About the Open Call

cia gallery, nyc is proud to present our inaugural open call for a solo and a group exhibition. Two proposals will be selected, each presenting an up to three week exhibition with an opening at the physical, ground floor gallery in NYC, off of the L train in the 11385 zip code. Each exhibition will be funded at $2,000, with $1,200 distributed ahead of the opening and the rest as artist or curator fee at the time of the opening. Six finalists will also be selected by late February, and included in an upcoming group exhibition at cia gallery. This open call functions as a portfolio review. Each project or artist website will receive a personalized response with written feedback by email from the curatorial board (Julia Sinelnikova, Sam Black, Akeem Duncan, and Katie Cercone). Each submission will be processed for $25. Selected exhibitions will be provided NYC area press promotion, installation support on-site, and some staffed gallery hours open to the public during the exhibition's run. The deadline is January 31st, 2026 for solo exhibitions, or February 16th, 2026 for group exhibitions. The exhibitions will take place in July through September 2026. The funding will be distributed in April, 2025. Funding distribution is contingent on providing an up to date government ID card, a permanent mailing address, a reference, and continued follow through with the exhibition plan, via consistent phone and email communication with cia gallery. The gallery is approximately 9ft wide by 19ft long and 10ft high, with a glass storefront. The space is suitable for wall art, sculptures, paintings, installations, brief intimate performance art happenings, ambient sound, projection art, photography etc. Most 2D work will require framing or mounting consultation with the gallery to ensure professional appearance. Equipment and production support for installations is available. LOCATION: 5 minutes or less walk from the Halsey L train stop in 11385 NYC, ground floor storefront.

What is Offered

Each selected exhibition will receive $2,000 in funding ($1,200 distributed ahead of opening, remainder as artist/curator fee). Six finalists will be included in a group exhibition. All submissions receive personalized response with written feedback from the curatorial board. Selected exhibitions receive NYC area press promotion, installation support on-site, and some staffed gallery hours.

Requirements

Applicants must provide an up-to-date government ID card, a permanent mailing address, a reference, and ensure consistent phone and email communication with cia gallery for funding distribution. A submission fee of $25 is required.

How to Apply

Submit via the Jotform. Send $25 via PayPal or crypto (ethereum) within 24 hours of hitting submit, for us to process your proposal. Email ciagallerynyc@gmail.com with paypal confirmation code or paypal email address.