May Open Call: Brazen

Our May Open Call, “Brazen,” has been created by our 34 Gallery Art & Technology Advisor Lucid Jordan to explore social situations impacted by mental health crisis & self-forgiveness. This month, we are particularly interested in works by artists utilizing this art therapy open call to address:  Bipolar, Personality Disorders, ASD, ADHD, Anxiety Disorders, Substance Abuse Recovery. 

Themes: As artists, we already know social engagement is vital to our careers. However,  what happens when a mental health episode leads us to make decisions that cause chaos for others? This month, we ask you to channel your energy into providing support for artists struggling with regret, reconciliation, and self-forgiveness.

Each of the conditions covered in this Open Call takes a toll on human life:

• Globally, approximately 15–20% of people with Bipolar Disorder commit suicide.

• 60% - 70% of people with Borderline Personality Disorder attempt suicide.

• It is estimated that 35 percent of children 8 years old or younger with autism spectrum disorder have suicidal thoughts. This rate is 66% for adults.

• 13–45% of ADHD adolescents engage in some form of self-harm. A significant percentage of these injuries result in accidental death.

• 30% of people with anxiety disorders report lifetime suicidal ideation.

• 22% of suicides involve alcohol intoxication. 20% involve opiates.

For 2026, Artists are invited to explore what Brazen means. Delve into ways self-destruction masks with deflection and dishonesty. Explore how gaslighting in relationships twists perception. Seek out the truth behind reasons for ghosting. Remind us why being unreliable erodes trust. Authenticate the experience of realizing you’ve become too much for everyone, including yourself. Then embrace the reality of self-forgiveness. Show us what Brazen means to you.

Please Note: As a Mental Health Art Gallery, we are asking Creatives to mobilize to help save lives. Someone seeing your work this year can be inspired to keep going with hope and resilience despite their mental health struggles. Your artistic advocacy with us can and will make a difference!

Requirements: Open Medium. Fine Art, Poetry, Audiovisual, Short Film & A.I. Artwork Accepted. Submit up to 3 artworks or poems  by April 30th. Include the following questions in your cover letter: 

• Your artist name, artwork titles, and website/social media links.  

• 1 - 2 paragraphs describing the creative process regarding your work & how it fits with the Open Call Theme. 

• 1 - 2 paragraphs on your experience of hurting someone emotionally or being hurt emotionally as a result of a mental health episode. Explain how you coped with the outcome of the situation. 

Selected artists will be notified by May 10th. 

Restrictions: 

• Be advised that this open call also includes a global youth & adult audience. 

• Works that are sexually graphic and/or advocate violence (self or others), discrimination, or hatred (societal/gender/religious/cultural) of any kind will be disqualified.

• File Type: .MP4, .JPG, .PNG --File Size: Up to 100 MB for art & audiovisual submissions; Word, Google Docs, .PDF for poetry.