[Side Arts Certified Sponsored Listing] The Human Impacts Institute (HII) announces a call for artists for the 2026 Creative Climate Awards (CCA), an annual celebration of the power of art to mobilize communities and ignite bold climate action.
This year, the theme, Collective Power, calls on artists everywhere to explore how unity, solidarity, and shared vision fuel transformative change. At a time when global challenges can feel overwhelming, this theme highlights a simple truth: meaningful climate action is never the work of one, but of many.
Click here for the application / registration
Enter by: 2 February 2026
Through a month-long series of public exhibitions, performances, community conversations, and a film festival, the 2026 CCAs will showcase artworks that illuminate how people come together to create resilience, courage, and solutions in the face of the climate crisis. HII believes deeply in the role of arts and culture to educate, engage, and empower communities to reimagine what’s possible.
Use your creativity to join a global movement—one that celebrates collaboration, amplifies frontline voices, and inspires collective action toward a more livable future.
If selected, artists are responsible for the costs of shipping works to and from NYC. Performers must be able to perform in NYC between mid-April to mid-May
- Selections Announced: mid-February, 2026.
- Exhibit and performances: mid-April to mid-May, 2026
Creative Climate Awards Artist Benefits
- Have your work exhibited in NYC for one month.
- Network with curators, mentors, judges, and other artists to strengthen your community and find potential opportunities for collaborations.
- Have your work amplified on social media and have it be seen by our judges, and throughout our website.
- There will be a cash prize for the first, second and third place winners.
- Several participating artists will be selected for an in-person artist residency at Foundation House in Greenwich, CT.
- Artists may also receive an opportunity to lead and participate in workshops if they choose.
Testimonials
“I was delighted to see the number of events CCA organized. The variety of get-togethers, art events, panels, and more really highlighted the importance of community. Even though I couldn’t attend in person, the warmth and energy of the events came through clearly on social media. I also found the online networking session for artists to be a valuable addition, it was a pleasure to meet and connect with fellow artists.”
“It was a really unifying festival of ideas and action. I met wonderful people at events that I attended over the course of the month. It was just an incredibly positive experience I was really happy and grateful to be a part of.”
“I liked how being a part of CCA expanded my awareness, created an opportunity to meet like minded people. As a result, I feel so much more motivated in my practice and so much more inspired to connect and collaborate with people more. Thank you so so much”!!!
About Human Impacts Institute
Human Impacts Institute (HII) sits at the intersection of climate action, arts, and community power. They are a nonprofit organization that uses storytelling, research, and creative practice to translate complex climate issues into accessible, human-centered experiences that inspire collective action. Their work elevates underrepresented voices—particularly youth, Indigenous leaders, artists, and frontline communities—and connects them with platforms, resources, and networks to drive real-world impact.
What makes HII distinctive is their focus on collective power: they believe meaningful climate solutions emerge not from individual actors, but from communities working together across disciplines, geographies, and lived experiences. Through fellowships, public exhibitions, open calls, and community-led programs, they transform art into a catalyst for social good—building bridges between culture, policy, and action to reimagine a more just and climate-resilient future.
For more information, contact alvaro@humanimpactsinstitute.org
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[Side Arts Certified Sponsored Listing] Annmarie Sculpture Garden and Arts Center announces a call for artists to submit original artwork to the Rhythm: Movement In Art exhibition.
This exhibition will examine how artists capture, interpret, and evoke movement through visual rhythm. From the fluidity of gestures to the pulse of repeated forms, and from the suggestion of physical motion to the sensation of energetic flow, this exhibit celebrates artworks that embody momentum, dynamic flow, and cadence.
Kinetic sculpture and other motion-based works are encouraged, especially those that physically manifest the exhibition’s themes of rhythm and movement. Works may reference rhythm found in nature, the human body, architecture, sound, or purely abstract movement, but the central focus remains on how artists create the feeling of motion through visual means. Viewers will be encouraged to experience how visual art can reflect the beats, patterns, and motions that animate the world around us.
Click here for the application / registration
Enter by: 5 January 2026
Artists benefit from exhibitions at Annmarie Sculpture Garden and Arts Center in a myriad of ways. Beautiful 1,200 square foot galleries show the work excellently, with natural light during the days that many other galleries don’t have. Shows are marketed in a wide variety of ways including individual show booklets featuring a page for each artist and a social media package for each exhibiting artist. There are scholarship opportunities, three cash prize juror awards, and a lovely opening reception.
About Annmarie Sculpture Garden and Arts Center
Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center is located in scenic Solomons, Maryland, where the Patuxent River meets the Chesapeake Bay. The sculpture garden features a shady walking path that meanders through the woods past permanent and loaned sculpture, including over thirty works on loan from the Smithsonian Institution and the National Gallery of Art. Artists in the collection include: Antonio Tobias Mendez, Barbara Hepworth, Cesar, Robert Engman, Jean Arp, Kenneth Snelson and Fransisco Zuniga.
Young guests can frolic in the Fairy Lolly Creative Play Space and explore the many trails, including the Tree-mendous Trail. The award-winning Arts Building includes rotating exhibition space, the Nature Nook, the artLAB Creative Reuse Studio, the Annmarie Gift Shop, and lovely wrap around patios. Annmarie presents a variety of popular annual festivals, rotating exhibitions, family activities, and creative public programs. The Studio School offers classes for all ages and abilities – from pottery to dance – taught by professional artists and arts educators. Come explore this special place where art and nature meet!
For more information, contact exhibits@annmariegarden.org
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[Side Arts Certified Sponsored Listing] The New York Center for Photographic Art (NYC4PA) announces a call for artists for Urban Suburban Rural, an online photography competition.
Urban, suburban, and rural: these are location choices we make for living, working, and vacationing. Each has its own visual characteristics that make it the best option. What was it about these locales caught your eye? Was it the crowded streets, public transport, or skyscraper silhouettes in the Urban Landscape? Did you capture hamburgers and hot dogs on a family bar-b-q? Maybe, it was the geometry of a street of well-groomed front yards, a strip mall, or other images representative of the suburban scene. Finally, were you caught up in the imagery of Rural Impressions – the farmhouses, the fields, the animals, the white farm fences, or rusted cars on front lawns?
Send your interpretations of rural impressions, suburban scenes, and urban landscapes. Lots to see, lots to photograph.
Click here for the application / registration
Enter by: 4 January 2026
NYC4PA offers opportunities to participate in themed calls for photographers. Each call has a different theme and 50 images win. The prizes total $4,000. There is a grand prize, 3 first prizes, 3 second prizes, 3 third prizes, 20 juror’s selections, and 20 honorable mentions. All 50 winners are posted in a gallery on the NYC4PA website and included in an exhibition gallery. The call is open to any photographers worldwide and of any age, amateurs or professional. A professional photographer, gallery owner, or photography teacher is the juror.
About New York Center for Photographic Art
The mission of the New York Center for Photographic Art is to provide exhibition opportunities in the vibrant New York City gallery world to photographers around the globe. NYC4PA offers international, themed, open call competitions juried by recognized experts in the field of photography. Prizes include cash awards, online gallery, catalog, and New York City gallery exhibits.
For more information, contact nyc4pa@gmail.com
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[Side Arts Certified Sponsored Listing] Memorial Art Gallery (MAG) of the University of Rochester announces a call for artists for the M&T Bank Clothesline Art Festival, their largest annual fundraiser and biggest celebration of the arts for almost 70 years.
Artists from across the country are invited to apply to showcase their work for purchase at this juried, two-day festival, Saturday, August 29, and Sunday, August 30, 2026, from 10 am to 5 pm.
Click here for the application / registration
Enter by: 16 August 2026
M&T Bank Clothesline Art Festival spaces are available both on the outdoor grounds and inside the Vanden Brul Pavilion. Clothesline is also the place to experience all-day live entertainment, sample food from some of Rochester’s favorite food trucks and vendors, enjoy free family art activities, and visit the museum.
Artists will have the opportunity to showcase their art to visitors from and around the Rochester and surrounding region for two days in this juried festival. All artists and makers participating in the festival submit original work, whether one-of-a-kind or limited edition. The work must be conceived and designed solely by the artist or maker, demonstrating vision, imagination, and originality.
This is the second year artists will be able to choose from outdoor or indoor spaces (indoor spaces are limited!). Food and entertainment offerings have expanded over the last year. Additionally, the admission price has been lowered to $5 for the general public, and MAG Members are admitted free of charge, as are children under the age of twelve.
About Memorial Art Gallery
A visit to the Memorial Art Gallery is a journey through more than 5,000 years of art history. From the relics of antiquity to works in the vanguard of contemporary practice, MAG offers a panorama of the world’s art. Our 14-acre campus is a spectacular public art space that is a popular destination for Rochesterians and out-of-town visitors alike.
MAG’s permanent collection of more than 13,000 objects has been called “the best balanced in the state outside of metropolitan New York City.” In addition to its collection, the museum offers a year-round schedule of temporary exhibitions, lectures, concerts, tours, and family activities.
For more information, contact clothesline@mag.rochester.edu
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[Side Arts Certified Sponsored Listing] Oil Painters of America (OPA) announces a call for artists for the 35th National Exhibition of Traditional Oils, hosted by the Steamboat Art Museum in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, on view May 29–August 29, 2026.
This exceptional exhibition will showcase the finest works in draftsmanship, color, and composition, featuring a diverse range of styles and subjects.
Click here for the application / registration
Enter by: 6 March 2026
OPA membership required. Over $100,000 in awards, including a $25,000 Best in Show!
Joining Oil Painters of America connects artists across North America who are dedicated to excellence in representational oil painting. Members gain access to free educational webinars, exclusive discounts on art products, and opportunities for professional growth and recognition through workshops, exhibitions, and networking with fellow artists.
Entering the National Exhibition of Traditional Oils provides a prestigious platform to showcase your work, compete for over $100,000 in awards, including a $25,000 Best in Show, and exhibit at the Steamboat Art Museum. Participants gain national exposure among collectors, galleries, and peers, while elevating their skills and reputation in the oil painting community.
About Oil Painters of America
Oil Painters of America (OPA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the timeless art of representational oil painting. With over 3,500 members across North America, OPA connects artists of all levels in a vibrant, supportive community where creativity thrives. Members gain access to prestigious national juried exhibitions, inspiring online showcases, and the annual convention featuring a wet paint competition, paint-outs, workshops, and live demonstrations. Exclusive webinars, scholarships, and art-product discounts provide tools to grow and experiment, while networking opportunities bring together passionate artists who celebrate the beauty, skill, and tradition of oil painting.
For more information, contact lpusch@oilpaintersofamerica.com
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[Side Arts Certified Sponsored Listing] The Newton Free Library announces a call for artists for July – December 2026 exhibits. Artists must be from the New England region.
The Newton Free Library presents twelve art shows each year in the building’s Main Hall, featuring works by New England artists. As one of the busiest public library buildings in Massachusetts, this exhibit space is highly sought after and well-loved by library patrons.
Click here for the application / registration
Enter by: 12 December 2025
Eligibility: The Library welcomes applications from New England artists showing two-dimensional works that are compatible with the Walker display system. Both individual and group shows are welcome. Each exhibit is on display for one month and uses the full exhibit space.
Free-standing sculptural pieces are not eligible.
The Library encourages artists from a variety of backgrounds and life experiences to apply.
Many artists seek to exhibit their work at The Newton Free Library because the location guarantees that their work will be seen by a large audience. The Library is visited by more than 45,000 people each month. Most visitors enter through the Main Hall and see the art exhibits as they arrive. Library patrons are keenly tuned into the gallery space – visiting and spending time appreciating the works shown. Given that free gallery space is difficult to come by, it is a boon for artists that, if selected, they show fee-free. There is no commission for work sold and there is no fee to apply.
About Newton Free Library
The Newton Free Library is a community center at the heart of cultural activity in Newton, Massachusetts, a city south west of Boston with a population of approximately 90,000. Residents enjoy the art exhibits in the Library’s Main Hall and eagerly await them each month. The highly-visible exhibit location is just off the main entrance door. Visitors walk by the Main Hall as they come into the building. There is competition for exhibitions where many award-winning artists have been featured.
For more information, contact artapplication@newtonfreelibrary.net
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[Sponsored Listing] The City of Muskegon, Downtown Development Authority announces a call for artists for the Lakeshore Art Festival, a two-day event that is a favorite of community and artists alike, featuring over 250 exhibitors, in beautiful Downtown Muskegon, Michigan.
The event incorporates public art projects, live street and stage performances, children’s activities, and local food vendors, making it a true community celebration of creativity. It’s not just about looking at art — it’s about experiencing it. Be a part of this juried festival and submit your application today.
Click here for the application / registration
Enter by: 1 February 2026
Exhibiting at the Lakeshore Art Festival comes with thoughtful amenities designed to make your weekend enjoyable and stress-free. Artists can look forward to cash prizes and awards totaling $3,000, along with a continental breakfast served on both Saturday and Sunday. The festival also provides booth sitters, overnight security, and drive-up loading and unloading for convenient setup and teardown. To top it off, all artists are invited to a special Artist Reception, offering a great opportunity to relax, connect, and celebrate creativity.
The Lakeshore Art Festival stands out as one of the most engaging and well-loved summer events along Michigan’s lakeshore because it combines art, community, and experience in a way that appeals to everyone — artists, locals, and visitors alike. The festival is held in the heart of downtown Muskegon, just steps from the lakeshore, restaurants, and shops — giving it a lively, walkable atmosphere. The lake breeze, art-lined streets, and live entertainment create a festival vibe that’s hard to beat. It’s not just about looking at art — it’s about experiencing it.
Fine Art Cash Prizes and Awards
- 1st Place/Best in Show – $1,000
- 2nd Place – $800
- 3rd Place – $600
- 4th Place – $400
- Committee’s Choice – $200
Craft Art Cash Prizes and Awards
- 1st Place – $150
- 2nd Place – $100
- 3rd Place – $50
Lakeshore Art Festival Testimonials
“It was the best sales at a festival I’ve had yet!”
“Setup and tear down were a breeze, no rush or fussing. The customer base were so kind and welcoming! So were the event staff! Very well organized event in a clean and beautiful area of town! Saw lots of marketing for this show on our way to set up.”
“Great volunteers, fun crowd, easy load in and out. Thank you for a great show! “
About City of Muskegon, Downtown Development Authority
The City of Muskegon, Downtown Development Authority (DDA) exists to act as a catalyst in the development of a community’s downtown district. Various funding tools exist for DDA’s including millage and tax increment financing for public improvements within the boundaries of the district. “Our mission is to allocate our resources in support of development, promotions, and events toward creating a
thriving downtown and its waterfront where all people can live, work, play, and stay.”
For more information, contact info@lakeshoreartfestival.org
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[Side Arts Certified Sponsored Listing] PleinAir Magazine announces a call for artists for their PleinAir Salon October Art Competition.
In the spirit of the French Salon created by the Academie des Beaux-Arts in Paris, this annual online competition, with 11 monthly cycles, leading to the Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition, is designed to stimulate artistic growth through competition.
The competition rewards artists with $50,000 in all cash prizes each year with the winning painting featured on the cover of PleinAir magazine.
Click here for the application / registration
Enter by: 31 October 2025
The PleinAir Salon is an online competition consisting of 11 monthly cycles of competitions and one annual competition. They award a total of $50,000 in cash prizes each year for this competition.
- Annual Grand Prize winner receives a check for $15,000 and is featured on the cover of PleinAir Magazine
- Additional awards totalling $11,050 to the annual winners
- Awards totalling $2,250 in the monthly competitions.
Each of the 22 monthly winners will be automatically entered into the Annual Competition. Each of the monthly winners receive cash prizes, promotion in PleinAir Magazine, both print and digital. Winners are promoted in the digital edition of Fine Art Connoisseur, a magazine for art collectors. Artists receive editorial coverage in newsletters and websites. The annual awards are presented live at the Plein Air Convention & Expo each spring.
PleinAir Salon Testimonials
“It is always so exciting to win something, and also such an honor. I really like participating in the Plein Air Salon Competition for many reasons, but one is that you are so great about sharing and promoting the award winners. It makes me want to keep painting the best I can and to enter every month.” – Sheryl Knight
“PleinAir Salon has such a wonderful reputation for attracting world class artists that I was so impressed when I found out I was amongst the top 100 finalists. Then when I discovered I had won the Animal and Bird section I was completely speechless. I know I have worked hard over the last few years to really improve my craft, but this has been an overwhelming honor.” – Angela Parr
“Entering this contest on a monthly basis is something I have come to regard as both essential and enjoyable. It seems like every so often one of my paintings catches lightening in a bottle, so that’s a thrill. Thank you and the staff for all the work to promote artists and the arts.” – Christopher Forrest
About PleinAir Magazine
PleinAir Magazine is for plein air artists, enthusiasts, and collectors showcasing a wide variety of plein air paintings, articles on the top plein air artists of today and past, and the latest information on events and shows. The PleinAir Salon Art Competition has been awarding cash prizes and promoting artists for 12 years. The PleinAir Salon is celebrating their 14th year and was created by PleinAir magazine publisher, Eric Rhoads.
For more information, contact pleinairsalon@streamlinepublishing.com
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[Side Arts Certified Sponsored Listing] CherryArts announces a call for artists for the 2026 Cherry Creek Arts Festival in Denver, Colorado.
Join one of the nation’s premier art festivals! The festival will showcase 250 exceptional exhibitors in Denver’s vibrant Cherry Creek North. Welcoming more than 150,000 visitors each year, the festival offers strong sales potential, 2025 artists averaged $17,470 in reported sales and consistently ranks among the top shows in the country. With an art-savvy audience, many of them collectors, this is an incredible opportunity to exhibit and sell your work. CherryArts, a Denver-based nonprofit, supports artists and arts education year-round, generating over $4.5 million in annual art sales.
Click here for the application / registration
Enter by: 1 December 2025
Cherry Creek Arts Festival Artist Benefits
- Keep 100% of your sales revenue – artists retain all proceeds and handle applicable state and local sales tax.
- Strong sales potential – 2025 Artist Survey reported an average of $17,470 per artist.
- Highly engaged audience – the Cherry Creek Arts Festival attracts over 150,000 visitors annually, including loyal collectors and art enthusiasts.
- Recognition opportunities – more than $30,000 in Purchase Awards available.
- Support for emerging artists – the Emerging Artist Program offers a $5,000 grant, mentoring, and exhibition support for artists early in their careers.
Testimonial
“I’m truly grateful for an extraordinary experience. This was far away the best heart fear I have been part of. I can certainly see how it has earned a reputation of being the holy Grail of art fairs! I sincerely hope to return, should I be fortunate enough to be selected.” 2025 Artist
About CherryArts
CherryArts is a Denver-based nonprofit organization that believes access to art is for everyone and artists are essential. We are committed to supporting artists and arts education through year-round outreach programs and this iconic festival. With an estimated $4.5 million in annual art sales, the Cherry Creek Arts Festival continues to be a vital platform for artists’ success. CherryArts provides equitable access to the arts to nurture future generations of artists, learners and supporters through meaningful and authentic connections with art and artists. CherryArts ignites creative and critical thinking for over 40,000 students annually.
For more information, contact hello@cherryarts.org
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[Side Arts Certified Sponsored Listing] The Mulvane Art Museum announces a call for artists for the 2026 Mulvane Art Fair in Topeka, Kansas.
The 32nd annual Mulvane Art Fair will feature artists from across the country for a two-day event that is a favorite of the community and artists alike. Be a part of this exciting event and submit your application today! With a focus on quality and variety, the fine art event is a favorite in the community and region. Proceeds from the event support the mission and programs of the Mulvane Art Museum, which is Topeka’s only art museum and is on the Washburn University campus. High standards for art are key to the success of the 2026 Mulvane Art Fair.
Click here for the application / registration
Enter by: 23 February 2026
Artist Amenities:
- Monetary artist awards and a purchase award
- Patron program
- Saturday morning coffee & breakfast
- Sunday morning coffee & pre-packaged snacks
- Booth sitters
- Water bottles delivered to your booth
- Event map/guide
- Overnight security
- Booth signs
- Food trucks
- Clean, convenient restrooms on site
- Assistance with move-in/move-out
- Drastically price-reduced accommodations on campus
Patron Program: In 2025, patrons pledged in advance to purchase $18,000 worth of art and ended up spending over $45,000. Purchase patron pledges to be even greater in 2026.
Mulvane Art Fair Cash and Purchase Awards
On-site judging of the artists’ booths will take place 10am-1pm the Saturday of the Mulvane Art Fair. The award presentation the same day will give out a total of $4,600 to winning artists.
- $1000 Best of Show
- $500 Best of 2-Dimensional
- $500 Best of 3-Dimensional
- 2 Honorable mentions of $300
- $2000 Purchase Award
About Mulvane Art Museum
The Mulvane Art Museum at Washburn University offers free admission to a nationally accredited facility with six exhibition galleries, two sculpture gardens, an interactive artmaking space, and over 6,000 works of art.
Vision: The Mulvane Art Museum empowers our community by providing art experiences that inspire creativity, encourage intellectual engagement, and connect us to each other and the world.
Mission: The Mulvane Art Museum creates pathways to learning, creativity, and connection through the visual arts. As a university museum, the Mulvane collects, preserves, and interprets works of art for the educational benefit and enjoyment of Washburn University, Topeka, and the region. The Mulvane’s collections, exhibitions, and programs support creative and scholarly work, cultivate community, promote cultural understanding, and advance the mission of Washburn University.
For more information, contact stacy.ash@washburn.edu