In the Open
GALLERY BY THE SEA
An open call for South African artists to exhibit in public space.
- Entries open: 16 October 2026
- Entries close: 16 November 2026 at 23:59 SAST
The open call
In the Open is inviting South African artists to submit original work inspired by the natural world around us.
Think ocean, water, mountains, landscape, wildlife, flora, fauna, weather and the environments that shape how we see and experience the world.
20 selected artworks will be reproduced and exhibited in public space along the Sea Point Promenade from December 2026.
We’re welcoming landscape-format works across painting, illustration, design, textiles, mixed media and other visual art practices. Existing or new work can be submitted. Standalone photography is not eligible for this Open Call.
Entering the open call
Who can enter
Open to South African artists across a range of mediums: painting, illustration, design, textiles, mixed media and other visual art practices.
We encourage all artists to apply, whether emerging or established. Artists must be currently based in South Africa. Photography is not eligible for this open call.
What to submit
We’re looking for existing or new artworks that tell a story about the natural world around us.
A0 panels will be landscape with artwork size 1110 × 721 mm. Artwork may be cropped where needed to fit the panel dimensions. Selected physical artworks will need to be professionally scanned or digitised for outdoor display. You can submit up to five artworks.
How to enter
- Complete the official In the Open application form
- Tell us a little about you and your artistic practice
- Upload the artwork, existing or new, you’d like us to consider
- Add a short description of your artwork for inclusion on the exhibition panel
- Submit your application by 23:59 SAST on 16 November 2026
The exhibition
20 selected works will be exhibited along the Sea Point Promenade from mid December 2026.
Selected physical artworks will be scanned and professionally reproduced for outdoor display. Limited-edition reproductions of selected works may also be available to buy online through Jasper & Jute (Optional).
Key dates
- 16 October 2026Artist submissions open
- 16 November 2026Artist submissions close at 23:59 SAST
- 20 November 2026Selected artists will be notified
- 24 November 2026Final files due from selected artists
- Mid December 2026In the Open exhibition installed
- Art of SummerThe exhibition will become part of the Promenade for the public to discover and enjoy, with selected works also available as prints to purchase
About the project
In the Open is a PACT - Public Art Cape Town NPC project that brings South African artists and their work into the public space, creating opportunities for engagement with art beyond traditional gallery spaces.
Through the intersection of art and the natural environment, the project invites the public to experience familiar surroundings in new ways, fostering greater awareness, curiosity and connection to the world around us.
In the Open is a PACT - Public Art Cape Town project, produced with SJ Artists, supported by Discovery Vitality, with printing by Orms, and in association with Jasper & Jute.
Thank you to our funders and project partners.
Open call FAQs
A plain-language guide to the In the Open Open Call. For full legal terms, please refer to the Terms & Conditions.
About the open call
What is In the Open?
In the Open is a PACT - Public Art Cape Town project inviting South African artists to submit original artwork inspired by the natural world. Twenty selected artworks will be professionally reproduced and exhibited along the Sea Point Promenade from December 2026.
What is the theme?
We are looking for artwork responding to the natural world, including ocean, water, mountains, landscape, wildlife, flora, fauna, weather and the environment.
How many artworks will be selected?
Twenty artworks will be selected for the exhibition.
How long will the exhibition be on the Promenade?
The exhibition will remain on display for a period determined by the Organisers, subject to operational requirements and the continued suitability of the installation.
Eligibility
Who can apply?
The Open Call is for South African artists currently based in South Africa, of any age. We welcome emerging and established artists.
I’m South African but currently live outside South Africa. Can I apply?
For this Open Call, we’re inviting South African artists who are currently based in South Africa.
Can I apply if I already work with SJ Artists or Jasper & Jute?
Yes. Artists represented by, contracted to, selling through or otherwise professionally associated with SJ Artists or Jasper & Jute may apply, provided they are not directly involved in organising, administering or judging the Open Call.
Artwork requirements
What kinds of artwork can I submit?
We welcome existing or new original work across painting, illustration, design, textiles, mixed media and other visual art practices that can be reproduced as a flat image for outdoor display.
Can I submit photography?
Standalone photography is not eligible for this Open Call.
Can I submit more than one artwork?
Yes. You may submit up to five artworks for consideration.
Does the artwork need to be new?
No. You can submit either existing or newly created work, provided you created the work and hold the necessary rights to reproduce and exhibit it.
What format should my artwork be?
The final artwork area will be reproduced in landscape format at 1110 x 721 mm, with the full exhibition panel becoming A0 once the border and artwork information are included. Artwork may be cropped or adjusted where necessary to fit the final dimensions.
What if my original artwork is physical?
If selected, physical artwork must be professionally scanned or digitised at a quality suitable for large-format reproduction. Further production information will be provided to selected artists.
Will my original artwork be displayed?
No. The selected artworks will be professionally reproduced for outdoor exhibition on the Sea Point Promenade.
Can I submit AI-generated artwork?
No. Artwork created using generative AI, either wholly or partly, is not eligible. Standard non-AI technical finishing such as cropping, colour correction, resizing, sharpening and preparing files for print is permitted.
Application and selection
Does it cost anything to enter?
No. There is no entry fee, and PACT will cover the printing and installation of selected works.
How do I apply?
Applications must be submitted through the official In the Open application form.
When do applications close?
Applications close at 23:59 SAST on Monday, 16 November 2026. Late submissions cannot be considered.
When will selected artists be notified?
Selected artists will be contacted by Friday, 20 November 2026. They will need to provide any final files or materials required for production by Tuesday, 24 November 2026.
How will the artworks be selected?
A selection panel appointed by the organisers will review submissions based on the quality and originality of the work, its relevance to the In the Open theme and its suitability for public display.
Copyright and prints
Will artists retain copyright?
Yes. Artists retain full copyright and ownership of their work. Selected artists grant the project permission to reproduce and display their artwork as part of In the Open and to use images of the work for communications and documentation related to the project, in accordance with the Terms & Conditions.
Will prints of the selected artworks be sold?
Selected artists may be invited to make their work available as prints through Jasper & Jute. Participation is optional. Any pricing, commissions, artist payments and other commercial arrangements will be agreed directly between Jasper & Jute and the artist under a separate agreement.
Do I have to sell prints through Jasper & Jute to be selected?
No. Participation in the Jasper & Jute print opportunity is completely optional and has no bearing on selection for the exhibition.
Help
I don’t have a Google account. How can I apply?
The application form uses Google’s file-upload function, which may require applicants to sign in to a Google account. If you cannot access the upload function, please email submissions@publicartcapetown.org for assistance.
Who can I contact if I have a question?
Terms & Conditions
1. About the Open Call
In the Open is an open call for artworks responding to nature: ocean, water, mountains, landscape, wildlife, flora, fauna, weather and the environment. 20 selected artworks will be reproduced and exhibited along the Sea Point Promenade from December 2026. The exhibition will remain on display for a period determined by the Organisers, subject to operational requirements and the continued suitability of the installation.
2. Who can enter?
The Open Call is open to South African artists currently based in South Africa, of any age. The following are not eligible to enter: directors, employees and agents of PACT, SJ Artists, Discovery Vitality and Jasper & Jute; members of the selection or judging panel; anyone directly involved in organising, managing or administering In the Open; spouses, immediate family members and close associates of anyone in the categories above. Artists who are currently represented by, contracted to, sell work through, or otherwise have an existing professional relationship with SJ Artists or Jasper & Jute are eligible to enter, provided they are not otherwise involved in organising, administering or judging the Open Call.
3. What you can enter
We welcome existing or new original artwork across a range of visual practices, including painting, illustration, design, textiles, mixed media and other visual art practices that can be reproduced as a flat image for outdoor display. Photography is not eligible for this Open Call. You must be the creator of the work and have the right to submit it. The work must not infringe anyone else’s rights and must be suitable for display in a public, family-friendly space. We will not accept nudity, foul language, sexually suggestive imagery. Previously exhibited or published work is eligible, provided the artist retains the necessary rights to reproduce and exhibit it as part of In the Open. The final exhibition format is landscape 1110 × 721 mm, (artists file size) with the text and border included it becomes A0, submitted artwork should be suitable for reproduction in this format. Where necessary, selected works may be cropped or adjusted to fit the final panel dimensions. Where the original work is physical, the selected artist must be able to provide or facilitate professional scanning or digitisation suitable for reproduction. Maximum number of entries per artist: 5.
4. AI
Artwork created using generative AI, in whole or in part, is not eligible for this Open Call. Standard non-AI technical edits and finishing processes, such as cropping, resizing, colour correction, tonal adjustments, sharpening, cleaning up scanned artwork, background removal and preparing files for print, are permitted, provided the underlying artwork was created by you. The Organisers may disqualify any entry they reasonably determine to have been created or materially altered using generative AI, or to be otherwise not original.
5. How to enter
Entries must be submitted through the official In the Open application form. Entries sent by email, direct message or through any other platform will not be considered. The Open Call opens on Friday 16th October and closes at 23:59 SAST on Monday 16th November. Late entries will not be accepted. Entries with incomplete information or missing/incomplete artwork uploads will not be considered.
6. Selection and prizes
Entries will be reviewed by a selection panel appointed by the Organisers. Selected artists will be notified by Friday 20th November and will be required to provide any final files or materials needed for reproduction by Tuesday 24th November. Selection will be based on the quality, originality and relevance of the work to the In the Open theme, as well as its suitability for public display. (Additional prizes or rewards may be offered to selected artists. Any prizes will be announced separately once confirmed, may be subject to additional terms and conditions, and will be non-transferable and not exchangeable for cash.) Due to the number of submissions, the Organisers may not be able to provide individual feedback to unsuccessful applicants. The selection panel’s decision is final, and no correspondence regarding selection decisions will be entered into.
7. Copyright and exhibition licence
The artist retains full copyright and ownership of their artwork. By submitting an entry, the artist grants PACT, SJ Artists and the project partners, Discovery Vitality, ORMS and Jasper & Jute, a non-exclusive, royalty-free licence to reproduce and use the submitted artwork solely for purposes directly related to the administration, selection and promotion of the In the Open open call.
For selected artworks, the artist grants permission for the Organisers and project partners to reproduce, print and display the artwork as part of the In the Open exhibition on the Sea Point Promenade. The artist also permits the use of images of the artwork and exhibition for related project communications, websites, social media, press coverage, project documentation, reporting, fundraising and promotional materials relating to In the Open and PACT’s public art activities. The artist will be credited wherever reasonably practical.
The licence for selected artworks applies for the duration of the exhibition and for 24 months after the exhibition ends, solely for the purposes described above. It does not transfer copyright or permit unrelated commercial use of the artwork. Any commercial reproduction or sale of prints through Jasper & Jute will be subject to a separate agreement between Jasper & Jute and the participating artist, as set out in Section 8.
8. Prints on Jasper & Jute
Selected artists may be invited, but are not required, to make their work available as prints through Jasper & Jute. This may include limited-edition or open-edition prints, with the possibility of an ongoing relationship with Jasper & Jute beyond the project. Participation is entirely optional and is not a condition of being selected for In the Open. Any edition sizes, pricing, commissions, artist payments and other commercial terms will be agreed directly between Jasper & Jute and the artist under a separate agreement before any sales begin. PACT and SJ Artists are not parties to those individual sales agreements and do not determine the commercial terms between Jasper & Jute and participating artists.
9. Printing and installation
The Organisers will print and install reproductions of the selected works at no cost to the artist. Works may be installed in a size and format determined by the Organisers. (A0) The Promenade is an open public, coastal space, and the Organisers will take reasonable care but are not liable for damage, wear, vandalism or theft affecting the installed reproductions.
10. Disqualification and changes
The Organisers may disqualify any entry that breaches these terms, and may amend the timeline or terms if needed, with notice to entrants through the contact details provided.
11. Privacy
Personal information supplied through the entry form will be used to administer In the Open, contact entrants and selected artists, and coordinate the exhibition. Information will be handled in accordance with POPIA and will not be sold to third parties. Personal information may be shared with project partners only where necessary for the administration and delivery of In the Open, or where the artist has opted into a separate opportunity such as the Jasper & Jute print programme.
12. Acceptance
By submitting an entry, the artist confirms that they have read and accepted these Terms & Conditions, that the information provided is accurate, and that they have the right to submit the artwork entered.
Queries: submissions@publicartcapetown.org