Unity Gallery — Open Call for Art

Show Title: OPEN

The Unity Gallery’s First Open Call for Artwork: “OPEN”

Everyone has the power to create. Whether you’ve been making art for years or have never considered yourself an “artist,” OPEN invites you to share your creativity and self-expression. This is your chance to explore another side of yourself — one that others may not have seen — and to contribute your unique perspective to a collective story of imagination, community, and belonging.

OPEN furthers the Unity Gallery’s mission to be a welcoming home for all — fostering a distinct, inclusive, and equitable culture within the Neurology Department and the University of Rochester community, where everyone can thrive and celebrate their authentic selves.

Theme: OPEN

True creativity can’t be confined to a single idea, style, or direction. OPEN invites artists/creators to submit the work that speaks most deeply to who they are and what they believe—whether it explores personal stories, dreams, emotions, memories, or the world around us.

All media are welcome: painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, installation, digital media, textile and fiber art, mixed-media, and poetry/literary works. Every accepted piece becomes part of a larger story about what it means to be a human being in today’s world.

Eligibility

OPEN is open to all artists from UR Medicine Neurology and beyond, regardless of gender, background, or medium. We welcome submissions from emerging to established creators.

  • Artists of all backgrounds and experience levels are encouraged to apply.

  • Each artist may submit up to two (2) artworks.

Key Dates

  • Submission window: December 1-December 20, 2025

  • Entry limit: Submissions are capped at 40 entries due to limited space. If the cap is reached before December 20, 2025, a notice will be posted on this page and submissions will close early.

  • Notification of results: December 29, 2025

  • Artwork delivery (by appointment, in person): January 5-10, 2026 (approx.)

  • Artwork pick-up (by appointment, in person): End of April , 2026 (approx.)

How to Apply

Complete the online application during the submission window and carefully follow the guidelines below. Incomplete or late submissions may not be reviewed.

Submission Requirements

  • Number of artworks: Up to two (2).

  • Originality: Work must be original in concept, design, and execution. Limited-edition prints must be numbered.

  • Artwork description: For each work (2D or 3D), include a description (max 1,800 characters) written in third person that specifically addresses the submitted work. This text may be adapted for extended labels and online publication.

  • Artist statement: (max 1,200 characters) in third person, describing your overall practice, style, and key themes (not a CV or professional bio).

Image Specifications (for 2D & 3D works)

Submit one high-quality JPEG of the full artwork plus two detail images. These may be used for publication and promotion.

  • Resolution: 300 dpi

  • Dimensions: Longest side minimum 960 px, maximum 4800 px

Size & Weight Limits

  • 2D works: Max 48 in (w) × 60 in (h) (including frame); weight up to 100 lbs.

  • 3D works: Up to 3 ft (h) × 3 ft (w) × 3 ft (d) (inclusive of all components); weight up to 100 lbs.

Literary Works — Poetry

  • Submit up to two (2) poems totaling two pages maximum.

  • Save poems as a single document. Preferred formats: .doc, .docx, .pdf

Review Process

All submissions will be reviewed by the Unity Gallery Art Committee of juried professionals. All jurors’ decisions are final and binding. Artists will be notified of results by December 10, 2025.

Delivery & Pick-Up (Accepted Works Only)

Accepted artists are responsible for transporting works to and from the gallery. Appointments will be assigned during business hours.

Delivery & Pick-Up Location:
The Unity Gallery, University of Rochester 5.4300
601 Elmwood Ave.
Rochester, NY 14642

  • Deliveries: December 15–20, 2026 (approx.)

  • Pick-ups: April 8–11, 2026 (approx.)

Artwork labeling: Securely attach a label to the back or bottom of each artwork with:
(i) artist’s name; (ii) artwork title; (iii) artist’s contact information (email & phone).

Be Part of OPEN

Bring the work that feels most you—from your heart, your home, your office, your studio, or your imagination. Share your vision, be seen, be celebrated, and help us inaugurate the Unity Gallery’s first open call.

Questions? Please refer to these guidelines and the online application for details. We look forward to experiencing your work.

 

SUBMIT HERE