2027 Orchid Gallery Open Call
About the Gallery
Orchid Gallery (est. 2024) was founded in partnership with The Building Fund to deepen ConnCORP’s mission by investing in artists as visionary yet under-resourced creative entrepreneurs. We uplift artists who boldly question and envision creative solutions to the socio-economic issues that disproportionately impact our communities.
Regional artists of color are selected by jury from an annual Open Call, helping to cultivate an engaged local arts community and build accessible, culturally-specific space in Greater New Haven.
Orchid Gallery sits on the ground-level of ConnCORP’s Hamden campus located at 496 Newhall Street, and is accessible during operating hours and special events. It shares a floor with Recess Café and Orchid Hall, a large event rental space. In 2027, we will extend the reach of Orchid Gallery to include public and private spaces throughout the Lab at ConnCORP.
For more information, please email the Gallery’s curator-at-large, nico w. okoro, at the@bldg.fund.
About the Open Call
2027 Open Call Application Opens: August 1, 2026
Deadline to Apply: December 31, 2026
Each year, Orchid Gallery holds an Open Call for Submissions, from which artists are selected on a rolling basis for a series of thematic group exhibitions, programming opportunities, and semi-permanent installations. CT-based artists of color are invited to apply.
Each exhibition launches with an Opening Reception, featuring an artist talk, that is free and open to the public. Exhibitions run for 12 weeks, and are accessible to the general public, ConnCORP staff, and those participating in special events at Orchid Hall.
Before applying to the 2026 Open Call, please see the Eligibility & Terms below:
Eligibility & Terms
Visual artists of all ages, who self-identify as an early-career artist and a person of color are invited to apply
Artists must submit an Artist Statement describing what they make and why (500 Words Max)
Artists must submit a CV, detailing their exhibition history and any relevant projects and experiences. A degree in art is not needed to apply!
To learn how to write an Artist Statement or CV, you can sign up for Creative Capital’s free online course, Grant Writing and Promoting Your Practice, here. There are also many other freecourses and resources available.
Artists must submit documentation for a minimum of 2 and maximum of 8 artworks. This should also include:
caption information: title, year, dimensions, materials, edition, and price if applicable
an artwork description wherever possible/applicable
Artists are responsible for the hand-delivery of install-ready artwork, with wires and the necessary hardware affixed to the back
Artists are responsible for directly managing sales
Applications must be submitted by December 31, 2026 at 11:59pm
Please Note: Selected artworks may be displayed in shared, high-traffic public spaces throughout The Lab at ConnCORP. While reasonable care is taken to protect exhibited works and encourage respectful visitor engagement, artists should understand the nature of these spaces when submitting work for consideration.