Call Description

THE LONG DESCRIPTION
Title: One Light: A Journey Through Shared Connection

https://vimeo.com/1106230777

Who:

An exhibition call to artists sponsored by N the art space, and Mark Biletnikoff - Curator, in cooperation with The Gallery at Manship, located inside the award-winning Shaw Center for the Arts.Early application (August-September), (EARLYBIRD)

Exhibition Synopsis:
This exhibition explores the profound theme of "One Light," symbolizing the shared illumination that connects us all. Art serves as a vessel for this light, allowing artists to express insights, inspirations, and reflections rooted in their unique experiences. Whether representing literal light, examining its effects in daily life, or abstractly exploring feelings of illumination, artists are encouraged to delve into the multifaceted nature of light and energy. 
At the core is the understanding of energy as a vital force shaping perception, interaction, and knowledge. The exhibit highlights how, across cultures and philosophies, from Eastern traditions like Buddhism to Western thought, energy and connection are fundamental to our shared human experience. It invites interpretations that weave together personal narratives with universal themes of spirituality, nature, and interconnectedness of all things.
"One Light" reflects not only collective illumination but also the gift of creativity, the innate capacity to channel inspiration, transforming intangible ideas and emotions into tangible works of art. Creativity serves as a conduit for perceiving, interpreting, and communicating unseen forces that influence our perceptions and interactions. 
Artists are encouraged to explore the "space between", those subtle moments of pause, reflection, and perception that reveal the nuances of connection. The theme is open to interpretation, including literal, symbolic, or non-objective expressions, and all media will be considered, including painting, sculpture, textiles/fashion, dance, video/film shorts, performance, and more. Each accepted work will be accompanied by a brief artist statement illuminating their vision and connection to this shared energy. 

The final exhibition will take place in September 2026. The delivery information and exhibition instructions will be emailed to the accepted applicants. We felt this allowed each artist to take advantage of their full potential and creative interpretation. Examine the submission time frame and choose what works best for you. There is a lower fee coupon available for those who submit a completed application in August and September.

Submission Details:

Early application in August-September allows you to take advantage of the lower fee of $35. (Enter the coupon code, (EARLYBIRD). After October 1, the fee increases to $45. This is a national call to all media, celebrating diversity in artistic expression. The final curated exhibition will feature up to 25 wall-mounted works, with additional media encouraged, such as performance, video, sculpture, or other applicable forms. The arts center can also accommodate special arrangements for specific accepted submissions if needed, ensuring flexibility and support for a wide range of approaches. 
The exhibition will culminate with a curated selection of works that embody and inspire the theme of "One Light." The top three artists will have their award-winning works showcased in a special follow-up exhibition, offering additional exposure, media attention, and the opportunity to display more of their work. 
Ultimately, this exhibition is an invitation to explore both personal and universal truths, illustrating how individual expressions contribute to a collective understanding of connection, energy, and shared humanity. Both artists and viewers are encouraged to engage in this ongoing journey of understanding, discovery, and expression through the illuminating power of "One Light."
 

Special Links showcase the impressive opportunity this exhibition can offer participating artists:

N the art space – https://ntheartspace.net/
Mark Biletnikoff/Curator - https://markbiletnikoff.com/
The Gallery at Manship - https://www.manshiptheatre.org/what-we-do/exhibits
The Shaw Center for the Arts - https://www.shawcenter.org/
 

Application Requirements

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Application Requirements for "One Light" Exhibition
1. Application Form:
Complete the official submission form with accurate personal, contact, and artwork information.
2. Artist Statement:
Provide a brief artist statement (150-300 words) 
3. Artwork Details:
For each piece submitted, include:
• Title of the artwork 
• Medium(s) used (all mediums are considered) 
• Dimensions (Artist last name_One Light_HxWxD) — note that the gallery space can accommodate large works; shipping constraints apply, and logistical details for accepted large-scale works will be discussed upon selection. This exhibition is open to all exhibition-size shapes and materials. Keep in mind, any items shipped over 70" can be costly as they only ship via freight.  If a piece is selected, in-person delivery can also be accommodated. 
• Year of creation (artwork must be 10 years old or less) 
• A brief description (under 500 words) explaining the concept and its connection to the theme as outlined in the submission section.
Gallery-Ready Work:
All wall-mounted works must be gallery-ready for installation. If unframed, paintings must have painted sides with a gallery wrap. Works should be prepared for display in a professional gallery space, ensuring a polished and exhibition-ready presentation.
4. Images of Artwork:
Upload high-quality images of each work, with clear, well-lit, and properly framed or presented images. Accepted formats include JPEG, with a maximum size of 5MB per image. For multi-media submissions, include video or performance links as specified.
5. Work Specifications:
• Wall-mounted works must be gallery-ready for installation. If unframed, paintings must have painted sides with a gallery wrap. 
• All mediums are considered, including performance, video, sculpture, textiles, and other formats suitable for the "One Light" theme. 
• Performance, video, sculpture, or other media should include detailed instructions or access links, and any specific technical requirements. 
• If chosen, the artist will be contacted to discuss logistics, delivery options, and any special installation needs, especially for large-scale works.
6. Additional Media:
Artists beyond traditional visual art are encouraged to apply. This includes performance, video, sculpture, textiles, and other media that can effectively explore the "One Light" theme. Please include a short proposal (max 300 words) and sample footage or links for performance or video works, along with any specific technical needs.
7. Submission Fee:
Pay the non-refundable application fee of $35 (August–September) or $45 (after October 1). Instructions for payment will be provided upon submission.
8. Shipping and Delivery:
It is the responsibility of the artist to cover all shipping costs to and from the exhibition. Accepted large-scale works will be discussed in detail, and delivery options will be arranged based on logistical considerations. The curator will provide all necessary information for delivery and installation.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility:
This is a national exhibition open to all artists aged 18 and older, working in all media. Artists from across the country are encouraged to apply. The show is designed to be a beacon for creatives, offering an opportunity to showcase diverse talents and to support the continuation of your artistic practice. It provides an exceptional venue to exhibit work in a market where gallery participation can often be challenging. All submissions must be original, created within the past 10 years, and suitable for display in a professional gallery setting. Artists are responsible for their shipping, insurance, overnight accommodations, and travel costs should they wish to attend the exhibition.  
All works in any media, including performance, video, sculpture, textiles/fashion, installation, and more, are welcome and will be carefully considered. The exhibition aims to celebrate a wide range of artistic expressions, with works curated to explore the theme "One Light" across different media.  
All applications will be considered, and each artist can submit up to four works. It is also possible for an artist to have more than one work accepted, providing multiple opportunities to be showcased.  What is your interpretation of “One Light”?