Artlink Inc.

A Creative Community Call to Action

On  behalf of a dynamic, extensive group of local public and private collaborators, with support from partners including Artlink Inc., Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC) invites the creative community to help shape a transformative regional brand that will redefine how the world sees us.

The Project

Help us tell the untold stories of Greater Phoenix. 

We're building something unique: a shared identity of place, shaped by artists, storytellers, and innovators across  every  medium, from murals to video to digital experiences. This project isn't about working for a brand—it's about co-creating with your community to build something bigger than any single organization or person could achieve alone. Your work won't just be featured; it will fundamentally shape how millions experience and understand Greater Phoenix, while connecting you with a network of fellow creatives redefining what regional storytelling can be. Dubbed ‘A New Way To City’, this storytelling platform and cultural branding movement has been funded by local business leaders. Join us in bringing it to life!

The Opportunity

We  are seeking creative professionals across a variety of mediums and  specialties to participate in this landmark project. Selected individuals and entities will enter into contracts with GPEC, and partner with a lead creative agency to execute this multi-phase effort, contributing to:

• Developing and producing high-impact creative assets that shape the brand and movement.
• Building authentic regional stories that highlight diverse voices and perspectives across our community.
• A publicly accessible creative roster developed by Artlink Inc., connecting you to ongoing opportunities.

Budget & Structure

A substantial budget has been allocated to support multiple creative contracts as part of this multi-phase campaign. Rates differ by role and deliverables.

Requested Roles

Talented individuals and creative firms are encouraged to submit portfolios for contract consideration in the following areas:

Video/Film Production (freelancers preferred)

•  Video Content Creator
•  Video Editor
•  Motion/Titles/VFX Designer

Post-Production & Design

• UX Designers (Web)

Visual & Performing Arts

• Muralists
• Musicians (with licensable tracks)

Content & Strategy

• Social Media Content Creators

Eligibility 

This opportunity is open to all creative individuals and entities based in Arizona who can produce high-quality, professional work and meet project deadlines—often within fast-paced or quick-turnaround timelines.

Applicants must be registered as an Articipant with Artlink to be considered for this contract opportunity and listed in the roster of creative professionals. Register at artlinkphx.org.

Submission Requirements

Please follow ALL guidelines and complete the entire submission form, which requires:

• A letter of interest.
• A current resume.
• A portfolio of previously completed creative work that demonstrates originality and skill.
• Descriptions of the work submitted in your portfolio.
• A rate for contract or commissioned work.
• Availability between November 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026.
• Email and phone contacts for three professional references.

Deadline Extended: Thursday, November 6, 2025. Early submission is encouraged. Submissions will be reviewed as they are received. 

Selections will be based on the quality, originality, and craftsmanship demonstrated in the submitted portfolios. Every submission is appreciated and will be evaluated. Notifications will be sent by email. Please send any questions to submissions@artlinkphx.org.

NOTE: Submissions are received through this platform, Submittable. Please create an account or sign in below.

The following call for artists working in all disciplines is presented by Artlink Inc. in partnership with the Artlink Artist Council (AAC). This exhibit is a hybrid event, an invitational and a juried exhibition, highlighting creative excellence, including established and emerging artists. Selected artists will be invited to exhibit in the 13th Annual Art d’Core Gala exhibition. The deadline to submit is Wednesday, November 19, 2025, by 5:00 p.m. (local AZ time). 

BACKGROUND

Artlink is hosting its 13th annual Art d’Core Gala on February 28, 2026, at Biltmore Fashion Park (2502 E. Camelback Rd., Phoenix) to raise funds in support of Arizona’s arts and culture community. 

Art d’Core is "The Arts and Culture Party of the Year," an annual arts extravaganza that spotlights significant contributions to the arts by artists and other sector leaders. This year's Gala will also serve as the kick-off for the 38th annual Art Detour, a celebration of the creative community throughout metropolitan Phoenix and Arizona.

OVERVIEW

The collaboration and connectivity of Arizona’s arts and culture community will be a dynamic display with this year’s Art d'Core Gala theme: PRISM. The event shines a spotlight on Arizona’s creative communities with an artist showcase produced by members of the Artlink Artist Council (AAC) and invited artists selected through this call.

Artists will be selected by members of the AAC. These artists will collaborate with each other to present exceptional work as part of a showcase exhibition that includes visual, performing, fashion, and culinary arts. The evening culminates in a toast to the arts community and to all of the people who enrich the cultural landscape in our great state.

The event will take place at Biltmore Fashion Park, with nearly 6,000 square feet of interior space dedicated to the PRISM exhibition. The exhibition will debut the night of the Gala and will be on view during Art Detour, through March 31, 2026. 

OPPORTUNITY

Participating in the Art d'Core Gala is one of the most anticipated art events in the state as it offers a unique opportunity to grow within our dynamic community. The exhibition is meant to encourage stronger ties within the arts community and to support working relations that grow and endure throughout the state in the years to come.

The participating artists are as follows:

• Artists invited through this open call, who have produced exceptional work in the past 12 months. Each artist will receive a $500 stipend to participate in the collaborative effort.
• One emerging artist eligible for a grant from The Artist Forward Fund (TAFF) will receive a $1000 grant to produce an original work for exhibition.
• Members of the Artlink Artist Council (AAC), who also serve as the selection panel. 

Established and emerging artists of all mediums, and currently residing in Arizona, are invited to submit. 

Through a rigorous selection process, the AAC will choose the following artists:

• Artists with exceptional work created in the past 12 months and available for gallery exhibition and purchase/hire. Selected artists will receive a $500 honorarium. 
• TAFF Opportunity: One Emerging Artist will be selected by the AAC to receive a $1000 TAFF grant to create and present an original work as part of the PRISM Exhibition.

ELIGIBILITY

This call is only open to artists who currently reside in Arizona.

TAFF Grant Eligibility (emerging artists):

• Artists with less than 10 years experience.
• Artists prepared to use this opportunity to challenge yourself to further develop your artistic practice, take new risks, and expand upon your vision as an artist.
• Artist must be at least 18 years old.
• Note: artists currently enrolled in a degree program are ineligible for this grant.

SUBMISSION DETAILS 

Artists who work in a variety of mediums are welcome to submit to this call. These include oil, watercolor, acrylic, graphite, charcoal, pastels, photography, ceramics, printmaking, textile, mixed media, new genres, performance, video, sculpture/three-dimensional pieces, and fashion design. 

NOTE: By submitting to this call, the artist agrees to the following:  

1. Submissions will be reviewed by the AAC. The artist agrees to conduct productive communications in an effort to plan an exceptional exhibition. 
2. The artist agrees to create a minimum of one new work to debut at this exhibition event.
3. The artist agrees that they will deliver artwork to Biltmore Fashion Park, 2502 E. Camelback Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85016 for installation mid-February, 2026, and pick up of artwork starting April 1, 2026 (specific dates/details TBA).
4. Exhibited visual artwork will be for sale. All sales will be handled by Artlink. In the event of a sale, Artlink will retain a 30% commission.
5. Artlink Inc., Biltmore Fashion Park, and event sponsors are not liable for any damage or theft that may occur to any person or property. Artists will be asked to sign a waiver and may insure their own artwork, as desired. 

Submission Checklist:

Please follow ALL guidelines and complete the entire submission form. Submissions that are either incomplete or do not follow provided guidelines will not be accepted.

1. All artists must be registered as an Artlink Articipant to be considered for this opportunity. If you are not a registered Artlink Articipant, click here to register.
2. A brief letter of interest in this opportunity that describes how you will use this opportunity to challenge yourself to further develop your artistic practice, take new risks, and expand upon your vision as an artist.
3. A current resume.
4. All submitting artists are asked to submit a portfolio of work available for exhibition and purchase. Please see the submission form for details. 

Submission Timeline:*

• Submission deadline: Wednesday, November 19, 2025, 5:00 p.m. (local Arizona time)
• Artists notified: the week of November 24, 2025
• Delivery of artwork: Mid-February, 2026 (Times TBA)
• Exhibition opening: February 28, 2026
• Exhibition closing: March 31, 2026
• Pick-up of artwork: Starting April 1, 2025 (Times TBA)

*Timeline subject to change

Email any questions to submissions@artlinkphx.org.

Artists will be notified by email. Please do not call for results.
 

About Artlink Inc.

Artlink keeps the arts integral to our development by connecting artists, businesses, and the community. Founded as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization by artists in 1989, the Artlink name is a guiding principle for the organization, as it supports stakeholders of the arts and culture community, amplifying its collective strength. Visit artlinkphx.org.

About the Artlink Artist Council (AAC)

The Artlink Artist Council (AAC) is composed of professional artists who represent the diverse cultural identity of our state and contribute significant time/energy to Artlink and/or partner initiatives that strive to elevate the profile of Arizona’s creative community. The 2025-2026 members of the AAC will be announced in November 2025.

About The Artist Forward Fund (TAFF)

Formed in February of 2017, the AAC has identified key areas where the Council can provide support to emerging artists in the following areas: mentoring, exhibition planning, sharing connections/networking support, portfolio review and practical advice on how to move your career forward as a practicing artist.