Statewide Emerging Artists Annual 2026

Overview

The Statewide Emerging Artists' Annual is a competitive juried exhibition celebrating the outstanding creativity and potential of Utah's emerging artists. All submitted works must have been created within the past two years. The exhibition features diverse artistic disciplines including painting, sculpture, installation, new media, photography, ceramics, printmaking, fiber arts, digital media, performance, and video.

Eligibility

Open to current BFA or MFA students and artists who have had five or fewer solo exhibitions. All works must be original, completed within the past two years, and must not have been previously exhibited at BDAC.

Key dates

• Applications open: May 5, 2026
• Applications close: July 20, 2026 at 11:59 pm
• Jurying process: July 21 - August 11, 2026
• Artists notified: August 14, 2026 via email
• Artwork drop-off: Saturday August 29 (noon-5 pm) and Tuesday September 1 (10 am-6 pm)
• Exhibition installation: September 2-10, 2026
• Exhibition on view: September 11 - November 13, 2026
• Opening reception: Friday, September 11, 2026 at 6-8 pm (Awards announced at 7 pm)
• Artwork pick-up: November 14 and 17, 2026 during business hours

Submission requirements

Each artist must create a free profile on ArtCall.org. Submissions must include an artist statement (350-500 words), artist bio (100-200 words), CV (up to 5 pages), and 1-3 high resolution images (1500 px on longest side, 10 MB max per image). The first image uploaded will be the primary one viewed by jurors.

Fees

$20 entry fee allows submission of up to 3 artworks with up to 3 images per piece. All fees are non-refundable.

Awards

Three outstanding works receive unrestricted cash awards. The artist selected for Best in Show will also be offered a solo exhibition at BDAC in 2027.

Delivery & presentation

Selected pieces must be delivered ready for installation—dry, properly framed, and presentation-ready. All two-dimensional works must be equipped with D-rings and wire for hanging. Artwork that does not meet these criteria may be declined at drop-off. Please label all pieces clearly with the artist's name and artwork title.

Artwork pick-up

Artists must retrieve their work on November 14 and 17, 2026 during business hours, or coordinate a pickup with Exhibitions Director Sara Serratos (801-295-3618 or [email protected]). Due to limited space, BDAC is unable to hold artwork beyond the designated pickup period. Storage fees will apply for work not retrieved.

Juror

Christopher Lynn (West Valley City, Utah) is an interdisciplinary artist, curator, writer, and educator. He is currently Associate Professor of Historical, Critical, and Cultural Studies in Art at Brigham Young University.