Submission Deadline: 11:59pm EST, August 31, 2026

Exhibition on view: October 1 - Nov 1, 2026

Artists Notified by EOD Tuesday September 8, 2026

Location: Culture Lab LIC, 5-25 46th Ave, Queens, NY 11101 

Delivery of Art: On weekends of Sep 17 and Sep 24 during gallery hours: Saturday & Sunday, 2-9pm. All work must be hand delivered to the gallery. We cannot accept shipped works. 

About

Graphic design, often relegated to a commercial or functional category, is a practice rich with visual innovation, conceptual depth, and emotional resonance. "Form & Function" will present a curated selection of graphic design works that transcend their immediate commercial purpose, demonstrating mastery of composition, color, typography, and image-making on par with fine art.

The show appeals to a broad audience such as design professionals, art enthusiasts, and the general public by engaging with a medium they encounter daily. It will stimulate debate, draw new demographics to the gallery, and position the organization as a thought leader in contemporary visual culture. We seek to definitively argue that when driven by aesthetic intent, conceptual rigor, and expressive freedom, graphic design is undeniably art.

 

Categories & Acceptable Media / Forms

Print & Layout

Posters
Book and Magazine Covers
Editorial Spreads
Zines
Album Art
Visual Identity Systems

Typography & Lettering

Type Specimens
Experimental Typography
Hand Lettering
Type Installations

Motion & Digital

UI/UX Concepts (presented via print or video mockups)
Digital Illustrations
Motion Graphics
Title Sequences
GIF Art

Environmental & Experiential

Signage Systems
Wayfinding
Design for Retail and Public Spaces

Conceptual Design

Infographics
Data Visualizations
Visual Essays
Conceptual Logos

Non-Digital

Collage
Illustration
Physical Mockups

Culture Lab LIC does not take a commission on any art sold. As such, artists should price art to reflect no gallery commission. 

Statement regarding the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): Entries must be the product of original human authorship. Submissions that are found to be generated by, or to contain imagery derived significantly from, Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology are not eligible and will be disqualified. By submitting to this open call, the artist attests that the artwork is entirely their own original work, does not infringe upon any copyright, and is not created using Artificial Intelligence tools. 

Questions? Contact us at info@culturelablic.org  

To learn more about Culture Lab LIC, visit www.culturelablic.org, @culturelablic  

Culture Lab LIC is a 501(c)(3) formed to be the arts and culture umbrella for Western Queens. We present art of all genres while supporting New York artists and other nonprofits by providing space, resources and a sense of community. Operating out of a 12,000 square foot converted warehouse, Culture Lab LIC hosts two fine art galleries, an 80 seat theater, classroom space, an 18,000 square foot outdoor venue, and a robust residency program. Culture Lab LIC is dedicated to upholding, equity, diversity and inclusion across all our platforms.

Upload one image of Artwork #1

JPEG files only; 1 MB maximum file size.

Upload one image of Artwork #2

JPEG files only; 1 MB maximum file size.

Upload one image of Artwork #3

JPEG files only; 1 MB maximum file size.

Upload one image of Artwork #4

JPEG files only; 1 MB maximum file size.

Upload one image of Artwork #5

JPEG files only; 1 MB maximum file size.

Trouble Uploading?

If you're having trouble uploading your jpeg images, here's a couple of things you might try:

- Make sure you're not trying to upload more than one jpeg per submitted artwork.

- Check the files' properties and make sure they are jpegs. Make sure the file size for each jpeg is 1 MB or less.

- Shorten the file name. Remove dashes and spaces from the file name. Make sure the file name includes the proper extension (.jpg, .jpeg)

- Change browsers. If you've been using Chrome, try Safari or Firefox.

- Clear your browser's cache and reload (how to: https://www.wikihow.com/Clear-Cache-and-Cookies).

- If you're exporting your jpegs from Photoshop, make sure the files aren't exported with an embedded color profile.

- Try uploading your jpegs to Facebook first. Facebook will optimize the files for the web and you can then download them from Facebook and upload them to this submission form.

- If all else fails, you might try taking screenshots of the images and submit the screenshots.

Note: This submission form can be saved as a draft and returned to later. (See Below.) The "Save and Continue Later" button is visible up until the time you click the "Submit" button.

(For security reasons, we cannot accept images sent as attachments to our email account. We ask that all files be submitted via the Jotform submission form.)

Link to Video #1 (for submission of video art)

Youtube, Vimeo or other. If video is password protected, include password in field below.)

Link to Video #2 (for submission of video art)

Youtube, Vimeo or other. (Videos must be public or unlisted. No private videos please.)