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50 Best Art Competitions & Calls for Entry 2026

By EntryThingy Team

Finding legitimate, high-quality art calls can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. With thousands of opportunities posted each year, how do you know which ones are worth your time and entry fees?

We've done the research for you. This curated guide highlights 50 of the best art calls for 2026, organized by medium and category. Every opportunity listed is currently accepting entries and has been vetted for legitimacy, fair judging practices, and meaningful exposure for artists.

Last Updated: January 2026 | Browse 1,900+ Active Calls: EntryThingy Calls List →

Table of Contents

  1. Best for Painters
  2. Best for Photographers
  3. Best for Sculptors & 3D Artists
  4. Best Free Calls (No Entry Fee)
  5. Best Regional Opportunities
  6. How We Selected These Calls

Best for Painters

Whether you work in oils, acrylics, watercolor, or mixed media, these calls offer excellent opportunities for painters to gain exposure and recognition.

Browse All 398 Active Painting Calls →

Top Painting Competitions for 2026

  1. 76th Annual FLAG Exhibition - Everglow

    • Gallery: Florida Artists Group Inc.
    • Location: Florida
    • Deadline: January 28, 2026
    • Entry Fee: Paid
    • Why It's Great: Historic annual exhibition (76 years running), established jurying process, Florida arts community recognition

  2. "Becoming"

    • Gallery: Dictée Art Gallery
    • Location: Oakland, CA
    • Deadline: January 10, 2026
    • Entry Fee: Paid
    • Why It's Great: Contemporary gallery in Bay Area, strong curatorial vision, professional exhibition opportunity

  3. Members Showcase 2026

    • Gallery: Stamford Art Association
    • Location: Connecticut
    • Deadline: December 26, 2025
    • Entry Fee: Paid
    • Why It's Great: Long-established art association, professional presentation, Connecticut arts scene exposure

  4. EMPIRE OF ART :: 2026 International Art Competition

    • Location: New York
    • Deadline: August 1, 2026
    • Entry Fee: Paid
    • Prize: Cash Prizes
    • Why It's Great: International recognition, cash awards, New York art world visibility

  5. Paper

    • Gallery: Arc Studios & Gallery
    • Location: San Francisco, CA
    • Deadline: March 30, 2026
    • Entry Fee: Paid
    • Why It's Great: San Francisco gallery, focused theme allows for creative exploration

  6. Become a Tall Grass Artist 2026

    • Gallery: Tall Grass Arts Association
    • Location: Illinois
    • Deadline: April 30, 2026
    • Entry Fee: Paid
    • Why It's Great: Artist membership opportunity, ongoing exhibition possibilities, Midwest arts community

  7. 45th Annual Faber Birren National Color Show

    • Gallery: Stamford Art Association
    • Location: Connecticut
    • Deadline: October 5, 2025
    • Entry Fee: Paid
    • Why It's Great: 45-year history, specialized focus on color theory, named after color theorist Faber Birren

  8. URBAN & RURAL

    • Location: New York
    • Deadline: December 27, 2025
    • Entry Fee: Paid
    • Why It's Great: Themed exhibition exploring contemporary landscape and place

  9. TARIFFS, TARIFFS, TARIFFS!

    • Location: New York
    • Deadline: March 28, 2026
    • Entry Fee: Paid
    • Why It's Great: Timely political/economic theme, New York exposure

  10. Favorites

    • Gallery: Edgewater Gallery, CA
    • Location: Fort Bragg, CA
    • Deadline: January 30, 2026
    • Entry Fee: Paid
    • Why It's Great: Northern California coastal gallery, juried selection

Regional Painting Exhibitions Worth Entering

Pro Tip: Many regional art centers host annual juried exhibitions. Check calls in your state for opportunities with lower competition and local exposure.

Best for Photographers

From fine art to documentary photography, these calls celebrate photographic excellence across all genres.

Browse All 483 Active Photography Calls →

Top Photography Competitions for 2026

  1. Focus Group | Photography Exhibition + Publication

    • Gallery: Dama Gallery
    • Location: Ventura, CA
    • Deadline: January 31, 2026
    • Entry Fee: Paid
    • Why It's Great: Exhibition AND publication opportunity, California gallery exposure

  2. Duxbury Art Association 53rd Annual Winter Juried Show

    • Gallery: Duxbury Art Association
    • Location: Massachusetts
    • Deadline: December 27, 2025
    • Entry Fee: Paid
    • Why It's Great: 53-year tradition, established New England arts organization

  3. Members Showcase 2026

    • Gallery: Stamford Art Association
    • Location: Connecticut
    • Deadline: December 26, 2025
    • Entry Fee: Paid
    • Why It's Great: Professional organization, multi-medium acceptance including photography

  4. International Woman's Day 2026 - "We hold these truths..."

    • Location: International
    • Deadline: January 31, 2026
    • Entry Fee: Paid
    • Why It's Great: International reach, timely feminist theme, global audience

  5. URBAN & RURAL

    • Location: New York
    • Deadline: December 27, 2025
    • Entry Fee: Paid
    • Why It's Great: Documentary photography theme, New York exhibition

  6. 2026 REAF Regional Art Show

    • Gallery: Rochester Erotic Arts
    • Location: New York
    • Deadline: February 1, 2026
    • Entry Fee: Paid
    • Why It's Great: Specialized niche, dedicated audience, sex-positive arts community

  7. 2026 REAF Digital Art Show

    • Gallery: Rochester Erotic Arts
    • Location: New York
    • Deadline: February 1, 2026
    • Entry Fee: Paid
    • Why It's Great: Digital photography category, contemporary themes

  8. Frolic Weekend Art Gallery

    • Gallery: Frolic Weekend
    • Location: Provincetown, MA
    • Deadline: January 5, 2026
    • Entry Fee: Paid
    • Why It's Great: Provincetown arts scene (LGBTQ+ friendly), summer gallery opportunity

  9. "Becoming"

    • Gallery: Dictée Art Gallery
    • Location: Oakland, CA
    • Deadline: January 10, 2026
    • Entry Fee: Paid
    • Why It's Great: Contemporary gallery, Bay Area exposure, conceptual themes

  10. Detroit Roots: A Shared History

    • Gallery: Detroit Society of Women Painters & Sculptors
    • Location: Detroit, MI
    • Deadline: December 15, 2025
    • Entry Fee: Paid
    • Why It's Great: Historical theme, Detroit arts community, documentary photography opportunity

Specialized Photography Categories

Pro Tip: Enter competitions aligned with your specific photography style. General competitions are more competitive than niche-focused calls.

Best for Sculptors & 3D Artists

Sculpture and 3D art require different exhibition considerations. These calls understand the unique needs of dimensional work.

Browse All 419 Active Sculpture Calls →

Top Sculpture Opportunities for 2026

  1. 2026 Sculpture on Westview Program

    • Gallery: City of Coral Springs
    • Location: Coral Springs, FL
    • Deadline: December 31, 2025
    • Entry Fee: FREE
    • Why It's Great: Public art program, free entry, city-sponsored, outdoor exhibition

  2. Critical Ground: Art and Environmental Justice

    • Gallery: Washington Sculptors Group
    • Location: Maryland
    • Deadline: December 8, 2025
    • Entry Fee: Paid
    • Why It's Great: Environmental theme, professional sculptors organization, DC-area exposure

  3. Open Membership Show at the House of NeVille Gallery

    • Gallery: Texas Jewish Arts Association
    • Location: Fort Worth, TX
    • Deadline: January 26, 2026
    • Entry Fee: Paid
    • Why It's Great: Texas arts community, gallery representation opportunity

  4. Members Showcase 2026

    • Gallery: Stamford Art Association
    • Location: Connecticut
    • Deadline: December 26, 2025
    • Entry Fee: Paid
    • Why It's Great: Accepts 3D work, established organization

  5. Duxbury Art Association 53rd Annual Winter Juried Show

    • Gallery: Duxbury Art Association
    • Location: Massachusetts
    • Deadline: December 27, 2025
    • Entry Fee: Paid
    • Why It's Great: Long-running exhibition, professional presentation

  6. URBAN & RURAL

    • Location: New York
    • Deadline: December 27, 2025
    • Entry Fee: Paid
    • Why It's Great: Installation and 3D work encouraged

  7. SIP - an exhibition celebrating the intimate object of the simple cup

    • Gallery: Corgi Clay Art Center
    • Location: Virginia
    • Deadline: October 26, 2025
    • Entry Fee: Paid
    • Why It's Great: Ceramics/sculptural objects, focused theme, craft emphasis

  8. Detroit Roots: A Shared History

    • Gallery: Detroit Society of Women Painters & Sculptors
    • Location: Detroit, MI
    • Deadline: December 15, 2025
    • Entry Fee: Paid
    • Why It's Great: Historic organization accepting sculptors

  9. Unconnected Yet - Australia

    • Gallery: Bengal Boston Bridge
    • Location: WB (International)
    • Entry Fee: Paid
    • Why It's Great: International exchange opportunity

  10. The 23rd Annual BBC Fine Arts & Fine Crafts Fair

    • Gallery: BBC Fine Arts & Fine Crafts
    • Location: New York
    • Entry Fee: Paid
    • Why It's Great: Art fair format, sales opportunity, 23-year history

Pro Tip: For sculptors, public art RFQs often offer the best financial opportunities. Many cities have 1% for Art programs requiring sculpture installations.

Best Free Calls (No Entry Fee)

Quality opportunities don't always require entry fees. These free calls offer legitimate exposure without the financial barrier.

Browse All 616 Free Calls →

Top Free Entry Opportunities for 2026

  1. Oyster, Art & Fiddle Fest 2026 at Nimbus Arts

    • Gallery: Nimbus Arts
    • Location: Saint Helena, CA
    • Deadline: January 30, 2026
    • Entry Fee: FREE
    • Why It's Great: Wine country festival, community event, no financial barrier

  2. Origins

    • Gallery: Mon Curates
    • Location: International
    • Deadline: May 1, 2026
    • Entry Fee: FREE
    • Why It's Great: International curator, conceptual theme, free entry

  3. 15th Annual PleinAir Salon Online Art Competition

    • Gallery: PleinAir Magazine
    • Location: Online
    • Deadline: December 31, 2025
    • Entry Fee: FREE
    • Why It's Great: 15-year history, magazine publication, plein air painting focus

  4. 15th Annual "All Women" Online Art Competition

    • Gallery: Light Space & Time Online Art Gallery
    • Location: Online
    • Deadline: December 27, 2025
    • Entry Fee: FREE
    • Why It's Great: Women artists showcase, online exhibition, established competition

  5. Chicago Art Department 2026 Exhibitions Open Call

    • Gallery: Chicago Art Department
    • Location: Chicago, IL
    • Deadline: December 27, 2025
    • Entry Fee: FREE
    • Why It's Great: Chicago gallery exposure, year-long programming

  6. CERF+'s Craft Emergency Relief Fund

    • Gallery: Craft Emergency Relief Fund (CERF+)
    • Location: Montpelier, VT
    • Deadline: January 1, 2026
    • Entry Fee: FREE
    • Why It's Great: Emergency grants for artists, financial assistance available

  7. Adolph & Esther Gottlieb Emergency Grant Program

    • Gallery: Adolph and Esther Gottlieb Foundation
    • Location: New York, NY
    • Deadline: January 1, 2026
    • Entry Fee: FREE
    • Why It's Great: Emergency funding for artists, established foundation

  8. Visual Art Journal Publication and Times Square Billboard Showcase

    • Gallery: Visual Art Journal
    • Location: New York, NY / Online
    • Deadline: December 28, 2025
    • Entry Fee: FREE
    • Why It's Great: Times Square billboard feature, publication, massive exposure

  9. Chicago Art Department 2026 Exhibitions Open Call

    • Gallery: Chicago Art Department
    • Location: Chicago, IL
    • Deadline: December 27, 2025
    • Entry Fee: FREE
    • Why It's Great: Professional gallery, rotating exhibitions

  10. Songs of the 4 Communities

    • Gallery: Life Force Arts
    • Location: Chicago, IL
    • Deadline: December 29, 2025
    • Entry Fee: FREE
    • Why It's Great: Community-focused, Chicago arts scene

Additional Free Opportunities

Why Some Calls Are Free

Legitimate reasons for free entry:

  • Sponsored by brands or organizations (foundations, city programs)
  • Gallery takes commission on sales (art fairs, gallery exhibitions)
  • Grants or public funding support (government arts programs)
  • Building community or platform (emerging galleries, online platforms)

Warning Signs: Be cautious of free calls that:

  • Require you to use specific suppliers
  • Demand exclusive rights to your work
  • Ask for personal information beyond contact details
  • Have no clear organization or contact info

Best Regional Opportunities

Northeast

Connecticut:

Massachusetts:

New York:

Pennsylvania:

Southeast

Florida:

West Coast

California:

Midwest

Illinois:

Michigan:

Browse by State →

View Deadlines by Month →

How We Selected These Calls

We evaluated opportunities based on:

Legitimacy

  • ✓ Established organization with track record
  • ✓ Clear terms and conditions
  • ✓ Transparent jurying process
  • ✓ Verifiable past winners and exhibitions
  • ✓ Currently active on EntryThingy platform with 1,900+ calls

Value for Artists

  • ✓ Reasonable entry fees relative to prizes/exposure
  • ✓ Quality of galleries and organizations
  • ✓ Exhibition opportunities (physical or online)
  • ✓ Professional presentation
  • ✓ Networking potential

Exposure & Impact

  • ✓ Industry recognition and reputation
  • ✓ Gallery/museum quality
  • ✓ Career advancement potential
  • ✓ Community and connections
  • ✓ Portfolio-building value

Fair Practices

  • ✓ Respectful of artist rights
  • ✓ Clear communication
  • ✓ Professional organization
  • ✓ Positive artist feedback
  • ✓ Verified through EntryThingy aggregation system

Red Flags We Avoid:

  • Excessive entry fees ($100+) with minimal prizes
  • Rights grabs (demanding ownership of your work)
  • Unclear judging criteria
  • No past exhibition history
  • Requests for original work before selection
  • Pressure to purchase awards or publications

Additional Resources for Finding Art Calls

Where to Find More Opportunities

EntryThingy Platform:

What Makes EntryThingy Different:

  • Aggregates from CaFE, Zapplication, ArtCall, ShowSubmit, AND independent galleries
  • Free to browse (no subscription required)
  • Updated daily with new opportunities
  • Filter by medium, location, deadline, entry fee
  • See everything in one place

Tips for Maximizing Your Success

Before You Apply

  1. Research the opportunity thoroughly

    • Check the gallery/organization website
    • Look at past exhibitions on their social media
    • Read terms and conditions carefully
    • Calculate cost vs. potential benefit

  2. Assess your fit

    • Does your work align with their aesthetic?
    • Do you meet eligibility requirements?
    • Can you deliver if accepted (shipping, installation, etc.)?

  3. Prepare strong materials

    • High-quality images (at least 300 DPI, 1920px on longest side)
    • Compelling artist statement
    • Professional CV/resume
    • Strong project descriptions

During the Application Process

  1. Follow instructions exactly

    • Image requirements (size, format, DPI)
    • File naming conventions
    • Required fields and documents
    • Deadlines (usually 11:59 PM in specific timezone)

  2. Proofread everything

    • Artist statement
    • Project description
    • CV/bio
    • Image titles and descriptions

  3. Keep records

    • Save confirmation emails
    • Track entry fees for taxes
    • Note notification dates
    • Maintain submission spreadsheet

After Submitting

  1. Don't stop at one

    • Apply to multiple opportunities
    • Diversify your submissions
    • Play the numbers game

  2. Learn from rejections

    • Most artists face 90%+ rejection rates
    • Request feedback if offered
    • Refine your approach
    • Keep improving your work

  3. Celebrate acceptances

    • Update your CV immediately
    • Promote on social media
    • Add to your portfolio
    • Build relationships with organizers

Monthly Planning Guide for 2026

January-March (Q1)

April-June (Q2)

July-September (Q3)

  • Apply: Winter exhibitions, 2027 residencies
  • Active Deadlines:

October-December (Q4)

  • Apply: 2027 spring shows, long-lead opportunities
  • Focus: Planning for next year
  • Active Deadlines: Many annual competitions

Pro Tip: Create a calendar of recurring annual deadlines. Many prestigious calls happen the same time each year.

Final Thoughts

The art world can feel overwhelming with 1,900+ active opportunities currently available, but strategic applications to quality calls can accelerate your career significantly. Focus on opportunities that align with your work, offer fair terms, and provide meaningful exposure.

Remember:

  • Quality over quantity in your applications
  • Research before you submit
  • Protect your rights and work
  • Learn from each application
  • Build relationships with organizers
  • Stay persistent through rejections

Ready to start applying?

→ Browse All 1,900+ Open Calls on EntryThingy

→ Filter by Your Medium

→ Find Free Opportunities

Why Use EntryThingy?

The Largest Free Source for Art Calls:

  • 1,900+ active calls aggregated from CaFE, Zapplication, ArtCall, ShowSubmit, and independent galleries
  • 398 painting opportunities
  • 483 photography opportunities
  • 419 sculpture opportunities
  • 616 free entry opportunities
  • Updated daily
  • Free to browse - no subscription required
  • Filter by medium, location, deadline, entry fee
  • One central source for all your art opportunities

EntryThingy vs. Other Platforms:

  • Unlike CaFE and Zapplication which require paid subscriptions to view full listings
  • We aggregate FROM those platforms PLUS independent galleries
  • Completely free to browse
  • Most comprehensive database available

This guide is updated regularly. Bookmark this page and check back for new opportunities throughout 2026.

Have a suggestion for a call we should feature? Contact us through EntryThingy

Questions about specific calls? Click through to view full details on each listing.

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