OPEN CALL:2025 NATIONAL GUEST ARTIST OPEN CALL
Application opens November 4th, 2025
DEADLINE TO SUBMIT: January 5th, 2025 11:59pm
SUBMIT HERE
The applications are available via SlideRoom and may be accessed here. A floor plan of Vox Populi’s gallery spaces is available here.
Vox Populi is pleased to announce our annual open call offering two artists the opportunity to extend and challenge their artistic practice. This opportunity includes a four-week residency in Philadelphia and two individual 5-week exhibition slots at Vox Populi. One resident will be selected for a traditional white wall gallery slot and the other will be selected for our Black Box exhibition slot. We seek to support artists who are working in a range of media, who take on various subject matter and material, and who represent the range of diversity present and underrepresented in our communities, including on the axis of race, class, gender, and sexuality, as well as geographic points of origin (eg. rural, non-art centers, underrepresented localities).
Vox Populi is interested in exhibitions by national artists from outside the larger Philadelphia area. We are seeking artists without commercial representation, who want to find new audiences. Vox Populi is interested in work that takes place in experimental media and employs alternative methodologies, pushing boundaries in terms of form and content. We want work that takes risks, is ambitious, timely, and experimental.
About the two exhibition slots: The white wall exhibition slot is best suited for artists whose work does not require dim lighting. The artists in residence will be given full access to one gallery room. Gallery walls heights are 10’ 5.” Walls can be painted but must be returned to white during deinstall.
The Black Box exhibition slot is for artists working in new media, video, and film. Exhibitions in Black Box are intended to be primarily film/video/audio based. Any installation elements must be easily movable (for example, on wheels or generally small) within Black Box so as to allow for other usage of the space (rehearsals, performances, etc.).
Application opens November 4th, 2025.
Open Call:
Artists living at least 50 miles or more outside of Philadelphia interested in participating in a one month residency in August 2025 with a two-person group exhibition in September/October 2024. The 4-week residency and 5-week exhibition will be granted to two artists to develop work for a fall group exhibition in Vox Populi’s gallery space.
Residency Dates:
August 4th-September 7th, 2025
Exhibition Dates:
September 5th-October 12th, 2025
Submission Guidelines:
Completed application that includes information about you and your practice, intentions during the residency, and references. Artists will submit works (1-10 work samples). Please note this is an opportunity for artists living outside of the greater Philadelphia region to gain exposure with a Philadelphia audience and engage with the Vox Populi membership. We will consider applicants who live outside of a 50 mile radius from Philadelphia.
Application Materials:
Personal Bio
Artist’s Statement
Current CV* no more than 2 pages
Residency Goals: Why Vox Populi, Why Philadelphia, Why now?
Exhibition Proposal: We would like to hear about what makes you curious, what you are interested in exhibiting, and what your jumping off point would be. (250 words max)
Artist’s Questions *We would like to know a little more about who you are as a person!
Work samples* 1-10
Two references
Application fee is $35. More details on the application process, types of media files accepted, and information on past and current work Vox has supported can be found on our webpage.
Important Dates:
Submission Timeline: November 4th, 2024- January 5th, 2025
Application deadline: January 5th, 2025 11:59pm
Notification date: Late January/Early February
Residency dates: August 4th 2025 – September 7th 2025
Exhibitions: September 5th- October 12th, 2025
Residency Information:
Summer residents receive 24-hour access to a semi-private apartment in a historic home in the Germantown Neighborhood in Philadelphia. Accommodations include a private bedroom and bathroom in a shared house, complete with common spaces, and kitchen. Artists-in-residence also have access to our limited workspace and dry studio. Monthly programming includes group and one-on-one studio visits with our artists members, Executive Director, and other Philadelphia artists. Other activities include communal dinners, access to Vox Populi events and inclusion in other artistic opportunities.
Artists will have 24 hour access to the Vox Populi gallery during the duration of their stay and throughout their exhibition install period.
Review Process
Artists-in-residence are selected by the Vox Populi artists members. Residents will be selected based on the quality of their work, commitment to their practice, feasibility of their exhibition proposal and ability to interact positively with the community at large.
If you have additional questions, see our Residency FAQ. We’ll also be holding info sessions in mid November and December.
Questions? Contact: exhibitions@voxpopuligallery.org
No phone calls please!
Residency FAQ
Shared Studios
What are the studios like?
Our shared workspaces are located on two different floors of the residence house. We provide each artist with one table, one chair, and the basement workspace has at least two working walls and some storage. Artists are also welcome to work at the Vox Populi Gallery throughout the month of August directly in Gallery 3 where their exhibition will take place.
Workspace size?
Varies
Can I ship art supplies ahead?
Yes. You can send work to the residency house and/or Vox Populi Gallery. Please make packages out with ℅ information.
C/O
Vox Populi
319 N. 11th St.
PhiladeLphia, PA 19107
C/O
522 E. Locust Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19144
Can I put holes in the walls?
Within the residency house please only put holes in the basement studios. Spackle over anything larger than a pushpin hole before you leave. Within the Vox Populi Gallery space you can alter walls but will have to restore all gallery walls to their original state.
What’s available in the Vox Populi Gallery space?
Inventory list and installation guide here.
Are materials provided?
There are limited install materials provided at the Vox Populi Gallery. Please see the installation guide linked above. If there is something you know you need unique to execute your idea, please include that in your application or email exhibtions@voxpopuligallery.org to see if we can accommodate the request.
Is there a slop sink?
Yes, at the Vox Populi Gallery and at the residency.
Any material restrictions?
Nothing flammable or hazardous in the workspace! You are staying in a shared home. And be careful with toxic fumes, especially in the workspaces. No disposing of anything toxic in the sinks — we want to keep our city clean. If you’re unsure about it, be on the side of caution and ASK.
WiFi?
Yes. In both the residency house and gallery.
What is expected of me while I’m at the residency?
The intention of the summer residency is to assist artists outside of Philadelphia with time and space to develop work for their fall exhibition. During the month of the residency program your time is open-ended and residents make their own studio hours, but all residents are highly encouraged to participate in the month’s events and studio visits are set up weekly between the artists-in-residence and the Vox Populi community. All required participation is given with advanced notice before arrival to the residency to allow artists the opportunity to craft their schedule accordingly.
Can I sell my work during the residency?
Of course. Artists are responsible for handling any sale of their work and keep all proceeds.
Housing
Move-in date?
The designated date of arrival, from August 3rd between 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM. A Vox Populi member and/or Executive Director, will help coordinate your arrival/orientation.
Where will I live?
You’ll have a private room in a home in the historic Germantown neighborhood in Philadelphia, The house is within walking distance of public transit and has ample street parking.
How many artists are in residence?
2, in 2 separate bedrooms. Each artist gets their own bedroom and bathroom with a shared living space and kitchen.
Are meals provided?
No. Residents are responsible for their own meals (and bonds are formed in the kitchen!). There will be a few communal meals with the Vox Populi community.
Are there washers/dryers in the houses?
Yes, there’s one washer/dryer setup.
Can I bring a spouse/partner/collaborator?
Yes, with approval and for a limited time (no more than 2 consecutive days). Guests are not allowed to use the workspaces unless they also apply and are accepted to the residency program.
What if my spouse/partner/collaborator wants their own studio?
They’ll need to apply separately. Please note whether you’d be willing to come if they’re not accepted, though.
Can I bring my kids?
Unfortunately, at this time no.
Is the residency/housing accessible for people with disabilities?
Our residency and gallery is housed in historic spaces that are not accessible. Our residency housing with a workspace contains two sets of stairs. Our bathrooms are not ADA compliant. Artists who need to move around, twitch, pace, or not make eye contact are welcome. If you have access needs not addressed here, email us and we’ll try to work with you to support them.
What to bring for the house?
The kitchen is stocked with pots, pans, plates, cups, etc. All the standard kitchen stuff. We provide bedding (sheets, pillows, blankets), and bath towels. We’ll keep the bathroom stocked with toilet paper, hand soap, etc.
Note: The home you are staying in was built in 1880. It is not equipped with air conditioning and summer in Philadelphia can be steamy. Each bedroom has a ceiling fan and window unit air conditioners.
What to bring in general?
Art supplies or any special tools you need to execute your project. There are opportunities to get supplies in Philadelphia but will need to be coordinated with a Vox Populi member. Weather-appropriate clothing. Summer is humid in Philadelphia and hot. Proper footwear. Be smart — no open-toed sandals in the workspaces or gallery Toiletries, medicine, etc. There are pharmacies within walking distance from the residence. Bug spray. Summer gets muggy. Mosquitos and ticks love that. Headphones. You’re sharing a space — no blasting hair metal at 7:00 AM.
What not to bring?
Pets, hot plates, toxic materials. Again, be smart and ask if you’re unsure.
Visitors?
Yes. Any visitors need to be approved by staff and sign a waiver (which is sent to the Executive Director) before their arrival. Visitors can stay with a resident for up to two consecutive days and only once per residency period with approval of both the residency coordinator and your fellow resident.
Composting?
Not right now.
Life in Philadelphia
What’s it like?
Our Gallery is located near Chinatown in Center City, Philadelphia. There are several other art spaces within the building.
Our residence is located in Historic Germantown, about 7 Miles from our gallery. The house is located close to Germantown Avenue, Wissahickon Park and other local favorites like the Germantown Kitchen Garden. The house has ample outdoor space with a firepit, an enclosed garden, front porch with a swing and covered deck.
Getting around?
The residence is a few blocks from the regional rail line, SEPTA bus lines to center city. The gallery is located near several different public transportation options.
The Chestnut Hill East regional rail line goes blocks from both locations, around once per hour on weekdays and every two hours on weekends.
Mail?
Packages can be delivered to the residence or gallery.
Pets?
Sorry, no pets. Also note there is a dog that is located at the residency. She is a 60lb bulldog that is very people friendly. If you have any questions about the dog, please reach out!
Nature?
Tons at Wissahickon park! You are also not far from the Schuylkill river trail. This trail can be biked all the way to the art museum.
Can I visit before my residency?
Yes. Email exhibitions@voxpopuligallery.org to schedule a visit.
Programming
What are my studio visits like?
We arrange studio visits for the month with current Vox Populi artists members and other Philadelphia artists/curators. They are informal and can last anywhere from 30–60 minutes depending on the visitor’s schedule. If there is someone you are interested in meeting with, please let us know and we will do our best to make that connection!
What other programming is there?
Introduction dinner – A welcome dinner with limited Vox Populi audience
Vox Populi Community Garden Party
Public Artist talk
Weekly Studio Visits (Normally Wednesdays except for the last week of the residency due to show install)
Communal dinners
Fees and Fellowships
Financial support?
Each resident will be provided a stipend of 750.00 dollars. Travel to and from the residency and additional materials to implement your project are the responsibility of the artist(s). Vox Populi can provide a letter of intent to any artist who is looking to supplement their residency and show with additional grants.
What if I need to leave early?
You are welcome to leave early but you are expected to execute your exhibition installation prior to leaving the residency. Artists are also responsible for their own de-install.
Application information
When are applications open?
November 2nd, 2024
Are writers/filmmakers able to apply?
Yes! Please be specific in your proposal how you plan to activate the exhibition with your preferred medium.
I’m a mid-career or established artist, should I still apply?
Yes! We encourage everyone to apply. Remember that this is a national open call, so we are looking for artists that are 50 miles from Philadelphia or further.
Are applications open to international residents?
Not at this time.
Can I apply for a shorter/longer residency?
The residency is connected to the September/October 2025 exhibition. August 2025 is the only available time for the residency.
How does the review process work?
Applicants are evaluated by a review committee composed of the Vox Populi artists members. Residents are selected based on the quality of their work, commitment to their practice, and ability to interact positively with the community at large.
What happens after I’m accepted?
We ask that all accepted residents reply to confirm their spot within 10 days. Upon confirmation, we also ask that residents review and sign our Residency Agreement.