Occultus From The Vestibule

Applications close in 3 days

  • Type: Exhibition
  • Submission Deadline: August 01, 2026 @ 11:59PM (America - Los Angeles)
  • Event Dates: Oct 03, 2026 - Oct 31, 2026
  • Submission limit: 2 pieces
Submit to Call
3 days left
Occultus seeks artworks that live in the boundary between art and the occult. At what point does art become ritual or sacred practice? When does the act of creation become a deeper exploration of the mysteries of the cosmos? The work might illuminate or speak to hidden knowledge, play with magical and natural forces, or dream of non-traditional divinities. Works that explore cosmic and metaphysical themes are of particular interest.

The Vestibule invites submissions of new or completed artwork by single artists or small collectives for Occultus, exhibition from October 3rd – 31st. We are open to all genres of art and are excited to exhibit new media and unexpected formats. Performance art will be specially considered for weekend (Friday or Saturday) events throughout the month of October.

guest curated by Jay Stoneking


From the curator

"While the word 'occult' probably summons images of hooded figures standing over pentagrams, at its core the occult simply refers to knowledge of the hidden, of revealed secrets and explorations of the unknown. Some of its oldest usage connects to alchemical tradition, astrological study, and the exploration of natural substances - many early scientific figures dabbled in occult study or philosophy. I'm most interested in works steeped in personal ritual and symbology, science as magic, or non-traditional spirituality to explore your / our relationship to the cosmos and metaphysical world."


Exhibition Dates
Works received by September 28, 2026
Site-specific installation Sept 28-30, 2026
Exhibition: Oct 03, 2026 - Oct 31, 2026
Deinstall/Works Picked up: Nov 1, 2026, no storage

Eligibility Criteria:

Open to all. Online presence/portfolio and/or CV are required. We encourage submissions by BIPOC artists and artists identifying as LGBTQIA+. 

Application Requirements:

Submit EITHER completed OR proposed work.

Choose Create 'a new piece' in the Artwork archive portal. 

For completed work, upload to this piece:
  • JPEGS - 2-4 images of the completed work with dimensions. An overall and a detail would be fine.  
  • PDF - A brief artist statement of not more than ~100 words explaining the work's connection to the occult. One or two sentences may be enough! Please also include any special considerations for install, if applicable.
For proposed new work, upload to this piece:
  • PDF - proposal with a detailed description of the proposed set of works or project with approximate dimensions: you may include 2-4 images such as details or sketches, and up to 200 words to describe the process, product and connection to the occult. Please also include any special considerations for install, if applicable.
  • JPEGS or PDF - of Past Work/Proof of concept: 2-4 examples of past work with 1-2 images of each.

Rules and Terms:

Do NOT email images.   
DO Upload them here.  
DO ask questions.

Contact

For questions about the application itself (application requirements, terms, etc), please contact us directly at [email protected]

For questions or issues with the application process (setting up an account, submitting to the call, login issues, etc), please contact Artwork Archive or call 720-900-5506

The Vestibule