How many juried shows should I enter?

Quality over quantity. Most artists benefit from 10-20 well-matched submissions per year rather than dozens of rushed applications. Focus on fit and application quality. Track your results to understand your success rate.

What increases my chances of being selected?

Strong work that fits the show's focus, professional documentation (images are critical), clear artist statement, complete application following all instructions, and strategic show selection. The work itself matters most—invest in documentation quality.

Should I enter shows with entry fees?

Reasonable fees ($25-50) from established organizations are normal. Budget for entry fees as a career expense, but be selective. Evaluate whether the fee is proportional to the opportunity—venue reputation, prizes, exposure. Track spending and results.

How important are juried shows for my career?

They're valuable for building exhibition history, especially early in your career. They provide CV lines, exposure, potential sales, and networking. As your career develops, you may be more selective, but juried shows remain useful at all stages.

What if I keep getting rejected?

Rejection is normal—even excellent artists face it. Assess your submissions: Is documentation strong? Are you applying to well-matched shows? Request feedback when available. Improve weak areas and keep applying. Many successful artists were rejected repeatedly.

How do I handle shipping and framing costs?

Budget for these as exhibition costs. Read requirements carefully—some shows have specific framing standards. Ship properly with insurance. Factor these costs when deciding whether to enter. Local shows reduce shipping burden.

Juried Art Shows: How to Get Selected and Build Your... | Artsumé

Juried Art Shows: How to Get Selected and Build Your Exhibition Record#

Juried art shows are competitive exhibitions where artists submit work for consideration by a jury. They're accessible opportunities for building exhibition history, earning recognition, and connecting with the art community.

This guide explains how juried shows work, how to find good ones, and strategies for getting selected consistently.

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Quick Answer

Juried shows accept submissions from any eligible artist; a jury selects work for exhibition
Good opportunities for emerging artists to build CV and gain exposure
Success requires strong work, professional documentation, and strategic selection
Entry fees are common ($25-50 typical); evaluate value before entering
Quality over quantity—apply selectively to well-matched shows

How Juried Shows Work#

The Process#

Call announced: Exhibition opportunity published with theme, requirements, deadline
Submission period: Artists submit work images and application materials
Jury review: Panel reviews submissions and selects work for exhibition
Notification: Artists informed of acceptance or rejection
Delivery/shipping: Accepted artists send work to venue
Exhibition: Work displayed; opening reception often held
Awards: Prizes announced (many shows include cash awards)
Return: Work shipped back or collected after exhibition closes

Types of Juried Shows#

Theme-based: Submissions respond to specific theme or concept

Open theme: Any subject/approach accepted

Media-specific: Limited to particular medium (painting, photography, ceramics)

Regional: Restricted to artists from specific geographic area

Career stage: Limited to emerging, student, or established artists

Annual shows: Recurring exhibitions (often prestigious)

Who Juries?#

Curators: Museum or gallery professionals

Artists: Established practitioners in relevant media

Critics and writers: Art professionals and scholars

Collectors: Sometimes included on panels

Multiple jurors: Many shows use panels of 2-5+ jurors

Knowing who's jurying helps you understand what might resonate—research their work and preferences.

Finding Quality Juried Shows#

Where to Look#

Online Databases:

Artsumé Opportunities - Curated exhibition listings
CaFÉ (Call for Entry) - Large US database
Submittable Discover - Opportunities across platforms
EntryThingy - Exhibition calls

Organization Sources:

Museum and art center calendars
Art league and guild announcements
State/regional arts council listings
Professional organization communications

Community Sources:

Artist groups and collectives
Social media artist communities
Word of mouth from fellow artists

Evaluating Quality#

Signs of a good show:

Established venue with exhibition history
Professional jury members
Clear, detailed prospectus
Reasonable entry fees proportional to opportunity
Documentation of past shows
Proper handling of artwork (insurance, conditions)

Red flags:

Unclear or missing information about venue
Excessive fees without clear value
No evidence of past exhibitions
Vague terms about artwork handling
Pressure tactics or aggressive marketing
Claims about massive exposure without evidence

Fee Considerations#

Fee Range	Assessment
$0-25	Reasonable for most shows
$25-40	Acceptable for established venues with prizes
$40-60	Should offer significant value
$60+	Evaluate carefully; usually too high

Budget for entry fees as a career expense, but be selective.

Preparing Strong Submissions#

Work Selection#

Choose strategically:

Your strongest work relevant to the show's focus
Work that photographs well
Pieces that fit theme/criteria (if specified)
Recent work that represents current practice
Avoid weak pieces even if allowed more submissions

Common mistakes:

Submitting too many pieces (diluting strong work with weaker pieces)
Forcing work to fit themes it doesn't match
Showing outdated work that doesn't represent current practice
Inconsistent quality across submissions

Documentation Quality#

Your images are how the jury experiences your work. Poor documentation eliminates strong work.

Technical requirements:

Meet exact specifications (size, format, resolution)
Consistent, professional presentation
Accurate color reproduction
Clean backgrounds, proper lighting
Sharp focus, no distortion

Image selection:

Best angle/view of work
Show scale when relevant
Detail shots if allowed
Installation views for dimensional work

For comprehensive help: Artist Portfolio Best Practices

Written Components#

Artwork information:

Accurate title, date, medium, dimensions
Price if applicable
Clear, consistent formatting

Artist statement (if required):

Relevant to the show's focus
Clear and jargon-free
Explains your work compellingly

CV/Resume:

Current and properly formatted
Relevant to your career stage

Artsumé keeps your CV and materials organized and ready.

Following Instructions#

This is critical:

Meet every stated requirement
Respect image limits exactly
Use correct file formats and naming
Submit by deadline (not last-minute)
Include all required information

Juries eliminate entries that don't follow instructions—don't give them reasons to reject you.

Submission Strategy#

Choosing Shows Wisely#

Ask yourself:

Does my work genuinely fit this show's focus?
Is this a reputable venue?
Is the fee reasonable for the opportunity?
Would I be proud to have this on my CV?
Do I have time to participate if accepted?

Building a Pipeline#

Annual planning:

Research shows 6-12 months ahead
Note deadlines throughout the year
Budget entry fees
Balance reach shows with accessible opportunities

Track everything:

Shows entered and outcomes
Entry fees spent
Patterns in what succeeds
Shows to retry or avoid

Quantity vs. Quality#

Quality over quantity: 10-15 well-chosen applications beat 50 rushed submissions

Diversify:

Mix of local and regional shows
Range of selectivity levels
Different themes/venues
Balance paid and free opportunities

After Notification#

If Accepted#

Respond promptly to confirm participation
Review all requirements (framing, shipping, insurance)
Prepare work according to specifications
Ship/deliver by stated deadline
Attend opening if possible
Document your inclusion (photos, catalog)
Update CV immediately
Collect work after exhibition closes

Handling Selected Work#

Presentation requirements:

Framing standards (often specified)
Installation hardware
Labeling requirements

Shipping considerations:

Proper packing
Insurance
Delivery/pickup arrangements
Budget for shipping costs

Sales policies:

Commission percentage (often 30-40%)
Pricing requirements
How sales are handled

If Not Selected#

Don't take it personally—competition is fierce
Request feedback if offered
Assess honestly—was this a good fit?
Keep applying—persistence matters
Consider reapplying next cycle

Maximizing Juried Show Benefits#

CV Building#

Juried shows add to your exhibition history:

List under "Selected Group Exhibitions"
Include venue name, city, year
Note if you won awards
Be selective as your CV grows

Networking#

Shows connect you with:

Other exhibiting artists
Venue staff and curators
Opening reception attendees
Potential collectors

At openings:

Introduce yourself professionally
Engage with other artists' work
Collect contact information
Follow up meaningfully

Sales Opportunities#

Many juried shows offer sales:

Price work appropriately
Understand commission structure
Be available to collectors during exhibition
Have materials ready if collectors want more information

Awards and Recognition#

Winning awards builds credibility:

Monetary prizes (from modest to significant)
Recognition from professional jury
Press and publicity opportunities
Future application leverage

Get Ready for Juried Shows

Keep your portfolio and CV organized on Artsumé. Always prepared for the next submission deadline.

Create Free Profile

Frequently Asked Questions#

Frequently Asked Questions

Research the venue, look at past shows, check jury credentials, and evaluate fees vs. potential benefit. Good shows have established venues, professional juries, clear terms, and reasonable fees. Avoid excessive fees, vague information, or organizations with no track record.

Conclusion#

Juried shows are accessible opportunities for building exhibition history and professional connections. Success comes from strategic selection, strong documentation, and consistent application over time.

Focus on quality—both in your work and your submissions. Research shows before entering. Follow instructions exactly. Track your results and learn from patterns. Over time, this systematic approach builds a solid exhibition record.

Last updated: January 2025

Related Guides:

Juried Art Shows: How to Get Selected and Build Your Exhibition Record