Curator

Kirsten Bengtson

Kirsten Bengtson-Lykoudis (she/her/hers) serves as staff writer, archivist, and curator for NOT REAL ART. She enjoys rambling through NRA’s vast digital archive of contemporary artworks and getting to know the people behind them. After growing up in the Twin Cities, Kirsten darted between Florida, Russia, Sweden, New York, France, Italy, the Aegean Islands, and Washington, DC, before landing in Richmond, Virginia. A former New York gallery director, photographer, student of Russian literature, devout polyglot, and nonfiction writer, she is currently plotting her next trip to Greece.

Co-Organizer

Morgan Laurens

Morgan Laurens (she/her/hers) is NOT REAL ART’s editor in chief. Morgan is an arts writer from the Midwest who enjoys saying “excuse me” when no actual pardon is needed. She specializes in grant writing and narrative-based storytelling for mission-driven artists and arts organizations. With a background in printmaking, pop culture, and classic literature, Morgan believes a girl’s best friend is the pile of books on her bedside table.

The Art of Resistance

With the midterm elections looming like a high-speed train with an unknown destination, our September 2026 exhibition presents a provocative selection of politically focused artwork that testifies to the power of collective resistance and advocates for positive change during a period of uncertainty and unrest.

In times of political turbulence, art becomes a vital tool for truth-telling, solidarity, investigation, and calls to action. This exhibition amplifies voices demanding justice for all and imagining better futures with work that refuses to look away.

Why Apply?

For artists committed to social change, The Art of Resistance offers a creative platform to reach audiences hungry for meaningful engagement. Your work can inspire others, spark dialogue, call out injustices, illuminate a cause, and stand as testimony to this pivotal moment in history. By applying, you will be added to our exclusive database of thousands of emerging artists from around the world, connecting you to future opportunities and collaborators.

Applicants will also be considered for:

A long-form interview with a professional arts writer, published on the NOT REAL ART platform.
An appearance as a guest on our podcast, sharing your story and creative process with a global audience.
An opportunity to have your work showcased in our First Friday Exhibitions series, reaching art lovers and industry professionals.

Eligibility

Open to artists worldwide creating politically engaged work that explores themes of resistance and activism, offers critical cultural insights, exudes a commitment to human rights, spotlights injustices large and small, addresses racial and social imbalances, and/or champions unity and equity. All mediums and styles welcome, except work generated entirely by AI.

Submission Guidelines

Submit up to four works
High-resolution JPEGs
Artist bio
Artist statement