Each year, Orchid Gallery holds an Open Call for Submissions, from which artists are selected for a series of solo shows, thematic group exhibitions, site-specific installations, and programming opportunities. Artists of color who live and/or work in the Greater New Haven Area, and are not commercially represented, are invited to apply. Guest curators are also invited to apply with original exhibition proposals. Exhibitions run for 8-12 weeks, and are accessible to the general public, ConnCORP staff, and those participating in special events at Orchid Hall. Each exhibition launches with an Opening Reception that is free and open to the public. At the end of each calendar year, all artists who participated in past and current exhibition seasons will be invited to attend a Makers’ Meetup, a large informal gathering held in Orchid Hall that celebrates the unique creativity in our region. The event is designed to foster connection and collaboration amongst local creatives working across disciplines. Before applying to the 2026 Open Call, please see the Eligibility & Terms below: Application Dates: 2026 Open Call Application Opens: November 1, 2025 Deadline to Apply: March 15, 2026 Eligibility & Terms: Visual artists of all ages, who self-identify as an early-career artist and a person of color and are not commercially represented, are invited to apply Artists must submit an Artist Statement describing what they make and why (500 Words Max) Artists must submit a CV, detailing their exhibition history and any relevant projects and experiences. A degree in art is not needed to apply! To learn how to write an Artist Statement or CV, you can sign up for Creative Capital’s free online course, Grant Writing and Promoting Your Practice, here. There are also many other free courses and resources available. Artists must submit documentation for a minimum of 2 and maximum of 8 artworks. This should also include: caption information: title, year, dimensions, materials, edition, and price if applicable an artwork description wherever possible/applicable Artists are also invited to submit an optional proposal for a site-specific installation that builds upon ConnCORP’s mission, vision and values, and suits the specificity of the space. This should include: a materials list, installation requirements and a proposed layout with dimensions using the Gallery blueprint which can be made available upon request caption information: artwork title, year, dimensions, materials, edition, and price if applicable Artists are responsible for the hand-delivery of install-ready artwork Orchid Gallery cannot accept any single work valued at more than $10,000 Applications must be submitted by March 15, 2026 at 11:59pm If an artist is interested in contracting the bldg fund to support the promotion and sale of their work–including special tours for collectors and related programming–please indicate this on your application. Otherwise, each artist is responsible for directly managing inquiries and sales Guest curators interested in applying with an Exhibition Proposal must submit a Curatorial Statement, CV, Proposed Checklist, Artist Biographies, installation requirements and a proposed layout with dimensions using the Gallery blueprint which can be made available upon request.