OPEN CALL FOR ARTISTS

Curated by Gordana Sjostedt

Presented by A Perfect Union Art Gallery
 

Global Heritage Series – Regional Focus: Europe

A Perfect Union Art Gallery invites Central Florida artists and spoken word performers to submit work for “MENDED”, a thought-provoking group exhibition curated by Gordana Sjostedt on behalf of the gallery.

This exhibition is part of our Global Heritage Series, highlighting artists with heritages rooted in regions around the world. This exhibition will focus on Europe, celebrating central Florida artists whose cultural heritage, ancestry, or creative inspiration is connected to European traditions and histories.

Through visual art and spoken word, "MENDED" explores the powerful concept of repair, restoration, and renewal—both tangible and symbolic. Artists are invited to reflect on the many ways individuals and communities recover, rebuild, and move forward after damage, hardship, or loss.

To mend is to repair, restore, improve, or heal something that has been broken, torn, or damaged. The act of mending speaks to resilience, transformation, and the possibility of renewal.

Artists and spoken word performers are invited to explore interpretations of the theme, including:

• Physical Repair – The act of fixing objects through sewing, patching, restoration, or rebuilding.
• Improvement & Reform – The metaphorical “mending of one’s ways,” growth, and personal transformation.
• Healing – Recovery from injury, emotional pain, trauma, or the rebuilding of relationships.
• Sustainability – Extending the life of garments, materials, and objects through intentional repair and care.

Through visual art and spoken word, "MENDED" celebrates resilience, restoration, and the human capacity to repair what once seemed broken.

Eligibility

• Open to Central Florida artists and spoken word performers
• This exhibition highlights artists with heritages rooted in Europe
• Artists from all cultural backgrounds connected to European heritage are encouraged to apply
• Work must align with the exhibition theme

Media Accepted

• Paintings 
• Collage
• Fiber Arts
• Sculpture
• Photography
• Spoken Word

All visual artwork must be gallery-ready and ready to hang or display.

Submission Guidelines

• Artists may submit up to three (3) visual works
• Spoken word artists may submit one written or recorded performance piece (2 to 3 Minutes long).
• All submissions will be reviewed by a Selection Committee.
• Work must align with the exhibition theme and meet professional presentation standards

Key Dates

Application Period:
March 5th, 2026 – 24, 2026

Artwork Drop-Off:
April 3rd & 4th, 2026

Exhibition Dates:
April 11th – May 2nd, 2026

Artwork Pick-Up:
May 4th & 5th, 2026

About the Curator

Gordana Sjostedt serves as a Curator for A Perfect Union Art Gallery, contributing to the gallery’s Global Heritage Series. Her curatorial vision for Mended centers on the universal human experience of healing, restoration, and transformation—revealing how art can help us repair, reflect, and move forward.

Mended invites artists and audiences alike to consider the beauty and strength found in repair, resilience, and renewal.

To apply for the exhibition, complete the application form below. Remember to click the "Attach Images/files" link to upload images of your art or spoken word file.