Space Is Weird, So Are We

Space Is Weird, So Are We. Each year, thousands of artists from around the world use CaFÉ to discover and apply to creative opportunities. This exhibition turns that same platform into a space to celebrate the artists who make the CaFÉ global community possible. This CaFÉ-sponsored online exhibition invites artists everywhere to explore space as distance, territory, feeling, and fantasy. We’re looking for work that reaches into the cosmic, the quiet, the offbeat, and the unknown. Whether literal or abstract, bold or subtle, profound or strange, show us your take on space, whatever that means to you. Take a journey with us through this international online exhibition celebrating the artists who shape, stretch, and reimagine our creative world. This call is open to artists worldwide and in the universe.

The Theme: Space Is Weird, So Are We 

This exhibition invites artists everywhere to explore space as distance, territory, feeling, and fantasy. We’re looking for work that reaches into the cosmic, the quiet, the offbeat, and the unknown. Whether literal or abstract, bold or subtle, profound or strange, show us your take on space, whatever that means to you.

Our Vision

This exhibition is a creative project brought to you by the CaFÉ team, the people behind the platform you use to discover and apply to opportunities. Aligning with a vision for Creative West (the organization that powers CaFÉ) to amplify the voices of the communities we serve, we’re proud to present this international, online exhibition celebrating the artists who shape, stretch, and reimagine our creative world. Together, these works will form a constellation of perspectives from the global artist community that gathers on CaFÉ, honoring creativity across cultures, disciplines, and dimensions.

Selection Process & Exposure

The CaFÉ team will select 100 pieces for an exclusive online exhibition on our website. 

Being selected means: 

• Digital Showcase: An exclusive feature on the CaFÉ website.
• Social Spotlight: Features on CaFÉ’s Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn channels throughout the year.
• Organizational Reach: Placement on both the CaFÉ and Creative West websites, as well as in the artist's newsletter, Cup of CaFÉ.

Awards

To top it off, Creative West is awarding a combined total of $2,000 to the highest-scoring artists.

• First place: $1,000
• Second place: $500
• Third place: $250

An additional 5 artists selected will receive $50 each.

Free to Apply 

• Quantity: Submit 1–2 artworks for consideration.
  • Note: All work samples must be in a single application. You cannot add more after submitting.
• Media Types: We accept images, audio, or video. We highly encourage audio and video submissions!
  • Images: Provide JPG files
  • Video: Provide YouTube or Vimeo links.
  • Audio: Provide links to common online streaming platforms.
• Artist Statement: A brief statement (max 1,000 characters) describing how your work responds to the theme, literally or conceptually.
  • Note: This will be visible to jurors and displayed in the exhibition if selected.
• Artist Headshot: A photo that represents you.
  • For the headshot you'll be asked for JPG or PDF file. Maximum 2MB.
  • Note: This will be visible to jurors and displayed in the exhibition if selected.

This call is open to artists worldwide and in the universe.
 

Our Mission

CaFÉ strives to make art opportunities available to all by offering arts organizations an affordable submission platform and artists an easy way to apply.
 

Rules and Terms to Apply

CaFÉ reserves the right to select and use submitted artwork images in an online exhibition and as rotating images on the CaFÉ website. Submitted artwork may also be featured on the  CaFÉ, Creative West, and/or affiliated social media accounts (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn). Artists will be credited according to the information given in the call application. By submitting, you are allowing CaFÉ to use your images online on any page of the CaFÉ website at callforentry.org. This call is open to artists residing in the United States and internationally, except where prohibited or restricted by U.S. law. Creative West is unable to award cash prizes to individuals located in countries or regions subject to U.S. economic sanctions or other legal restrictions, or to individuals otherwise prohibited from receiving funds under applicable law. All entrants are responsible for ensuring that their participation and receipt of any prize complies with the laws of their jurisdiction. 

Competition is subject to all applicable federal, state, local, and international laws and regulations. Void where prohibited by law. Creative West reserves the right to disqualify any entrant who is ineligible under applicable law or unable to complete required tax or payment documentation.

Selected artists receiving a cash award must complete required tax documentation (including a W-9 for U.S. persons or appropriate international tax documentation) and administrative forms prior to payment. Cash awards are payable only to artists who can lawfully receive funds through U.S.-based financial institutions.

Employees of Creative West and its trustees and their immediate family members are not eligible to enter or win.

At this time, we are not accepting AI-generated or AI-assisted artwork. Submissions must be created solely by the artist without the use of generative artificial intelligence tools.