Each year, the AWOL Studios x Comme Ca Art Open Call continues to bring together a wide range of artists, championing bold, thoughtful, and distinctive practices.
We’re revisiting our Overall Winner and Highly Commended artists from the 2024 Open Call, reflecting on their experiences, and what it means to navigate opportunity, visibility, and the evolving shape of their work.
EMMA LLOYD
Open Call Exhibition Winner 2024
Instagram: @emmalloydart Website: www.emmalloyd.com/emmalloydart
1. What is the importance of events like the Comme Ca Art x AWOL Studios Open Call Exhibition?
Events like the Comme Ca Art x AWOL Studios Open Call provide artists with an opportunity to present their work to new audiences beyond their usual circles. More importantly, they create space for genuine artistic dialogue—something that can be difficult to find in a scene that often feels insular or preoccupied with trends. Open calls have the potential to showcase a much broader range of artistic voices, particularly when they prioritise quality and depth over prescribed themes. When done well, they can introduce fresh perspectives and encourage both artists and audiences to engage more critically with contemporary practice.
2. What inspired you to enter our Open Call in particular?
I was drawn to this opportunity because it seemed to prioritise the strength of the work itself rather than expecting artists to fit into a specific narrative. The judging panel also played a role in my decision. Each member is a respected professional in their field, and their diverse perspectives suggested a genuine openness to different approaches. That made the opportunity feel worthwhile, knowing the work would be considered seriously rather than assessed against a predetermined formula.
3. Do you have any advice for artists entering an Open Call?
The most important thing (which I’m sure everyone says) is to stay true to your practice. Don’t tailor your work to fit what you think curators or judges are looking for—strong, honest work stands out far more than something designed to follow a trend. I’d also say it’s worth being selective. Not every open call is worth entering. Look for those that align with your values and offer artists something meaningful in return, whether that’s visibility, mentoring, funding, or genuine conversations about the work.
LAURA NATHAN
Open Call Exhibition Highly Commended 2024
Instagram: @lauranathanart Website: lauranathan.co.uk
1, What is the importance of events like the Comme Ça Art x AWOL Studios Open Call Exhibition?
If you’re not represented by a gallery, Open Calls are one of the main ways to get your work out there and raise your profile. They’re especially great for emerging artists because they give you the chance to show your work in respected galleries, build your artist CV, and meet other artists and professionals in the field. I’ve made some really great professional contacts- and friends- through Open Calls.
2, What inspired you to enter our Open Call in particular?
I’d recently finished a piece of work that I felt really proud of. At the same time, it was personal work which I felt a bit vulnerable about sharing. I hadn’t shown the work beyond the residency where I created it, which had felt like a safety net. The Comme Ça Art x AWOL Open Call came at the perfect moment because it pushed me to step outside my comfort zone. I admired this Open call and respected the judges- I valued their opinions and being accepted into the Open Call gave me a real confidence boost when I needed it.
3, Do you have any advice for artists entering an Open Call?
Open Calls usually received hundreds of submissions, and the judges end up looking through a huge amount of amazing work. It can help to think from the judge’s perspective and choose a piece that really feels uniquely you. Pick something that stands out and draws people in. It’s also worth photographing your work on a clean, neutral background, so there are no distractions.
Try not to be too hard on yourself if you don’t get accepted. Rejections are much more common than yeses in the art world. The most important thing is to keep going, keep applying, and keep pushing yourself.
Comme Ca x AWOL Studios Open Call 2026
Deadline: Monday 27 April (midnight)
More info + how to enter: HERE
