OPEN CALL
An imprint is a powerful image, both in its literal sense—something that remains marked on a surface—and in its many metaphorical implications. It is what life has left upon us, a play of memory, the result of our actions upon the earth, a reflection of who we once were and also of who we are. Drawing on these and other possible associations, the ArteMorfosis platform presents Imprints, the twelfth edition of the Prisma competition, inviting Cuban artists and creators residing on the Island to participate with works produced in any technique, medium, or genre, with the exception of performance art. The competition seeks to encourage a broad and diverse reflection on the marks we leave and those we receive, on memory, identity, experience, and permanence.
In accordance with the guidelines accompanying this open call, the jury will assess both the quality of the works and their ability to engage with the concept of Imprints, as well as the strategies used to present them on the participants’ social media and digital platforms.
On this occasion, LAB53 Project will award a collateral prize.
– CHARACTERISTICS OF THE WORKS
Each artist may submit one work, which may be:
- TWO-DIMENSIONAL (any technique, including multiple-edition works), no larger than 200 cm high × 120 cm wide. In the case of polyptychs, the complete work must not exceed 200 cm in width.
- THREE-DIMENSIONAL (sculpture or installation), no larger than 250 cm high × 100 cm wide × 100 cm deep.
- AUDIOVISUAL, with a maximum duration of 7 minutes. Audiovisual works created with the support of AI will be accepted; in such cases, the prompt used must be submitted.
Works do not need to have been created specifically for this open call.
– CHARACTERISTICS OF SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS
Each participating work must be published on the artist’s social media profiles, in one or more of the following formats:
- INSTAGRAM OR FACEBOOK CAROUSEL of between 8 and 10 slides, which may include photographs or short videos.
- INSTAGRAM REEL OR YOUTUBE VIDEO between 20 and 40 seconds long.
Posts must tag/reference ArteMorfosis and include the hashtag #Prisma12.
For a long time, art circulated according to a clear model:
WORK ➜ INSTITUTION ➜ VISIBILITTY
In this model, the gallery or physical exhibition assumed most of the work of communication, audience engagement, and mediation.
In today’s digital environment, and especially in the online art market, this model no longer works in the same way. Visibility is built differently:
WORK ➜ ARTIST’S DIGITAL MANAGEMENT ➜ VISIBILITY ➜ INSTITUTION OR COLLECTOR
This does not mean “self-promotion.” It means that the work needs to be explained, documented, and contextualized so that it can generate interest and trust among people who do not have direct access to a physical exhibition or to the artist’s context.
Unlike an in-person exhibition, where the encounter is immediate, the digital environment operates through repetition, explanation, and permanence. Digital presentation is the first step in building that connection with audiences and collectors outside Cuba.
INVESTING TIME IN THIS PRESENTATION DOES NOT REPLACE THE WORK: IT ALLOWS THE WORK TO REACH OTHERS.
This is not about changing the art or the way it is created, but about understanding and embracing the conditions necessary for a work to have a meaningful presence in today’s digital environment.
– HOW TO PARTICIPATE
FOLLOW ARTEMORFOSIS on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
CREATE A POST FEATURING YOUR COMPETITION ENTRY on your Instagram or Facebook profile, or on your YouTube channel (or on several of these), and pin it. Begin the accompanying text with the phrase “My work speaks of…” and continue by expressing what you wish to convey through your work. End the text with the question “What imprint does this work leave on you?” Do not forget to tag ArteMorfosis in the post and include #Prisma12. This post must remain public, accessible, and pinned throughout the evaluation period.
REQUEST THE PARTICIPATION FORM by sending an email to [email protected] with the subject line “Formulario.”
REGISTER YOUR COMPETITION ENTRY by sending an email to [email protected] with the following attachments:
- COMPLETED PARTICIPATION FORM
- HIGH-RESOLUTION IMAGE OF THE COMPETITION ENTRY
- LINK TO THE SOCIAL MEDIA POST (or links, if published on more than one platform)
– PRIZES
A jury appointed by ArteMorfosis will evaluate all submitted proposals that meet the participation requirements. The jury will consider:
- The originality and aesthetic strength of the works
- The quality and clarity of the visual documentation provided (image or video)
- A brief contextualization (short statement) that helps viewers understand the work and its intention
- The coherence between the work, the accompanying text, and the artist’s profile
- A social media presentation designed for diverse audiences beyond the specialized art world
- The correct use of the requested tags and reference
The jury will select UP TO 12 FINALIST WORKS and award ONE PRIZE of USD 400.
LAB53 Project will award a COLLATERAL PRIZE of USD 200.
Note: As the juries are independent, both prizes may be awarded to the same work.
ArteMorfosis will organize a GROUP EXHIBITION FEATURING ALL FINALIST WORKS at its Event Rooms venue in El Vedado, which will remain open for one month.
– EXHIBITION AND COMMERCIALIZATION
The submitted works must be available for exhibition (from December 4, 2026 to January 5, 2027) and for sale during this period.
– SCHEDULE
| 4 SEP – 23 NOV | Submission period for works. |
| 24 NOV – | Publication of works admitted to the competition. |
| 26 NOV | Publication of the competition results on ArteMorfosis’ digital platforms. |
| 27 NOV – 2 DIC | Delivery period for finalist works to ArteMorfosis’ Event Rooms venue. |
| 4 DIC | Awards ceremony and opening of the group exhibition at ArteMorfosis’ Event Rooms venue (Calle 11 esq. a 8, El Vedado, Havana). |
Full details regarding copyright, use of the works, and commercialization are included in the Participation Form. By submitting the form, each participant declares that they have read and accepted all terms and conditions.
The information for each participating work must be complete at the time of submission. Entries that do not include all required information will not be considered by the jury. Participation in this competition implies full acceptance of these conditions. This open call is not associated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by any platform other than ArteMorfosis.
Contact:
Request the participation form by sending a message to [email protected] with the subject «Formulario»
ArteMorfosis – Cuban Art Platform, established in Zurich in 2015, supports the promotion of Cuban artists and galleries through the use of new technologies. Initially representing established Cuban artists, from 2017 onward it expanded its focus to include emerging and mid-career creators. In 2019, the gallery took a significant step into the online space, seeking to promote the presence of Cuban art there while exploring its commercialization both online and offline. It experimented early on with new technologies applied to art, ranging from virtual and augmented reality to placements on some of the most visited art websites. ArteMorfosis’ objective is to represent Cuban artists globally.
LAB53 Project is a contemporary art space in Havana dedicated to promoting and showcasing emerging artistic practices. Through exhibitions, projects, and collaborations, it provides a platform for dialogue and experimentation within Cuba’s contemporary art scene.
More information at projectlab53.com.