back to the artists at the galleries expense. Please allow for approximately 2 weeks for the return of your unsold art.

Up to five of the chosen artists will be given the opportunity to be represented by ArtySan Gallery in future. This will include displaying work for sale in the gallery and online, with invitations to future exhibitions and events.

COSTS:

ArtySan gallery will deduct a 25% commission on successful sales.
The artist retains 75% of the sale after bank charges (usually 3%)
Online purchases that require shipping will be billed to the buyer.
Payments will be made within 7 days to artists.

Entrants can submit up to 4 works maximum for a non-refundable fee of R200 once off.
You can read more about the agreement here.

Once you are ready to submit, please use the online form.