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Call for Art: Solarpunk!

Type: Exhibition Opportunities [View all]
Posted by: The Crow's Nest
Deadline: Tue, March 3rd, 2026

Crow’s Nest Baltimore Presents "Solarpunk," A call for art

Speculative artwork allows us to envision the future, but this genre is dominated by dystopia– notably cyberpunk and steampunk. Though many of these works offer scathing critiques of colonialism and capitalism, the repetition of this imagery makes it easy for audiences to romanticize and aestheticize these critiques instead of engaging with them. In visual arts, dire warnings get lost in the allure of cybernetic partners and elegant Victorian costumes. “Solarpunk” was devised as a genre of speculative fiction to counter these narratives, and will be the theme for our April show.

We can’t be what we can’t see. As fascism destroys our social systems, the ability to imagine a way out is vital– we cannot simply return to the neoliberal structures that failed us and allowed the climate crisis in the first place. Imagining better is difficult, radical work– perhaps more difficult and more radical than critique. What does a liberated world look like? How will we live? We invite artists to share their visions– from grounded to fantastical, of a better world, grounded in justice and restorative systems of living in harmony with nature.

 

Accepted Mediums & Scale Recommendations:

For this call, we are particularly interested in illustration, narrative, and sequential art. We are open to additional media, including traditional (painting, sculpture, fiber, drawing, book arts etc) and new media (sound, photography, animation, film & video, interactive art) as well as installation work. Performance works that also have a strong visual component that can live in the gallery without the performance itself are welcome. We cannot host any art in our space that would potentially rot or attract pests. Please pitch bio-art with caution.

We are not interested in Generative AI-Assisted work and have serious concerns about the environmental impact of this technology at this time among other ethical concerns.

The back room may be used as a screening or event room. This is not a full installation space.

All works should be able to fit through a standard residential door frame. We do NOT have a loading dock or ramp.

Please note the Crow’s Nest has minimal technology resources, including a single media player and projector. Additional technology needs should be thoroughly described in the Tech Rider, as well as plans and suggestions to access said technology.

If work is to be listed for sale, we will take a 20% gallery fee. Work is not required to be listed for sale.

Shipping/Elligibility:

The Crow’s Nest will pay for return shipping up to $50/artwork for accepted artists in the continental United States. Artists are responsible for getting their work to the Crow’s Nest on time. Artists needing to ship their work should provide cost estimates in their application form. Artwork should be sent in 100% reusable packaging. 

2D Work should be sent ready to hang. All work should be sent with all material necessary for safe & secure display, with clear instructions for more complex work.

For works that can be displayed as unframed prints, the Crow’s Nest is happy to pay for and print an archival quality copy of the selected artwork from a local printer at a maximum of 18x24 in. The artist must consent for the artwork to remain in our collection. We are happy to display international work in this manner. This option is only available for artists who would otherwise have to ship their work, and not to artists within the DMV. Artists within the DMV are expected to deliver their work in person.

Additional Programming Proposals:

Events such as performances, workshops, or opportunities to collaborate with scientists or activists are welcome in your proposal. The proposed programming may include a virtual component or be wholly virtual, especially in the name of accessibility-- however, in person programming is preferred. In person programming that is greenlit by the crow’s nest will receive a small honorarium (typically $75 for talks/performances, and $95 for workshops).

Fee:

Applications will not be considered complete until a $12 processing fee has been received or a fee waiver has been requested. This fee is discounted to $6 for student (undergraduate and graduate) proposals. Artists in residence at the Crow’s Nest (current or former) will have this fee waived. 

Application fees may be sent via venmo to @crowsnestbaltimore. An application will not be considered complete until a fee waiver has been confirmed or an application fee has been received.

Please email us at alexi@crowsnestbaltimore.com if you need the fee to be waived. Please know the fee goes directly into supporting the selected exhibits. Unless otherwise offered, this fee will only be waived on a need-based basis.

Artists not selected will remain in our database and may be contacted with other opportunities to show at the Crow’s Nest in the future.

Please thoroughly review the guidelines before submitting.

 

Posted on Thu, January 22nd, 2026
Expires on Tue, March 3rd, 2026

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