Before posting on Culturalyst, the most important first step is choosing Event or Opportunity.
This guide will help you decide in seconds.
Quick Answer
If people attend it → Event
If people apply to it → Opportunity
What Is an Event?
Use an Event when you are promoting something people can go to.
Examples
Exhibitions & openings
Performances, concerts, readings
Workshops, panels, lectures
Festivals or community gatherings
Events are for:
Attendance
Dates, times, and locations
Public calendars and listings
👉 If someone is deciding “Should I go to this?” — choose Event.
What Is an Opportunity?
Use an Opportunity when you are inviting people to apply, submit, or participate.
Examples
Calls for Artists / Calls for Entry
Auditions
Grants, residencies, fellowships
Artist opportunities with deadlines
Opportunities are for:
Applications or submissions
Deadlines
Eligibility and requirements
External application or payment links
👉 If someone is deciding “Should I apply to this?” — choose Opportunity.
Common Scenario: Calls for Artists
A Call for Artists is always an Opportunity, even if it leads to an exhibition later.
Many organizations post two listings:
Opportunity → Call for Artists (application phase)
Event → Exhibition opening or run dates (attendance phase)
This helps artists find the right information at the right time.
Still Not Sure?
Ask yourself this one question:
Am I asking people to show up — or to submit something?
Show up → Event
Submit / apply → Opportunity
👉 Next steps
Ready to post?
Go to Posting an Opportunity
Or Posting an Event