SURFACE ‘2’
International Group Exhibition
November 19 ~ 25, 2026
616 E 9th Street, East Village, Manhattan, New York
OPEN CALL NOW IN PROGRESS
Application close October 31, 2026
NxEra Art Gallery invites artists worldwide to participate in SURFACE 2, a curated international exhibition exploring the visible and invisible layers that shape identity, memory, materiality, and perception.
Exhibition Concept:
SURFACE 2 explores the relationship between what is seen and what remains hidden.
The exhibition welcomes works that investigate themes of identity, memory, transformation, materiality, psychological landscapes, social narratives, and the traces that exist beneath appearances.
Artists are encouraged to present works that challenge perception, reveal layered meanings, and expand conversations around contemporary experience.
Eligibility:
Artists worldwide are welcome to apply.
All artistic disciplines and mediums will be considered, including:
* Painting * Sculpture * Photography
* Mixed Media * Textile Art * Installation
* Digital Art * Video Art * Drawing
* Printmaking * Contemporary Experimental Practices
Emerging and established artists are equally encouraged to participate.
Physical Exhibition Participation:
==> $500 USD / each artwork
Artwork exhibited physically in Manhattan, New York
Curatorial selection and presentation
Artist profile on the exhibition website for one year
Social media promotion
Digital certificate of participation
Digital Exhibition Participation:
==> $50 USD / each artwork ( Minimum 2 artworks)
Presentation of a minimum of two artworks on dedicated exhibition screens within the gallery space
Visibility within a physical exhibition environment in Manhattan, New York
Exposure to gallery visitors, collectors, curators, and art professionals attending the exhibition
Artist profile on the exhibition website for one year
Social media promotion
Digital certificate of participation
Artist Visibility:
Every artist who submits to SURFACE 2 will receive:
✓ A dedicated artist page on the NxEra Art Gallery website
✓ Artist biography and artwork information
✓ Online visibility on the Nxera Art Gallery website for one full year
✓ Featuring on the Nxera Art Gallery social platforms.
This online presentation is included with every application and provides artists with a lasting digital presence beyond the competition period.
Participating artists also, may choose to introduce themselves through short videos, artist statements, or recorded presentations shared through NxEra’s social media platforms, creating additional opportunities for engagement and visibility.
We look forward to showcasing a diverse selection of contemporary voices in Manhattan and continuing the dialogue initiated by the first edition of SURFACE
Apply Now :
Submit the SURFACE 2 EXHIBITION - APPLICATION FORM below, it’s free application.
Join an international community of artists and become part of the next chapter of SURFACE.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Our curatorial team will review and respond to your SURFACE 2 application within 2 to 3 business days. Please check your spam folder if you do not receive our email.
📢 Connect with the Gallery: Follow us on Instagram @nxeraartgallery. We share vital updates regarding artist applications, selection status, and participation features directly on our feed!