Artwork Archive helps you manage every opportunity from start to finish. Our platform handles all the details, whether you're running competitions, residencies, or other artist programs.
Managing artist submissions is an essential task for arts organizations, public art programs, and curators—but it can quickly become overwhelming without the right tools.
Whether you’re organizing a juried exhibition, public art RFQ, or residency program, a call management platform can help you stay organized, streamline your process, and provide a better experience for both you and your applicants.
But with so many platforms out there—Submittable, CaFÉ, Google Forms, Dropbox—it can be tough to know which one is the right fit. Here are a few key tips for selecting the best call management platform for your needs, and why Artwork Archive’s new Calls for Entry Management solution is a powerful option to consider.
1. Prioritize ease of use—for both you and your applicants
A good platform should simplify, not complicate, your workflow. Look for intuitive dashboards, clean submission review tools, and clear formatting for artist entries.
With Artwork Archive:
You can set up calls in minutes, review submissions in one place (no downloading or renaming files), and offer artists an accessible, user-friendly application experience. It’s easy for both first-time applicants and seasoned arts professionals.
That ease of use doesn’t just help artists—it saves administrators time by reducing confusion, errors, and support emails and calls.
2. Look for integrated payment options for paid calls
If you charge a submission fee, you shouldn’t have to cobble together third-party payment systems. Choose a platform that integrates payments directly into the call process.
With Artwork Archive:
You can collect application fees securely through the platform—no extra invoicing, no chasing payments. It’s all handled in one seamless flow.
You can also easily offer discount codes for members, early-bird applicants, or special groups, making your call more inclusive and customizable.
3. Make collaboration simple
Calls often involve multiple stakeholders—jurors, curators, administrators. Look for a platform that supports team collaboration without endless email chains or version control issues.
With Artwork Archive:
You can easily collaborate with team members and jurors and track decisions—all within the same dashboard.
4. Ensure long-term access and archiving
What happens after the call closes? Choose a platform that allows you to keep an archive of applicants, selected artworks, and past calls for future reference.
With Artwork Archive:
Your data is preserved and organized—so you can revisit applicants for future opportunities or reference past submissions with ease.
This continuity is especially helpful during staff turnover, ensuring that important information isn’t lost or forgotten when roles change.
5. Promote your call effectively
Even the best-managed call won’t succeed if no one knows about it. Look for platforms with built-in visibility or artist discovery tools.
With Artwork Archive:
Your call is promoted to thousands of artists in the Artwork Archive network, expanding your reach and helping you attract high-quality submissions.
6. Consider integration with your broader collection strategy
If your accepted works are added to a collection or exhibition, wouldn’t it be nice if they could flow straight into your collection management system? Look for a platform that connects calls to your ongoing collection work.
With Artwork Archive:
It’s the first call management platform that integrates directly with a collection management system. That means you can seamlessly copy accepted artworks into your collection records to:
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Create exhibitions
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Build artist profiles
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Publish works online to boost discoverability and engagement—instantly
No more jumping between platforms or copying and pasting data. You’ll save time and ensure continuity from submission to stewardship—all in one place.
Whether you’re a gallery manager, public art administrator, or nonprofit program director, choosing the right call management platform can save time, reduce stress, and elevate the quality of your calls. With its artist-friendly design, built-in payments, collaborative tools, and integration with collection management, Artwork Archive’s Calls for Entry Management solution is built to meet your evolving needs. Learn more about our Calls for Entry tools.
