Open Call:

VSW’s Second Annual LOCALS! Experimental Variety Show

Submission Deadline: June 19, 2026 | Apply here (free)

Show Date: Friday July 17, 2026 at 7pm!

Visual Studies Workshop seeks submissions for the second annual LOCALS! Experimental Variety Show – a showcase of media, performance and everything in-between by artists from the Rochester region. This one-night event will take place in the VSW Theater on July 17 and will include short films, projection performance, and an assortment of audio-visual acts that highlight the diverse creative community in Rochester. 

We seek short (10 minutes or less) media-inclusive works that are experimental, expansive and interdisciplinary, including: film, video, comedy, lectures, sound, movement, performance art, video games, demonstrations, and presentations.

We welcome the following formats: 16mm film, Super 8, Filmstrip, 35mm slide, video, sound, PowerPoint, performance art, movement, video games, animation and other formats. VSW can provide limited access to film and video projectors.