The 2026 open call has closed

Applications are closed for 2026.

Thank you to every artist who applied. Submissions closed at 11:59 PM Central Time on August 12, 2026, and the Foundation is now reading.

Referrals are closed for 2026.

Thank you to every Scout who put a name forward. Referrals closed with the open call at 11:59 PM Central Time on August 12, 2026. Every artist referred in time is being read alongside everybody else, blind to who sent them.

What happens next

Shortlisted artists notified
August 19, 2026
Selected Artists announced
September 2, 2026
Creative development
September – October 2026
The live event, Dallas
October 31, 2026

If you applied, everything happens by email. Please check your spam folder around August 19, and add [email protected] to your contacts.

Scout credit is recorded against the artist’s application already. If an artist you referred is selected, we will be in touch.

Be first to know

Tell me when the next call opens.

One email when applications open next year. Nothing else unless you tick the second box.

Tell me when the Scout program reopens.

One email when referrals open next year. Nothing else unless you tick the second box.

We store your name, your email address, the date, and the exact wording you agreed to. Nothing else. The confirmation email carries a one-click link that removes you completely, and you can also write to [email protected] at any time.

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