Change the World Through Art
In a time when people are exhausted, disconnected, and feel pushed to stay quiet, art is one way we can remain connected. Art makes space for the truths people try to erase: pleasure, agency, identity, tenderness, kink, bodies, human connection, and love in all its forms.
Viewing erotic art can be a form of activism.
Art lets us meet the “new” and the “different than” with more emotional safety. When we see someone living and loving differently than us, we can choose curiosity over fear. Curiosity is how we loosen bias. And for many of us, seeing ourselves reflected in art is more than affirmation; it’s relief. It’s belonging.
Creating erotic art is a form of activism.
When you create erotic art, you’re saying sexuality and desire aren’t shameful; they’re part of real life and vital to the human experience. You’re giving people language for what they feel. You’re widening the conversation about eros and how it shows up in our emotional, physical, spiritual, and intellectual lives.
Purchasing erotic art can be a form of activism.
When someone chooses to hang erotic art in their home, they’re affirming that sexuality is beautiful. They’re supporting artists who take risks and honor the work and skill poured into those creations. They’re choosing honesty over stigma and validating desires and preferences depicted in an artistic platform.
SEAF builds community through art.
SEAF exists because art creates connection between strangers. It invites conversation, laughter, discomfort, recognition, and a sense of, “I didn’t know I needed to see that.” We build the Festival by welcoming the full range of how eros shows up across backgrounds, bodies, identities, and relationships. Walking through the doors of SEAF or Gallery Erato shows the world that you accept this vision and choose to celebrate the freedom to love.
What’s holding you back?
Art shows don’t become diverse by intention alone. They become diverse when artists decide to take up space, especially when it feels easier to opt out. SEAF needs as many different voices as possible so we can better create a show where everyone can find work that reflects themselves.
Visual and store art submissions will be accepted through January 15, 2026, at 11 pm PST.
If you or an artist you know is hesitant to submit to SEAF because the submission fee is a barrier, please reach out to Sophia (director@seaf.art) to request a scholarship code to waive the submission fee for the SEAF 2026 Call for Art.