“Cats, Dogs & Stories — exploring how cats and dogs are part of our lives, memories, cultures and creative expression”
Cats and dogs have appeared in art for centuries, as companions, symbols, protectors, working animals and beloved members of everyday life.
From ancient Egyptian depictions of cats to dogs in paintings, sculptures, ceramics, manuscripts and everyday imagery across cultures, these animals have long been part of visual storytelling.
Today they continue to inspire artists in deeply personal ways. They can represent companionship, love, loyalty, playfulness, comfort, family, memory, personality, connection, loss, or simply the joy of sharing life with an animal.
Cats, Dogs & Stories brings these perspectives together in a curated virtual exhibition hosted by the Women in Arts Network. Selected works will be presented in an online gallery open to art enthusiasts, collectors, curators, fellow artists and audiences everywhere.
Interpreting Cats, Dogs & Stories
The theme is intentionally open. Your artwork does not need to be a traditional pet portrait.
Artists are invited to interpret the theme in their own way. Your work may be inspired by a beloved pet, a childhood memory, a particular animal's personality, an everyday moment, a relationship, a cultural or historical reference, or an imagined story.
What story does a cat or dog hold for you? What does it represent in your life, and how can you tell that story through art?
What selected artists receive
- Exhibit your work in a curated virtual group exhibition alongside artists from around the world
- Add an exhibition credit to your CV, website, portfolio and exhibition history
- Professional presentation of your work in our online gallery
- Reach new audiences who can discover your work and explore your portfolio
- Selected through a juried process, so your inclusion reflects the quality of your work
- Digital certificate of participation for selected artists
- Promotion across the Women in Arts Network's digital platforms
- Optional Artist Interview to share your journey, process and the story behind your work
Who can apply
We welcome artists at every stage, from those building a first exhibition record to artists with years of professional experience.
- Who: Women artists and non-binary artists
- Age: 18 and above
- Location: Open to artists from anywhere in the world
- Experience: All career stages. First-time exhibitors, recent graduates (BFA, MFA) and established artists are all welcome.
- Mediums: Painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, ceramics, printmaking, illustration, digital art, mixed media, textile art, collage, video art, installation, and contemporary and experimental practices
- Styles: Figurative, abstract, conceptual, expressive, symbolic, realistic, imaginative, humorous or experimental
- Artwork: Must be your own original work
How to apply
Applications are made through the form on this page. Have your images and details ready before you start.
- Fill in your details
- Upload your artworks
- Choose the interview (optional)
- Submit and pay
- Jury review
Participation options
Option 1: Virtual Exhibition — $15 USD
- Submission of up to 3 artworks
- Inclusion in the juried selection process
- Feature in the Cats, Dogs & Stories virtual exhibition if selected
- Professional online presentation of your artwork
- Digital certificate of participation if selected
Option 2: Virtual Exhibition + Artist Interview — $34 USD ($15 + $19 add-on)
- Everything in Option 1, plus if selected:
- A dedicated artist interview published on the Women in Arts Network website
- Space to share your journey, creative process, inspirations and the story behind your work
- Promotion across our digital platforms
- An online feature to share on your portfolio, website, CV, grant applications and professional profile
All application fees are non-refundable. They support the administration, review, curation, exhibition development and promotion of this opportunity. Payment does not guarantee selection.
Key dates
- Submissions open: Now
- Submission deadline: November 9, 2026
- Selection notification: Within 3 weeks