Colección Tropicalia is a cultural initiative based in Miches, Dominican Republic. It supports artists, artisans, and designers from the Caribbean and its diasporas through acquisitions, commissions, and editorial projects that invite reflection and exchange.

This initiative is part of Tropicalia, a long-term sustainable development project located on the shores of Samaná Bay in Miches. Conceived by the Cisneros family and led by Adriana Cisneros, Tropicalia combines hospitality, residential living, and philanthropic initiatives within an integrated vision that includes a Four Seasons resort, private residences, and community-based programs.

Tropicalia’s social and environmental work is carried out by the Fundación Tropicalia, a nonprofit organization established in 2008 that supports local development in Miches through education, environmental stewardship, gender equity initiatives, and small business support.

Tropicalia, along with its Foundation and, more recently, its Collection, reflects a holistic approach to sustainability, grounded in long-term care for place, culture, and community. They reaffirm a strong commitment to continuing their activities in order to keep moving forward alongside the people of Miches.

This opportunity is open to artists, artisans, and designers from the Dominican Republic; the Caribbean archipelago, including but not limited to Jamaica, Haiti, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, The Bahamas, Saint Lucia, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Aruba, Curaçao, and other Dutch, French and British territories; the continental Caribbean including Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panamá, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana. Individuals from the Caribbean diasporas, as well as Indigenous creators from these territories, whose work engages with the region’s cultural, material, and ecological landscapes are eligible to apply.

We are seeking existing, wall-mounted works that are suitable for long-term display in interior and exterior spaces. These works must be durable and capable of withstanding tropical conditions, including fluctuations in temperature and humidity. We are not accepting proposals, new commissions or works in development.

All materials must be appropriate for a tropical environment where air conditioning and natural ventilation may vary. Works on paper will not be considered. Photographs are only accepted if printed on stable substrates such as aluminum, acrylic, or glass. Acceptable materials include, but are not limited, to natural fibers, ceramics, wood, canvas, metal, glass, resin, textiles, and mixed media. Other materials will be considered if they meet the same durability standards.

Works must be suitable for wall installation and fall within the following range: minimum size 50 × 50 cm, maximum size 100 × 175 cm. Submissions may vary in size within these parameters, as long as they are consistent with these overall proportions. Final selections will be reviewed for compatibility with the available spaces.

This open call is for works that are either part of a limited edition or part of a larger series.

An edition is a fixed number of artworks that are identical or nearly identical and made through a reproducible process. This is common for prints, photographs, or cast sculptures. We are interested in limited editions of 10 to 20 copies, though smaller or larger editions may also be considered.

A series refers to a group of unique artworks that are connected by a shared theme, material, or idea, and are meant to be understood as part of a larger body of work.

A single work may be both part of a series and also exist as a limited edition. As long as a work fits one or both of these definitions, it is eligible for consideration.

To be considered, please submit all application materials as a single PDF file (maximum size 20 MB). Submissions will be accepted in any language.

Your PDF should include the following:

1. Artist Statement (up to 500 words)

If you do not have a formal artist statement, you may instead respond to the following prompts (each up to 200 words):

What inspires your work?

What materials or traditions do you work with?

What personal or cultural history informs your creative practice?

2. Curriculum Vitae (CV)

A CV may be included if available, but it is not required. We welcome submissions from artists, artisans, and designers with nontraditional experiences or community-based practices.

3. Portfolio of Available Works

Only include images of the works you are submitting for consideration, with the following details for each:

Title, year, medium, dimensions

Edition numbers (if applicable)

Price (including framing or mounting if required)

Current location of the work

4. Contact information

Please include your name, email address, and phone number.

You may also include your website and social media handles (optional, but encouraged).

File format

Name your file using the following format:

Firstname_Lastname_CT2025.pdf

The deadline is November 20, 2025.

Those represented by a gallery may apply, and, if selected, the works can be acquired through their gallery.

The preferred way to submit your application is through the submission form below, where you can upload your PDF and complete contact details. If you encounter any difficulties using the form, you may instead email your PDF with the subject line "Open Call 2025 Submission" to:

[email protected]

Submissions are now closed.