Figuring out where to start and how to effectively continue engagement is definitely a learning curve. I have put together some different ways to ensure momentum continues and you get the most out of your open call.
To do this, I have created a short acronym that can be used to start your thought process: CAVES.
- Communication
- Acknowledgement
- Value
- Encouragement
- Sharing
Communication
Communication is one of the key factors of a successful opportunity, and this should not end once the open call does. If a applicant is rejected in an early round, it may be then they do not hear from an organisation again, leaving them out of the loop of who was successful. A lot if the time, they are interested to know in what happened during the rest of the open call. It can really help for further engagement to be transparent with all of your applicants and let them know any other ways they can be involved, such as sharing any feedback they may have, attending an exhibition you may be putting on with the winning work, or even just following your social media pages.
Acknowledgment
Your participants will have put a lot of time and energy in to applying for your open call, and it is really important to acknowledge that. With acknowledgement they will know that you appreciate what they have done and they will be more likely to continue engagement with you and participate in further opportunities you provide.
Doing this can take a few different forms. If you want to take the most personal approach, you can send out a simple thank you email to all of your applicants, making sure to thank them for their time and continuing that all important communication. If you want to make a more public thank you, you could include a thank you section in your next newsletter or put up a post on your social media. You are aiming for your community to feel valued.
Value
Once your open call is closed, or perhaps while it is still running, you want to think about how you can add value wherever possible. Obviously your applicants will be working towards the main prize which you have set. However, is there anything else you can add? Could you set up any follow-up opportunities, such as mentorship or ways to network? Or could you simply provide a discount or early access for your next open call? You always want to make sure that applicants are gaining something from the open call.
Encouragement
Encouragement is always a great thing to provide your applicants. Whether it is to encourage them to apply again in the future or to provide feedback, it is a great way to spur engagement. It is an important thing to keep in mind with whatever you are doing.
Sharing
It is quite likely that throughout your open call, you have amassed a surplus of content. This is something which can be used over and over again, potentially up until your next open call. And there are so many different ideas you can use:
- Winner Profiles – Once winners are announced, spotlight them with interviews, photos, or videos of their work.
- Thank You Posts – Post a thank you to all participants, judges, and supporters.
- Participant Shoutouts – Create a collage or carousel featuring artworks of some of your other applicants.
- Q&A Sessions – Host a live Q&A session or a review, where you can spotlight some of the submitted work and answer questions.
This is not an exhaustive list but is definitely a starting point you can use. This is content which can be used and repurposed where you see fit.
The points I have put together might not work for every opportunity, but they are a great foundation to start with. Remember, the connections you foster now will not only sustain the momentum but also lay the groundwork for future successes. Engagement doesn’t end with the open call—it evolves, deepens, and becomes the catalyst for lasting impact.
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