Calling all artists and curators!

The Association for Visual Arts is pleased to invite proposals for our 2026 exhibition programme.

We are looking to support exhibitions that expose new works, feature a wide range of media, highlight marginalised histories, experiences and/ or artistic practices, and confront social challenges. Proposals will be considered by a selection committee composed of AVA board members and invited panellists. 

Both solo and group exhibition proposals are welcomed.  Early career artists and curators, womxn artists and curators, creatives working with digital and time-based media are encouraged to apply.

Submissions for AVA’s 2026 programme close on 31 July 2025. Applicants will be notified by the end of September 2025.

The administration fee for our open call is R150. Pensioners and students pay a reduced fee of R75. Once the fee is paid, applicants will receive a complimentary AVA membership valid for one year. Please note all current AVA members (with paid up membership fees) are exempt from this fee.

Image credit/ Featured artwork: Vusumzi Nkomo, Anxiogenic black spots XIV, 2024 (detail)