ORAC GALLERY / OPEN CALL / CHICAGO 2026
ARTIST SELECTION
FOR SPECTRUM CHICAGO 2026
ORAC Gallery invites artists to apply for selection for the gallery’s presentation at Spectrum Chicago 2026, taking place at THE MART, Chicago, 7–10 October 2026.
Application deadline: 10 September 2026 · Application fee: €20
The selected artist will not be charged a booth, exhibition, curatorial or representation fee.
THE OPPORTUNITY
ORAC Gallery is selecting an artist for its presentation at Spectrum Chicago 2026, taking place at THE MART, Chicago, 7–10 October 2026.
The selected artist will be presented by ORAC Gallery within the gallery’s fair booth, with the final selection of works and presentation developed in dialogue with the artist.
ORAC Gallery will provide the exhibition space, curatorial selection and presentation, installation coordination, gallery representation during the fair, communication and sales support.
The selected artist will not be charged a booth fee, exhibition fee, curatorial fee or representation fee for participation in Spectrum Chicago 2026.
The open call is intended for artists with a developed professional practice and works suitable for presentation within an international contemporary art fair context.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
ORAC Gallery is looking for artists whose work can build a strong, coherent presentation within the context of an international contemporary art fair.
We are particularly interested in practices that demonstrate a clear artistic identity, professional consistency and a body of work capable of engaging both curatorial and collector audiences.
Selection will take into account:
• the artistic quality and coherence of the practice
• suitability of the proposed works for the fair context
• visual strength and presentation potential
• price positioning and market readiness
• logistical feasibility, including dimensions, weight and transport
• the artist’s professional profile and ability to collaborate within the gallery’s presentation
The open call is not an art competition and does not constitute a general ranking of artistic value. Non-selection should not be understood as a negative assessment of the quality or potential of the submitted practice.
WHAT THE SELECTED ARTIST RECEIVES
The selected artist will be presented by ORAC Gallery at Spectrum Chicago 2026 as part of the gallery’s official fair presentation.
ORAC Gallery will provide:
• exhibition space within the gallery’s booth
• curatorial selection and development of the final presentation
• installation coordination and on-site gallery representation
• inclusion in ORAC Gallery’s communication surrounding the fair
• presentation of the artist and selected works to visitors, collectors and professional audiences
• sales representation during the fair
No booth fee, exhibition fee, curatorial fee or participation fee will be charged to the selected artist.
The final number and selection of works will be determined by ORAC Gallery in dialogue with the selected artist, taking into account the booth layout, curatorial coherence and logistical requirements.
APPLICATION & DEADLINE
Applications are open until 10 September 2026, 23:59 CEST.
Application fee: €20
The application fee covers the administration, formal verification and professional review of each complete submission by ORAC Gallery. Payment of the application fee does not guarantee selection, exhibition, representation or individual feedback.
Each application should include:
• artist CV
• short biography
• artist statement
• portfolio
• up to four works proposed for presentation in Chicago
• title, year, medium, dimensions and selling price for each proposed work
• information on availability, framing, weight and shipping requirements where applicable
• website, Instagram and/or other relevant professional links
At least one proposed work must be physically available for presentation at Spectrum Chicago 2026.
One €20 fee applies to the complete application, not to each submitted work.
Incomplete applications or applications submitted without confirmed payment may not be admitted to the selection process.
PRACTICAL TERMS
Due to the proximity of Spectrum Chicago 2026, applicants should be prepared to proceed with the selected works and logistical arrangements immediately following confirmation of selection.
The proposed works must be completed, available for exhibition and capable of being delivered within the timetable established by ORAC Gallery.
Transport, packing, insurance and any customs arrangements will be agreed individually with the selected artist and confirmed in the final participation agreement.
The artist’s personal attendance in Chicago is not required unless otherwise agreed. ORAC Gallery will represent the selected artist and the exhibited works throughout the fair.
Works presented at the fair must be available for sale unless ORAC Gallery expressly agrees otherwise.
Retail prices and the final sales conditions will be agreed with the selected artist before the works are confirmed for presentation.
Any gallery commission applicable to sales will be defined in the agreement concluded with the selected artist prior to the fair.
ORAC Gallery reserves the right to determine the final selection, number and arrangement of works presented within its booth at Spectrum Chicago 2026.
Applications may be reviewed on a rolling basis, and shortlisted artists may be contacted before the application deadline.
SELECTION PROCESS
Applications will be reviewed by ORAC Gallery in relation to the specific requirements of the Chicago presentation.
The selection process will include:
1. Formal review
Verification of application completeness, submitted materials and payment.2. Practice review
Assessment of the artist’s body of work, professional profile, consistency and artistic direction.3. Fair-context assessment
Evaluation of the proposed works in relation to the booth format, collector audience, price positioning, presentation potential and logistical feasibility.4. Shortlist
Shortlisted artists may be contacted for additional information, a brief online conversation or simple studio verification of the proposed works.5. Final selection
The final decision will be made by ORAC Gallery based on the overall fit between the artist’s practice and the gallery’s presentation at Spectrum Chicago 2026.
Applications may be reviewed on a rolling basis. Shortlisted artists may therefore be contacted before the application deadline.
The selection does not constitute a ranking of artistic value. ORAC Gallery is selecting an artist for a specific exhibition and market context.
Due to the volume and short timeframe of the open call, ORAC Gallery cannot guarantee individual feedback to applicants.
FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES
The Chicago selection is the primary purpose of this open call.
Independently of the final Spectrum Chicago 2026 selection, ORAC Gallery may identify artists whose practices are relevant to future exhibitions, art fairs or curatorial projects developed by the gallery in Warsaw, Venice or internationally.
Applicants who provide separate consent may be contacted by ORAC Gallery regarding such future opportunities.
Non-selection for Chicago does not exclude an artist from consideration for future ORAC Gallery projects.
IMPORTANT DATES
Open Call closes: 10 September 2026, 23:59 CEST
Shortlist review: 12–14 September 2026
Final selection: by 16 September 2026
Fair dates: 7–10 October 2026Final selection: Rolling — the Open Call may close early once the selected artist is confirmed.
Location: THE MART, Chicago
Shortlisted artists may be contacted before the application deadline due to the compressed production and shipping schedule.
TERMS & CONDITIONS
TERMS & CONDITIONS — ORAC GALLERY OPEN CALL / SPECTRUM CHICAGO 2026
1. Organizer
The Open Call is organized byORACART sp. z o.o.
ul. Żeromskiego 32, 05-070 Sulejówek,
Poland
KRS 0000178340 · NIP 8222107725,
operating under the name ORAC Gallery, Nowolipki 27, Warsaw, Poland (“ORAC Gallery” or “the Organizer”). Contact: monika.turczynska@oracgallery.pl
2. Purpose of the Open Call
The purpose of the Open Call is to select an artist for ORAC Gallery’s presentation at Spectrum Chicago 2026, taking place at THE MART, Chicago, 7–10 October 2026.The Open Call is not an art competition and does not constitute a general ranking or assessment of the artistic value of submitted practices.
3. Eligibility and application
Artists may apply by completing the official application form, providing the required materials and paying the application fee before the stated deadline.Applicants are responsible for ensuring that all information submitted is accurate and that they hold the rights necessary to submit the artworks, images and other materials included in their application.
ORAC Gallery may exclude applications that are incomplete, materially inaccurate, submitted after the deadline or not accompanied by confirmed payment.
4. Application fee
The application fee is €20 per complete application, irrespective of the number of works submitted within the permitted limit.The fee covers the administration, formal verification and professional assessment of the application in the context of ORAC Gallery’s Chicago presentation. Payment does not guarantee selection, exhibition, representation, individual feedback or any future collaboration with ORAC Gallery.
5. Review and selection
Applications may be reviewed on a rolling basis. The review may include verification of application completeness, assessment of the artist’s practice and professional profile, evaluation of the proposed works in relation to the fair context, price positioning, presentation potential and logistical feasibility, and, where appropriate, contact with shortlisted applicants.ORAC Gallery retains curatorial discretion in determining the artist and works most appropriate for its specific presentation at Spectrum Chicago 2026.
Non-selection does not constitute a negative assessment of the artistic quality, significance or future potential of an applicant’s practice.
6. Shortlisting and verification
Shortlisted applicants may be asked to provide additional information, participate in a brief online conversation or provide a simple current studio verification showing the proposed works and their availability.Failure to provide reasonably requested verification within the required timeframe may result in removal from the shortlist.
7. Selected artist
Selection through the Open Call does not by itself constitute the final participation agreement.The selected artist and ORAC Gallery will enter into a separate agreement defining the final works, retail prices, sales terms, commission, transport responsibilities, insurance, customs arrangements, deadlines and other practical conditions of participation.
The selected artist will not be charged a booth fee, exhibition fee, curatorial fee or representation fee for participation in ORAC Gallery’s presentation at Spectrum Chicago 2026.
8. Transport and availability
Applicants should submit works that are completed or capable of being completed and made available within the timetable required for the fair.Packing, transport, insurance and customs responsibilities will be agreed separately with the selected artist. ORAC Gallery does not assume responsibility for transport costs or risks unless expressly agreed in writing.
9. Sales
Works proposed for the fair should be available for sale unless otherwise agreed. Final retail prices and any gallery commission will be established in the agreement with the selected artist before participation is confirmed.
10. Intellectual property
Copyright and other intellectual property rights in submitted artworks remain with their respective rights holders.By applying, the applicant grants ORAC Gallery a limited, non-exclusive right to receive, store, reproduce internally and review the submitted materials solely to administer and conduct the selection process.
Submission of an application does not authorize ORAC Gallery to use an applicant’s artwork publicly for unrelated promotional or commercial purposes. Any broader promotional use relating to a selected artist will be agreed separately.
11. Withdrawal and refunds
Nothing in these Terms limits any mandatory statutory rights available to an applicant under applicable consumer law.Where an applicant has a statutory right to withdraw from a service contract concluded online, that right will apply in accordance with applicable law.
If the applicant expressly requests ORAC Gallery to begin reviewing the application before the expiry of the statutory withdrawal period, ORAC Gallery may commence the review immediately. If the applicant subsequently withdraws before the service has been fully performed, the applicant may be responsible for the proportionate value of the service already performed. Where the review service has been fully performed following the applicant’s prior express request and acknowledgement, the right of withdrawal may cease to apply to that service to the extent permitted by law.
Duplicate payments and payments resulting from a confirmed technical error will be refunded.
12. Changes or cancellation
ORAC Gallery may make reasonable changes to the timetable or selection procedure where required by organizational, logistical or fair-related circumstances.If ORAC Gallery cancels the Open Call before an application has been reviewed, the corresponding application fee will be refunded. Cancellation or material alteration of the fair by its organizer will be handled according to the circumstances and any mandatory legal rights of applicants.
13. Future opportunities
Participation in this Open Call does not automatically enroll an applicant in future ORAC Gallery selections or marketing communications.Applicants who separately consent to retention of their professional materials may be contacted regarding future exhibitions, fairs or curatorial projects for up to 24 months.
14. Governing law
These Terms are governed by applicable Polish law, without prejudice to mandatory rights that an applicant may have under applicable consumer or other mandatory legislation.Any disputes will be resolved by the competent courts determined under applicable law.
PRIVACY NOTICE
PRIVACY NOTICE — CHICAGO 2026 OPEN CALL
The controller of personal data submitted through this Open Call is
ORACART sp. z o.o.
ul. Żeromskiego 32, 05-070 Sulejówek, Poland
KRS 0000178340 · NIP 8222107725
operating under the ORAC Gallery brand operating under the name ORAC Gallery, Nowolipki 27, Warsaw, Poland. Contact regarding personal data: monika.turczynska@oracgallery.pl
Personal data may include identification and contact details, professional information, biography, CV, portfolio, artwork information and images, professional links, application correspondence, payment and transaction information, and other information voluntarily provided by the applicant.
Personal data necessary to administer and assess the application is processed for the purpose of receiving the application, providing the application-review service, conducting the selection process, communicating with applicants, selecting and contracting with the selected artist, and documenting the transaction.
The legal bases for processing may include performance of a contract or steps taken at the applicant’s request prior to entering into a contract, compliance with legal obligations applicable to the controller, and legitimate interests including administration of the selection, security, prevention of misuse and establishment or defence of legal claims.
Where an applicant separately agrees that ORAC Gallery may retain their CV and portfolio for future opportunities, such additional processing is based on consent. This consent is voluntary and may be withdrawn at any time without affecting the lawfulness of processing carried out before withdrawal.
Consent to future opportunities is separate from any newsletter or other marketing consent. Applying for the Open Call does not automatically subscribe an applicant to marketing communications.
Personal data may be processed by service providers supporting the operation of the application process, including website, form, hosting and payment service providers, as well as professional advisers and accounting providers where necessary. If an applicant is shortlisted or selected, necessary information may also be shared with fair organizers, logistics providers or other parties involved in preparing the presentation where required.
Some service providers may process personal data outside the European Economic Area. Where this occurs, personal data will be transferred using a mechanism permitted by applicable data-protection law and appropriate safeguards where required.
Application materials relating solely to the Chicago 2026 selection will be retained only for as long as reasonably necessary to conduct and document the selection and to address potential claims or legal obligations. Where the applicant gives separate consent for future ORAC Gallery opportunities, the relevant contact details, CV and portfolio may be retained for up to 24 months, unless consent is withdrawn earlier.
Transaction and accounting records may be retained for the period required by applicable law.
Applicants have, where applicable, the right to request access to their personal data, rectification, erasure, restriction of processing and data portability, and to object to processing based on legitimate interests. Where processing is based on consent, consent may be withdrawn at any time.
Applicants also have the right to lodge a complaint with the competent data-protection supervisory authority. In Poland this is the President of the Personal Data Protection Office (Prezes Urzędu Ochrony Danych Osobowych).
Providing the information marked as required in the application form is necessary for participation in the Open Call. Failure to provide required information may prevent ORAC Gallery from processing the application.
ORAC Gallery does not use solely automated decision-making producing legal or similarly significant effects in determining the outcome of this Open Call.
Applicants are requested not to include sensitive or special-category personal data in their CV, portfolio or other materials unless genuinely necessary for the application.
APPLY
Complete the application form below.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and the Open Call may close early once the selected artist has been confirmed.
Before applying, please read the documents governing this Open Call: