PRIMARY INSTINCTS
Call for Entries

In a world mediated by technology, systems, and rational frameworks, artists are invited to interpret the concept of Primary Instincts and reflect on what remains immediate, embodied, and unfiltered. Works may explore tensions between control and impulse, nature and artifice, reason and sensation, or the conscious and unconscious.

We welcome works that interrogate the boundaries between instinct and intellect, reveal the raw and intuitive aspects of human experience, challenge systems of control, or return us to the body, the senses, and the natural world.

Artists may respond conceptually, emotionally or physically to the theme of instinct as a driving force in human behaviour and creativity.

The exhibition will feature a wide range of voices and visions.

Through painting, drawing, mixed media, photography, video, digital media, installation, or interdisciplinary practices, artists are invited to respond, exploring what it means to act, create, and exist before logic, before structure, before explanation.

Read Full Terms & Conditions
Submit Your Work

  • Entries close 1 August 2026

    Exhibition Dates
    22 September to Saturday 3 October 2026

    Opening Event
    Saturday, 26 September 2026 at 4.00pm

    Delivery of works
    Sunday, 20 September 2026, 9.15pm - 10.00pm or Monday, 21 September 2026 9.30am - 11:00am

    Pick up of works
    Sunday, 4 October 2026, 9:00am to 1:00pm

    Fortyfivedownstairs
    45 Flinders Lane
    Melbourne

  • Participation in the Primary Instincts exhibition is open to all artists.

  • Apply any technique
    All styles and mediums including drawing, photography, painting, sculpture, 3D, screen-based and technology-based works created in the last two years. Older works will not be accepted.

    Number of works
    The number of works is not limited per artist however there is a total space limitation of up to 1.5 square meters per participant, in the case of digital/technology-based works, this needs to be discussed with the organisers first to ensure the work can be accommodated in the gallery space.

     Selection of works: A Selection Panel will choose the final works.

  • Enter Online with our online submission portal here.

    You will be asked to provide the following information:

    1. Image (s) of your work (300 PPI resolution) or for video and screen-based work artists, provide a password-protected link for download (Vimeo). Video file sizes must be no larger than 500MB. It is the artist’s responsibility to ensure their artwork does not infringe on copyright.

    2. Artist Statement- no more than 150 words, describing your response to the theme

    3. Work title

    4. Details of technique applied

    5. Dimension details (in cm)

    6. Price of work or statement NFS

    7. Short biography, no more than 150 words

    8. Contact Details: Name, Phone No and Email Address

  • Cost per work entered
    $40 for current paid members of the Polish Art Foundation, and  $60 for non-members.

  • Specific requests especially in relation to any technology or screen-based work(s) need to be directed to the Polish Art Foundation before the close of entry date to assess any individual installation needs. Please send your general enquiries to polishartfoundation@gmail.com and include your phone number and name to allow us to touch base with you. 

    Specific technology-based work enquiries should be directed to Agata Mayes at contact@agatamayes.com.au.

    All entrants submitting screen-based, technology-based and 3D work must provide the installation instructions and ensure all associated equipment including televisions, screens, USBs, and remote controls are all supplied. All equipment needs to be labelled and installation instructions must be clear.                   

    All technology must be tested and tagged.

    Any technology-based works will need to be approved and will only be accepted if the proposed installation method can be accommodated in the exhibition space. Approximately 2 cubic meters could be allocated, but this needs to be confirmed with the organisers, prior to submitting any work proposals.

INFORMATION FOR ARTISTS