SPECULATIVE FUTURES
Call for Entries

“We have no need of other worlds. We need mirrors.”
 Stanisław Lem

Humans have always searched for the unknown— only to encounter distorted reflections of themselves along the way.

Our human tendency is to look outward – toward other worlds- but maybe what we need, is to look inward? How much our unresolved emotions, the unconscious, the parts of ourselves we project into the world shape our ideas about futures?

When we dream, create, or imagine what the future might look like we’re often not just talking about the future. We're revealing something about our present-day fears, desires, and regrets.

What do our imagined futures reveal about the present?

Through painting, drawing, mixed media, photography, video, digital media, installation, or interdisciplinary practices, artists are invited to explore speculative narratives that engage with personal, political, ecological, or technological possibilities.

We welcome works that question the aesthetics of the future, envision alternate realities, and propose entirely new ways of being.

The exhibition will feature a wide range of voices and visions—whether strange, critical, hopeful, or cautionary.

  • Entries close 1 August 2025

    Exhibition Dates
    16 September to 22 September 2025

    Opening Night
    7.00 pm for 7.30pm Saturday, 20th September 2025

    Delivery of works
    Tuesday 16 September 2025 before midday
    Victorian Artists Society Gallery
    430 Albert Street, East Melbourne

    Pick up of works
    Monday 22 September 2025, before midday
    Victorian Artists Society Gallery
    430 Albert Street, East Melbourne

  • Participation in the Speculative Futures 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- required, up to 150 words

    3. Details of technique applied

    4. Dimension details

    5. Work title

    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
    $20 for current paid members of the Polish Art Foundation, and  $30 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