Artlink Inc.

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 14th Annual Art d’Core Gala PRISM exhibition. The deadline to submit is Tuesday, September 15, 2026, by 5:00 p.m. (local AZ time). 

BACKGROUND

Artlink is hosting its 14th annual Art d’Core Gala | PRISM on February 27, 2027, at Park Central (3121 N. 3rd Ave., 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 39th 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 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 Park Central, with Artlink's mood room, and adjacent spaces to be 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, 2027. 

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.

Members of the Artlink Artist Council (AAC) present work in the exhibition and also serve as the selection panel. Through a rigorous selection process, the AAC will select and invite 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 original work as part of the PRISM Exhibition. 

ELIGIBILITY

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

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 Artlink at Park Central, 3121 N. 3rd Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85013 for installation mid-February, 2027, and pick up of artwork starting April 1, 2027 (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., Park Central, 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. Please see the submission form for details. 

Submission Timeline:*

• Submission deadline: Thursday, September 3, 2026, 5:00 p.m. (local Arizona time)
• Artists notified: the week of September 14, 2026
• Delivery of artwork: Mid-February, 2027 (Times TBA)
• Exhibition opening: February 27, 2027
• Exhibition closing: March 31, 2027
• Pick-up of artwork: Starting April 1, 2027 (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.   

*NOTE: A call for the collaborators in the culinary flavors of the Art d'Core Gala will be in announced in Fall 2026. 

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. 

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. 

The following call for artists of all practices is presented by FOUND:RE Phoenix Hotel and the FOUND:RE Contemporary art program, with support provided by Artlink Inc., for a new exhibition cycle entitled “Too Cute.” The deadline to submit is Thursday, September 17, by 5:00 p.m. (local Arizona time).

PROJECT

Exhibition: “Too Cute”

Address: FOUND:RE Phoenix Hotel at 1100 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Request: For artwork that leans into kawaii, childlike wonder, and dreamy, sugar-sweet imagery — cute, and maybe a little too cute.

OVERVIEW

FOUND:RE Phoenix Hotel regularly presents exhibitions based on a 360-degree view of arts and culture that includes all the traditional mediums of art such as painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, fiber art, printmaking, etc., as well as video art, film, fashion, performance, music and much more! 

As part of the exhibition programming, FOUND:RE Contemporary is inviting artists to submit works to be included in the studio exhibition "Too Cute". Drawing on the visual language of kawaii culture and its roots in postwar Japanese art and design, this exhibition invites work that explores softness, sentimentality, and childlike wonder as legitimate aesthetic and emotional territory — not just decoration, but a mode of seeing.

For “Too Cute", FOUND:RE Phoenix Hotel will use the studio space to showcase the works that are selected for this exhibition. This diverse survey embraces different styles and mediums. All the works selected for exhibitions are for sale and will be represented on the gallery website for purchase by hotel patrons and art collectors from across the nation.

BACKGROUND

FOUND:RE Contemporary is a premier commercial gallery space in the heart of downtown Phoenix. It represents both emerging and established artists through a regular series of exhibitions and special events that happen in conjunction with the art programming at FOUND:RE Phoenix Hotel. 

Legal: Selected artist(s) will permit the photography of artworks, including use in promotional materials. All reasonable effort will be made to credit the artist in promotions and when communicating with the media. Being accepted in the show is only a commitment to have the works in the show represented for sale and any further terms and conditions about representation will be negotiated by the hotel curator and the artist.

Content: This open call is to identify artists who want to exhibit at FOUND:RE Phoenix Hotel, or who are looking for representation by FOUND:RE Contemporary. Artists are encouraged to submit works that demonstrate visually satisfying and thought-provoking work.

FOUND:RE Contemporary welcomes submissions in a wide range of mediums. 3-Dimensional works are welcome, however, space is limited. 

SUBMISSION DETAILS

Interested artists are encouraged to learn more about FOUND:RE Phoenix and FOUND:RE Contemporary via the following websites: foundrehotels.com and foundrecontemporary.com.

Eligibility: This opportunity is only open to artists, designers, creative individuals and creative teams living and working in the state of Arizona.

Artists should be Articipants with our local partner, Artlink Inc. Find the registration form on artlinkphx.org.

There will be approximately 30 artists selected, depending on the number of works submitted and how many can be shown. 

Honoraria: Artists will receive a standard 50% commission on all sales.

Criteria: Selections will be based on the quality, originality, and craftsmanship of their work.

Project Rates: The chosen artist is responsible for transport and delivery of the works. FOUND:RE will install, insure and secure all works for a period of six months, after which time they will be returned to the artists. Artwork can be stored by FOUND:RE for a total of 30 days after the exhibition. Artwork can remain for sale on the website under consignment for a limited term contract to be determined by negotiation between FOUND:RE’s Curator of Art & Culture and the exhibiting artists. This is an offer that may be extended beyond the original terms and dates if the artist is interested, but it is not mandatory. All works accepted will be on consignment for the terms of the exhibition unless other terms are agreed upon in advance between the curators and the artist.

Timeline:*

• Submissions Due: Thursday, September 17, by 5:00 p.m. (local AZ time)
• Artists Notified: Friday, September 25, 2026
• Artwork Drop-Off: Monday, October 12, 2026
• Opening Reception: Friday, October 16, 2026
• Exhibition Dates: October 16 - April 11, 2026

*Timeline subject to change

Submission Requirements:

Please make sure you follow ALL guidelines and complete the entire submission form, including the following:

• A current resume. 
• 1-3 digital images of artwork in any medium and genre you would like to exhibit.
• An image list that includes your full name (First, Last) title, medium, year of completion, size, and price. All files in your digital portfolio should be labeled with your last name and the title of your work (Last name, Title). 
• A current email and phone number. 

Every submission is appreciated and will be seriously considered.

Artists will be notified by email.

Questions? Email submissions@artlinkphx.org.

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