A Cleansing Anti-Propaganda Group Show

August 27 – September 27, 2026
Presented by the Worcester Artist Group at Hunchback Gallery

CALL FOR ART

BRAIN WASH

ABOUT THE EXHIBITION

The Worcester Artist Group invites submissions for Brain Wash, a group exhibition exploring propaganda, persuasion, media, power, and the stories we're told every day.

This exhibition asks artists to examine the forces that shape our beliefs and perceptions. Propaganda isn't limited to politics. It exists in advertising, algorithms, consumer culture, religion, nationalism, education, entertainment, social media, and the everyday messages that influence how we see ourselves and the world around us.

Whether your work challenges these systems, exposes them, participates in them, or imagines alternatives, we want to see your perspective.

The exhibition will also feature a collection of confiscated and destroyed artwork created by jailed and exiled Russian artists and activists, offering historical context alongside contemporary responses.

IMPORTANT DATES

  • Submission Deadline: August 15

  • Notifications Sent: Rolling, August 16–25

  • Artwork Drop-Off: August 16–25

  • Opening Reception: August 27 • 6–9pm

  • Exhibition: August 27 – September 27

Throughout the exhibition we'll also host public programming including an open mic/poetry night, zine making, discussions, and additional community events.

SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

This Google Form is designed to make submitting your work as simple as possible.

Please limit your submission to two works.

Images may be uploaded as JPG, PNG, PDF, or other common formats up to 10MB per file. Larger files can be shared via a public link.

There is no submission fee or participation fee.

Artists and makers of all ages, backgrounds, and experience levels are encouraged to apply.

Submission Form

WHO CAN APPLY

There are no restrictions on size or medium.

Work should engage with the exhibition's themes through subject matter, symbolism, materials, process, or concept.

All submitted artwork must be human-created. AI-generated artwork will not be accepted.

CONTENT GUIDELINES

Brain Wash deals with difficult ideas, but the goal is thoughtful conversation rather than harm.

Please keep the following in mind:

  • No outright hate speech.

  • No gratuitous barbarity or violence.

  • Punch up, not down.

  • Final artwork selection is at the discretion of the Worcester Artist Group.

Additional Info

  • Submissions will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

    Artists selected for the exhibition will receive an email between August 16–25 with delivery instructions and a few questions about their artwork that can be completed online before drop-off.

  • Selected work can be delivered between August 16 and August 25.

    Specific gallery hours and drop-off options will be included in your acceptance email. If those times don't work, we'll do our best to coordinate another time.

  • Brain Wash is a collaboration between the Worcester Artist Group and Hunchback Gallery. If your work sells, each organization retains 15% of the sale price (30% total) to support exhibition costs and future programming. Artists receive the remaining 70% within 30 days of the sale. Please price your work accordingly.

  • Wall-mounted work: Please deliver work ready to hang. Wire is preferred because it's the most reliable hanging method.

    Three-dimensional work: Please include any stands, supports, or display materials needed to safely exhibit your work.

  • No. Work does not need to be for sale, though we encourage artists to make work available whenever possible.

  • No, but we hope you will.

    The opening reception is one of the best opportunities to meet other artists, discuss your work, and experience the exhibition with the community.

    Additional public events throughout the month will provide even more opportunities to participate.

  • If your work sells, we'll contact you promptly.

    Unsold work can be picked up after the exhibition closes on September 27, or by appointment if needed. Pickup instructions will be sent toward the end of the exhibition.

Still have questions?

HunchbackGallery@gmail.com