Artist Resources

Overview

This listing compiles various artist resources and opportunities, including Transformer's own FlatFile program and Exhibition Series, as well as external calls for artists and grants. Transformer aims to connect artists with resources and support them by sharing listings and links from the contemporary art field.

Transformer FlatFile Program

• To submit: Email artist bio, website, and a small selection of images with corresponding artwork details to [email protected].
• Artwork details to include for each piece: title, year made, medium, dimensions, price.
• Format artwork file names as: LastName_ArtworkTitle.

Transformer Exhibition Series

• To submit an exhibition proposal: Email artist bio, CV, and proposal to [email protected] for consideration.
• Include photos (proposed or representative pieces), an artist statement, and as much detail as possible in the proposal.
• Questions to address in proposal: What do you hope people will take away from your exhibition? Why is Transformer a good fit to exhibit your artwork?
• If selected, you will be contacted in 1-2 weeks.

Emergency Grants Overview (from external guidelines)

• Eligibility: Artists making innovative, experimental work, living in the United States or U.S. territories, with a U.S. Tax ID Number (SSN, EIN, ITIN, or other).
• Must have committed performance or exhibition opportunities with specific dates at the time of application.
• Applicants must be individual artists, or an individual representing an artist collective, ensemble, or group. Curators, producers, workshop organizers, organizations, or arts presenters are not eligible.
• Artists enrolled in any degree-granting program or school are not eligible.
• Emergency Grants and Grants to Artists award recipients must observe a three-year (36-month) wait period before applying for an Emergency Grant. This also applies to projects where a lead artist or primary collaborator has received an Emergency Grant, Creative Research Grant, or Grants to Artists award within the last three years.
• Relief grants and emergencies due to federal funding cuts do not affect eligibility.
• Not eligible: Work-in-progress, informal showings, projects by commercial galleries or art fairs, youth/educational programming, professional trainings, workshops, lectures, symposiums, conferences, competitions, production/publishing of CDs, albums, music videos, or books. Cannot reapply with a previously denied project.
• Supported expenses: Artists’ fees, airfare, accommodations, materials, shipping/transport, fabrication, and production. Project-related childcare is eligible.
• Not supported: Non-project-related life expenses (food, rent, medical bills, childcare), expenses paid prior to submitting application, fees for participation or living expenses in residency/educational programs, deposits/registration fees for participation in an exhibition, fair, or other presentation opportunity.

External Artist Opportunities

• Bridge: Clay on the Wall | Lorton, VA: Open call for wall-mounted ceramic artwork exploring three-dimensionality, relief, and decoration. Deadline: October 31, 2026.
• 2026 Holiday Art Competition | Frederick, MD: Theme is "The Holidays in Historic Frederick" for a secular celebration of the holidays. Application Fee: $20. Deadline: November 1, 2026.
• 2027-28 Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Fellowship | Richmond, VA: Funding for visual arts and art history in Virginia, supporting professional artists and students. Deadline: November 6, 2026.
• Call to Artists, “Fusion” at Strathmore | North Bethesda, MD: Juried show inviting original multi-medium work exploring the idea of fusion. Accepts drawing, painting, mixed media, assemblage, sculpture, and more. Deadline: November 9, 2026.
• VisArts Call for Solo Exhibitions 2027 | Washington, DC: Invites emerging and mid-career artists working in all media to apply for solo exhibitions in one of three spaces. Welcomes ambitious, experimental, interdisciplinary proposals from local, national, and international artists. Deadline: November 13, 2026.
• Tomorrow, Imagined: 17th Annual Patricia Sitar Juried Exhibition | Washington, DC: Invites original artwork exploring hopes, questions, and possibilities for the future. All mediums and perspectives are welcome. Deadline: November 13, 2026.