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Calls to Artists

Open calls for exhibitions, festivals, design and teaching opportunities. Listed by due date. 

Free Art Vending with Charlotte Street Art Collab
(Multiple Dates)

Gastonia & Charlotte, NC

Deadline:

Submission Fee:

None

FREE vending for artists! Dates through 2026 (scroll down). Multiple locations. First to reserve gets the spot.

50 Years Later: Davidson National Print and Drawing Competition

Davidson, NC

Deadline:

April 17, 2026

Submission Fee:

None

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the final Davidson National Print and Drawing Competition—an event that once brought some of the most compelling contemporary works on paper to Davidson College—the Galleries invite submissions from contemporary artists who incorporate different forms of printmaking and drawing into their work of any media. This exhibition honors the legacy of the competition, organized by Herb Jackson ’67, which relied on important contemporary art world figures as jurors, such as Marcia Tucker and Clement Greenberg. Through the competition, the college acquired more than 50 works for the Permanent Art Collection.

We are seeking work by artists who push the boundaries of traditional print and drawing practices. Submissions are open to professional and emerging artists working in any print media or drawing, including but not limited to: intaglio, lithography, screenprint, relief, monotype, digital print, graphite, ink, charcoal, mixed media, and experimental forms.

Panelists will review all submissions and collectively select up to 8 artists for exhibition.

250 Years of Becoming Exhibition

Charlotte, NC

Deadline:

April 23, 2026

Submission Fee:

$45

This exhibition commemorates the 250-year evolution of the United States, exploring what it means to become—both as a nation and as individuals within it. Since its founding in 1776, the United States has experienced periods of expansion, conflict, innovation, and transformation. American society has continually reshaped itself, reflecting an ongoing process of growth and change.

“The American Journey” invites artists to explore this evolving story through their work. Artists are encouraged to interpret the theme broadly and creatively.

Possible areas of exploration include:
-The evolution of American identity
-The influence of technology, immigration, and industry
-The changing American landscape — both physical and societal
-The roles of race, class, and gender in shaping the nation
-Reflections on past and present struggles, triumphs, and ongoing challenges
-Environmental and global influences shaping America’s future

LightChasers Photography Exhibition

Newton, NC

Deadline:

April 26, 2026

Submission Fee:

$50 if accepted

We invite photographers and image-makers to submit work for ✨LightChasers, a dynamic exhibition celebrating the art of capturing light in all its forms. This show explores the many ways artists interpret, manipulate, and reimagine light through photographic processes—both traditional and experimental.

➡️ This call for art is open to analog and digital photography as well as camera-less mediums such as cyanotypes, anthotypes and lumen prints. Mixed-media and collage submissions are accepted; however, all photographic elements must be original images created by the artist.

There is NO submission fee to apply for this exhibition, however, artists who are selected for the upcoming exhibition will be required to pay a $50 Participation Fee. This fee is waived for NoCo ARTS Members.

• Artists selected to participate in this exhibition will also be required to engage in an exhibition experience, giving our community an opportunity to learn about our exhibiting artists and their creative processes.

📍NoCo ARTS is a hybrid art gallery with artist studios and workshops located at 118 N. College Avenue in Downtown Newton, NC.

Sanando en Colores / Healing in Colors Exhibition

Charlotte, NC

Deadline:

April 27, 2026

Submission Fee:

None

Obra Collective invites artists to submit work for an exhibit exploring the intersection of creative practice and mental health.

🌿 Obra Colectiva invita a artistas a entregar trabajos para una exhibición que examina la intersección entre la práctica creativa y la salud mental. Art heals. Colors speak. Submit your work — link in bio.

Dazzling Dahlia Festival Poster Design

Highlands, NC

Deadline:

May 1, 2026

Submission Fee:

None

Open to any age or experience level. The selected artist in the adult category will receive a $500 prize and be recognized as The Bascom’s 2026 Featured Poster Artist. The youth winner will receive an education gift certificate.

Submit an image of your original drawing, painting, or digital illustration for a chance to be selected for this year’s poster. Please include the medium used. Deadline: May 1
Notification: May 11th
One Entry per person.

Email your submission to : zrogers@thebascom.org

2027-2028 DAC Exhibition Proposals

Durham, NC

Deadline:

May 4, 2026

Submission Fee:

$5

The Durham Arts Council will be accepting proposals for the 2027-2028 exhibition season, offering artists the opportunity to showcase their work in one of the city’s most vibrant community arts spaces.

Selected artists will present solo or group exhibitions in DAC’s galleries inside the historic Durham Arts Council building, sharing their creative vision with thousands of visitors who attend exhibitions, performances, classes, and events throughout the year. DAC galleries highlight a wide range of artistic voices, mediums, and perspectives, reflecting the dynamic creative community of the Triangle region.

Artists working in visual 2D art mediums are encouraged to apply. Submissions are reviewed through a juried process, and selected artists are typically given an entire gallery space to present their work.

An online info-session to go over the application with Artist Services Manager, Colleen Scott, will be hosted on Tuesday, March 31st at 6PM EST. To register, email cscott@durhamarts.org.

Applications are $5 and due by Monday, May 4, 2026. Apply at the link in our bio!

Earth & Expressions: A Pottery Exhibit

Mooresville, NC

Deadline:

May 11, 2026

Submission Fee:

$50

Exhibition runs May 19-June 25. Artist Reception Friday, May 29th, 2026 6-8pm. This is a JUDGED show opportunity and competition, not a juried show opportunity. As long as the submitted artwork meets the criteria specified in the show prospectus and presentation guidelines, work will be accepted at intake and included in the exhibit. Please read the entire prospectus for complete information.

22nd Annual Photography Show

Mooresville, NC

Deadline:

May 11, 2026

Submission Fee:

$50

Exhibition runs May 19-June 25. Artist Reception Friday, May 29th, 2026 6-8pm. This is a JUDGED show opportunity and competition, not a juried show opportunity. As long as the submitted artwork meets the criteria specified in the show prospectus and presentation guidelines, work will be accepted at intake and included in the exhibit. Please read the entire prospectus for complete information.

37th Annual Juried Competition

Fort Mill, SC

Deadline:

May 17, 2026

Submission Fee:

$40

The Arts Council of York County presents the 37th Annual Juried Competition at the Center for the Arts. The Juried Competition is open nationally to artists 18 and older. Only original work, created in the last two (2) years, and not previously shown at the Center for the Arts, Dalton Gallery is accepted. All forms of media are eligible, including video. Limit four (4) pieces per artist.

Home Again Exhibition

Charlotte, NC

Deadline:

May 18, 2026

Submission Fee:

None

Southminster Retirement Community's Main Street Art Gallery is now accepting submissions for their Summer 2026 exhibition, Home Again. Local artists are invited to explore what “home” means to them through any style or 2‑D medium. We can’t wait to see how your story comes to life through art!🎨💚

Art in the Park: Juried Row

Statesville, NC

Deadline:

May 22, 2026

Submission Fee:

$25

The City of Statesville Recreation & Economic Vitality and the Iredell Arts Council invite you to apply to showcase your work in the Mooresville Arts Juried Row at the annual Art in the Park Festival on June 6, from 11am-3pm. This beloved summer event transforms Martin Luther King Jr. Park (911 Lakewood Drive, Statesville, North Carolina) into a vibrant celebration of creativity, featuring multicultural live music, food trucks, local arts organizations, and a wide variety of artwork from across our community. Mooresville Arts

Mooresville Arts will be facilitating the organization of the fine artists row for this event, and we are looking for fifteen (15) fine artists, ages 18+, including painters, potters, jewelers, fiber artists, woodworkers, photographers, mixed media and more! This is a JURIED section of the festival, so not all applicants will be accepted. Jurors will review each application, and you will be notified as to whether you are accepted into the festival. Further details will be given to accepted artists closer to the festival date.

Public Works Art Center 2027-2028 Exhibition Proposals

Summerville, SC

Deadline:

May 30, 2026

Submission Fee:

None

Public Works Art Center is a 501(c)3 community art space in Downtown Summerville, South Carolina that welcomes an average of 30,000 visitors annually, completely free of charge. Located in a highly walkable area, our nonprofit is well-attended by tourists and locals alike.

2026 Salisbury Pride & Art & Soul Art Show

Salisbury, NC

Deadline:

May 31, 2026

Submission Fee:

None

This year’s theme is Exist • Resist • Persist.
In a time when LGBTQ+ rights, identities, and even our place in public spaces are being challenged, simply showing up as our authentic selves is an act of defiance. We invite artists to explore what it means to exist boldly, resist erasure, and persist with pride. Join us at Bell Tower Green on Saturday, September 12, 2026,
for the 14th annual Salisbury Pride Festival from 11 am - 5 pm!

****Email submissions to: andria@artandsoulrowan.com

Join us in creating a powerful showcase of resilience, visibility, and community through art.

Coined in the South 2027 Exhibition

Charlotte, NC

Deadline:

July 16, 2026

Submission Fee:

$40

The @youngaffiliates and The Mint Museum invite artists living or working in the Southern United States to submit works for consideration. This juried exhibition bridges the gap between museums, galleries, and studios by showcasing thought-provoking works by emerging artists at the heart of the Southern arts community.

On view: March 12 – May 16, 2027 at Mint Museum Uptown

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