LIVING MADNESS: ANGUISH, JOY, AND THE TERRORS OF EXISTENCE Exhibition
October 1, 2026
Exhibition Title: LIVING MADNESS: ANGUISH, JOY, AND THE TERRORS OF EXISTENCE
Curated by: Catie Burrill & Aespyne Alix
Install Dates: November 7th and 8th, 2026
Exhibition Run: November 14th – December 18th 2026
Deinstall: December 18th & 19th 2026
We are seeking artwork for a group exhibition that explores the lived experience of mental illness—its rawness, contradictions, beauty, and resilience. LIVING MADNESS reframes mental health through the voices of artists who live it, centering authentic narratives over clinical definitions. In particular, we encourage work that is in response to the current “maddening” socio-political landscape for any insights on how to best survive under the terrors of existence.
We invite submissions that reflect the emotional range of mental illness—from anguish to joy, isolation to discovery. This exhibition honors the truth-telling power of artists navigating anxiety, depression, neurodivergence, bipolar disorder, PTSD, responding to grief or heartache, or other conditions often silenced or misunderstood.
Artists may submit 1–5 works for consideration. All mediums welcome, including but not limited to performance artists, writers, puppeteers, fiber artists, sculptors, bus drivers, glass artists, mothers, woodworkers, poets, therapists, cartoonists, playwrights, painters, and ceramicists, etc. Artists whose practices engage with mental health from lived experience are strongly encouraged to apply. Only completed work will be considered.
$400 stipends per selected artist
To Submit:
Please submit the following by October 1st, 2026.
Images of 1–5 works (JPEG or PDF)
Image List: that includes Thumbnail photo of Artwork, Title, Medium, Dimensions, Year, Price. For each piece.
Short artist statement or explanation (250 words max)
Artist Biography
How do you relate to the topic of “madness”? Do you feel comfortable sharing your story? In other words, why would your work be a good fit for this exhibition?
CV/Resume (optional)
Selected artists will be notified by October 10th.
Let’s build a space for expression that is truthful, messy, vibrant, and alive.
We’re not looking for answers—we’re looking for voices.
To apply for this job please visit docs.google.com.