Six month-long exhibitions at one of New York City’s longest-running nonprofit alternative art spaces.
Table of Contents
The PS122 Gallery 2027 Exhibition Open Call invites curators, artist-led teams, and collectives to propose group exhibitions for the gallery’s 2027 season. Six month-long exhibitions will be selected by a three-person jury and presented in PS122 Gallery’s approximately 1,000-square-foot gallery in New York City’s East Village. Proposals must include a minimum of two artists working in any medium, and either the curator or participating artists must reside in one of New York City’s five boroughs. Applications close September 1, 2026, at 11:59 pm EST.
OF THE FIELD.
Opportunity Snapshot
What: Six curator- and/or artist-led, month-long exhibitions selected through the PS122 Gallery 2027 Exhibition Open Call.
Who: Curators, artist-led teams, and collectives proposing exhibitions with a minimum of two confirmed artists working in any medium. Either the curator or participating artists must reside in one of the five New York City boroughs. Currently enrolled students are not eligible.
Where: PS122 Gallery, East Village, New York City, USA
Award / Support: One month exhibition at PS122 Gallery; approximately 1,000-square-foot gallery space
Application Fee: FREE
Duration: One month.
Deadline: September 1, 2026, at 11:59 pm EST
Official Link: https://ps122gallery.org/2024/09/open-call-2025/
Get the Strategy Coach Notes: https://www.patreon.com/pformart/posts/ps122-gallery-163702486
Get the Application Strategy
The Strategy Coach Notes for the PS122 Gallery 2027 Exhibition Open Call examine how to build a compelling 500-word exhibition proposal, develop a strong curatorial framework, and present multiple artists as a cohesive exhibition rather than a collection of individual works. The guide analyzes how jurors are likely to evaluate the proposal, image PDF, and supporting materials together, what the gallery’s emphasis on collaboration, experimentation, public programming, and DEIA+ goals suggests about its priorities, and how applicants can strengthen the relationship between their exhibition concept and every required application component.
About the Opportunity
Founded in 1979, PS122 Gallery is one of New York City’s longest-running nonprofit alternative exhibition spaces dedicated to fostering and developing the work of emerging and under-recognized artists. Operating as an ongoing program of Painting Space 122, the gallery has played a significant role in the city’s contemporary art community by presenting interdisciplinary exhibitions and providing early opportunities for artists and curators who later became influential figures in contemporary art. The Exhibition Open Call helped launch exhibitions by artists including Keith Haring, Peter Halley, Amy Sillman, and many others, reinforcing the gallery’s long-standing commitment to discovering new voices and supporting experimental artistic practices.
The annual Exhibition Open Call, first introduced during the 1986-87 season and revived in 2023, continues that mission by inviting curators, artist-led initiatives, and collectives to develop original exhibitions for the 2027 season. Rather than selecting individual artists, PS122 Gallery is seeking fully conceived exhibition proposals that demonstrate a clear curatorial vision and meaningful relationships between participating artists. Six projects will be selected by a jury of arts professionals and presented as month-long exhibitions in the gallery’s approximately 1,000-square-foot space. The opportunity welcomes artists working in any medium and encourages experimental approaches to exhibition making alongside public programs with an aesthetic component.
What Is Offered
- One of six month-long exhibitions during the 2027 season
- Exhibition at PS122 Gallery in New York City’s East Village
- Approximately 1,000-square-foot gallery space
- Opportunity for curator-led and artist-led exhibitions
- Applications from collectives are encouraged
- Experimental exhibition formats are welcomed
- Public programs with an aesthetic component are encouraged
- Exhibition within a historic nonprofit alternative art space
Who Should Apply
The PS122 Gallery 2027 Exhibition Open Call is intended for curators, artist-led initiatives, and collectives that want to present a collaborative exhibition rather than a solo presentation. Applicants should already have confirmed participation from at least two artists before submitting, as artist names are required in the application. The opportunity is particularly well suited to emerging and mid-career curators developing new exhibition models, artist collectives exploring shared research or interdisciplinary practice, and artists interested in presenting work within a broader curatorial framework. Because either the curator or participating artists must reside within one of New York City’s five boroughs, the program is focused on supporting and strengthening the city’s artistic community while remaining open to projects working across all media.
Timeline
- Applications Open: July 1, 2026
- Application Deadline: September 1, 2026, at 11:59 pm EST
- Notification: October 2026
- Exhibition Dates: February, March, April, June, September, and October 2027
Why This Opportunity Matters
PS122 Gallery has played an important role in New York City’s contemporary art community for more than four decades by providing early exhibition opportunities to emerging artists and curators while supporting ambitious, experimental work. The Exhibition Open Call continues that legacy by creating an accessible pathway into one of the city’s most respected nonprofit alternative exhibition spaces. Unlike opportunities focused on individual artists, this call rewards thoughtful collaboration, strong curatorial vision, and well-developed exhibition concepts. For curators, artist-led teams, and collectives looking to expand their exhibition practice, the program offers the opportunity to realize a complete project within an institution known for championing new ideas and supporting artists throughout their careers.
Apply
Official opportunity information and application details:
https://ps122gallery.org/2024/09/open-call-2025/
OF THE FIELD.
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