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.
✅ 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, deadlineSubmission period : Artists submit work images and application materialsJury review : Panel reviews submissions and selects work for exhibitionNotification : Artists informed of acceptance or rejectionDelivery/shipping : Accepted artists send work to venueExhibition : Work displayed; opening reception often heldAwards : Prizes announced (many shows include cash awards)Return : Work shipped back or collected after exhibition closes
Juried Show Types Show Type Entry Fee Prizes Career Value National Juried Exhibitions $25-50 $500-10,000+ High - prestigious CV credit Regional Shows $15-35 $100-2,500 Medium - builds local presence Online Juried Exhibitions $10-30 $100-1,000 Low-Medium - digital exposure Museum Annuals/Biennials Often free Varies Very High - institutional recognition Art Center Shows $20-40 $250-5,000 Medium - community engagement Themed Competitions $25-45 $500-25,000 Medium-High - specialized recognition
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 listingsCaFÉ (Call for Entry) - Large US databaseSubmittable Discover - Opportunities across platformsEntryThingy - 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 complete 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 participationReview all requirements (framing, shipping, insurance)Prepare work according to specificationsShip/deliver by stated deadlineAttend opening if possibleDocument your inclusion (photos, catalog)Update CV immediatelyCollect 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 fierceRequest feedback if offeredAssess honestly - was this a good fit?Keep applying - persistence mattersConsider 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 How do I know if a juried show is worth entering? 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.
How many juried shows should I enter? What increases my chances of being selected? Should I enter shows with entry fees? How important are juried shows for my career? What if I keep getting rejected? How do I handle shipping and framing costs? 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
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