Playbook
How to apply for open calls
Open calls invite submissions for exhibitions, anthologies, festivals and showcases. Each call sets its own theme, format, rights terms and sometimes an entry fee.
How these are won
- Submit only work that fits the theme; panels sort quickly.
- Check the entry fee, the rights you grant and the selection process before submitting.
- Follow the file and image specifications exactly; files outside them may be excluded.
Materials checklist
- Work samplesOnly you can supply it: upload it once and it is attached wherever it is asked for.
- Artist statementOnward Scout drafts it from your sourced profile; you approve every line.
A preparation timeline
Counted back from the deadline. Each program guide puts real dates on it.
- 28 days before the deadlineChoose the workSelect samples that fit the call's theme and the project you will propose.
- 21 days before the deadlineWrite the statementWrite the artist statement or project proposal for this call specifically.
- 7 days before the deadlinePrepare the filesExport files to the exact specifications and check rights and releases.
- 2 days before the deadlineSubmitSubmit early and keep the confirmation and any receipt for the fee.
Questions you will meet, answered honestly
Describe the work.
Title, medium, dimensions or length, and a short statement about what it does.
How does it relate to the theme?
One or two sentences that connect the work to the call without stretching.
How Onward Scout helps
Onward Scout maps the official form field by field, fills it from your sourced profile and drafts the written answers; you review and tap to submit. If the form stops at a CAPTCHA, a login or a payment, you get a handoff with every field ready to paste.
Open now
- Apply by 18 November 2026Tribeca Festival 2027 – Film SubmissionsTribeca EnterprisesOpen submissions for features, shorts, music videos and TV pilots for the 2027 Tribeca Festival in New York (June 3–12, 2027).festival premiere in New York · industry exposureNew York · open to applicants worldwideDetails and how to apply
- Apply by 2 December 2026Tribeca Digital CreatorsTribeca EnterprisesTribeca Festival section for storytellers who publish on platforms like TikTok, Instagram and YouTube, with a showcase at the 2027 festival.festival showcase · industry exposureNew York · open to applicants worldwideDetails and how to apply
- See cycleFIRST International Film Festival Xining – Competition SubmissionsFIRST International Film FestivalAnnual festival in Xining focused on new-generation Chinese-language filmmakers; its main competition and short-film sections accept open submissions of features and…competition awards · industry screeningsXining, ChinaAnnual festival in summer; submissions open roughly in the first half of each year (2026 edition closed)Details and how to apply
- See cycleSXSW 2027 Music Festival Showcase ApplicationSouth by Southwest (SXSW)Open application for musicians of any genre and from any country to play an official showcase at the SXSW 2027 Music Festival in Austin (March 15-21, 2027). Selected…Optional one-time payment for US acts: $400 (3+ performers) or $175 (solo/duo) instead of badgesAustin, United States · open to applicants worldwideAnnual; applications open in summer for the following March festivalDetails and how to apply
Let Onward Scout prepare your open calls applications
Drop in the résumé, deck or portfolio you already have. Onward Scout builds a sourced profile, finds opportunities you can win and prepares each application for you to approve with a tap.
Nothing is submitted without your tap. Logins, CAPTCHAs, payments and interviews stay with you.