Now Open: International Art Call – Childhood Nostalgia Theme

Have you ever looked at an old toy or smelled something that suddenly reminded you of childhood? That warm, fuzzy, sometimes bittersweet feeling is the heart of our newest International Art Call. We’re thrilled to launch our latest International Art Call for artists around the world! The Women in Arts Network invites all women-identifying and non-binary artists to submit artwork for our upcoming International virtual exhibition titled “Childhood Nostalgia.”

This is your chance to reflect on the past, turn memories into visual stories, and share them with a global audience. Whether you’re a self-taught artist or a practicing professional, this opportunity is open to you.

What Is “Childhood Nostalgia” All About?

Childhood nostalgia means something different to everyone. For some, it’s full of joy, carefree laughter, favorite toys, or chasing fireflies in the summer. For others, it might be quieter or bittersweet like the smell of your grandmother’s cooking, an old song that brings back a feeling, or memories of a place you haven’t seen in years.

This theme is your chance to slow down, look back, and turn those moments into art. What did childhood look like for you? Was it full of color and noise? Or soft and simple? Maybe it was both.

Whatever your story is, there’s no right or wrong way to tell it, just your way.
Use whatever medium speaks to you. Paint it. Stitch it. Snap it. Draw it. Whether it’s sculpture, photography, digital art, or something completely your own, we want to see the world through your eyes.

What matters most is your voice, your vision, your memory, and your art for this International Art Call.

Who Can Join This International Art Call?

• Women-identifying and non-binary artists
  
• You must be 18 or older
  
• Open to all countries
  
• All art styles and mediums welcome: painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, digital, and mixed media

What Will You Get?

Selected artists will have their work featured in our Virtual Exhibition, a beautiful, digital space where audiences from all over the world can view and experience your art online.

You also have the chance to be included in a special Artist Interview. This feature lets you talk about your creative process, the story behind your artwork, and what inspires you. Your interview will be published on our website and promoted through our social media platforms.

This is a great opportunity to grow your visibility and connect with curators, collectors, and art lovers worldwide.

How to Apply And How We’ll Help You

We understand that filling out forms can be a little overwhelming, especially if you’re new to International Art Call. That’s why we’re here to help.

To submit your application:

1. Visit the online form on the Women in Arts Network website.
   
2. Fill out your personal details (name, email, etc.).
   
3. Add a short artist bio or statement.
   
4. Upload your headshot (please no selfies).
   
5. Upload 1 to 3 pieces of your artwork, with details like title, medium, size, and year.
   
6. Choose whether you want to be considered for the Artist Interview add-on.
   

If you need help with writing your statement, resizing images, or any part of the application, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team is here to guide you.

You can also message us on social media or through email, and we’ll walk you through it. We want this process to feel easy and open to everyone.

Cost of Participation

It’s completely free to submit your work for the Virtual Exhibition.

If you’d like to be considered for the optional Artist Interview feature, there’s a $18 fee. This helps us cover our publishing and promotional costs as a small, self-funded platform.

We are transparent about this fee; it’s non-refundable and only applies if you select the interview option. There is no payment required to just enter the virtual exhibition.

Important Dates to Know

• Submission Deadline: July 10th, 2025
  
• Selected Artists Notified: Within 2 weeks after the deadline
  
• Virtual Exhibition Launches: One month after selection announcements
  

Share Your Story With the World

We believe every piece of art carries a story, and every story deserves to be heard. Childhood is where many of our stories begin. Through this exhibition, we want to celebrate those roots, whatever they look like for you.

Don’t miss this chance to bring your childhood memories to life and share them with a wide, welcoming audience.

Apply now and take part in this special global project.

Click here to start your submission

Let’s create something meaningful together. And don’t forget to check our Arts to Hearts Project for more opportunities.

FAQs

1. Who can apply to this International Art Call?
This opportunity is open to all women-identifying and non-binary artists who are 18 years of age or older, regardless of nationality or experience level.

2. Do I need to be a professional artist to apply?
No. You do not need to be a professional. We welcome submissions from artists at all stages, emerging, self-taught, mid-career, or experienced. If you have a story to tell through art, we want to see it.

3. Is there a submission fee?
No, submitting to the virtual exhibition is completely free. However, if you choose to be considered for the Artist Interview add-on, there is a non-refundable fee of $18 to help us cover publishing and promotion costs.

4. What kind of artwork can I submit?
You can submit work in any visual medium, including painting, photography, sculpture, digital art, mixed media, collage, textile art, or illustration. As long as it visually reflects the theme of “Childhood Nostalgia,” it’s welcome.

5. How many artworks can I submit?
You can submit up to 3 pieces of artwork. Each submission should include the artwork title, medium, dimensions, and year it was created.

6. What are the image requirements for uploads?
Each image should be in JPG or PNG format, under 5MB, and of good quality (300 dpi recommended). Avoid watermarks or heavy editing. Clear, natural lighting is best.

7. Do I keep the rights to my artwork after submission?
Yes. You will retain full copyright and ownership of your artwork. If selected, you give us a non-exclusive license to display it online and promote it (with full credit to you) on our website and social media.

8. What is the Artist Interview add-on?
The Artist Interview is an optional feature where selected artists are interviewed and featured in a published story on our platform. This gives your art more visibility, shares your creative process, and can help connect you with collectors, curators, and fellow artists.

9. What if I don’t have a website or Instagram?
That’s totally fine. Having a website or social media presence is optional, not required. Just leave those fields blank if they don’t apply to you.

10. Can I edit my submission after submitting the form?
No. Once you submit the form, you won’t be able to make changes. Please review everything carefully before clicking submit. If there’s an error, you can contact us and we’ll do our best to assist.