Guide to the Best Artist Grants and Opportunities in the Midwestern U.S.
The Artwork Archive team set out to find the best art opportunities, artist grants, and calls for entry for visual artists in the Midwestern United States.
Below you will find a list of the top artist residencies, international open calls, artist grants, exhibition opportunities and art competitions that we believe will benefit artists, specifically in the Midwest.
Remember, you can now save the important deadlines for your favorite opportunities right in your Artwork Archive account.
When you find a call that interests you, simply click ‘Add to Schedule' and the call's deadline will be automatically added to your Schedule. You'll also receive weekly reminders to keep you on top of your game.
We will be updating this list throughout the year, so make sure to bookmark the page, check back often, and let us know if there is an opportunity that should be listed!
May 5, 2024 1 day left
53rd & 55th St. Viaduct Revitalization
Public Art & Proposals
- Submission Deadline: May 5, 2024
- Award Info: Each selected artist will be provided a set stipend of $3,000 per panel for the use of their artwork. Selected artworks will be reproduced on vinyl on the existing panels by third party printing and installation company, Moss Inc (Moss).
- Eligibility: International
- Categories: Craft/Traditional Arts, Photography, Drawing, Film/Video/New Media, Mixed-Media/Multi-Discipline, Painting
- Location: Chicago, IL 60615, United States
Special Service Area 61 Hyde Park (SSA 61) welcomes artists to submit their artworks for consideration to revitalize the 53rd & 55th St. viaducts in Hyde Park. SSA 61 represents the welfare of the businesses in the Hyde Park district and understands the important role the viaducts play in welcoming visitors to explore those businesses. Each selected artist will be provided a set stipend of $3,000 per panel for the use of their artwork. Selected artworks will be reproduced on vinyl on the existing panels by third party printing and installation company, Moss Inc (Moss).
About SSA 61 and the South East Chicago Commission
The South East Chicago Commission is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that works to facilitate and support economic development within the Southeast lakefront communities of Hyde Park, Kenwood, Oakland, Washington Park and Woodlawn and to foster collaboration and coordination among businesses, organizations and institutions to promote the creation of jobs, investment and economic vitality. The SECC serves as the official Service Provider for Special Service Area #61 aka Downtown Hyde Park, which comprises the 53rd and 55th Street corridors connected by Lake Park Avenue. Special Service Areas, known as Business Improvement Districts or BIDs in other cities, are local tax districts that fund expanded services and programs through a localized property tax levy within contiguous areas.
A curatorial team of three representatives from the South Side will be responsible for the artwork selection and sequence. The jurors include Monique Brinkman-Hill, Executive Director of South Side Community Art Center, Mariela Acuña, Exhibitions and Residency Manager at Hyde Park Art Center, and Ciera McKissick, Public Programs Manager at Hyde Park Art Center. Chicago Public Art Group (CPAG) will not be selecting the artists.
Project Objective:
Successful submissions will approach the site with a bold and creative vision that reflects the community's best qualities - its connectedness, diversity, culture, entertainment, and residents. The viaducts connect the east and west side of the business districts allowing the art to seamlessly encourage movement throughout. Submissions should create an attraction that acts as an entry point for visitors to experience the viaducts as a "must see" amenity. This revitalization serves to improve the safety and well-being of pedestrians, bikers, and vehicular traffic by creating a sense of place for surprising, delightful interactions, welcoming visitors and residents alike to venture through Hyde Park.
The project goals are to connect with two groups:
(1) Hyde Parkers, those who live east of the viaducts and need to walk through them to get to the restaurants and shops. The viaducts should be a joyful compliment to the local businesses and attractions that Hyde Park offers. This project is not intended to be a didactic display of South Side history.
(2) Non-South Siders, fellow Chicagoans we want to pull in to Hyde Park for entertainment, shopping and eating. The goal is to make the viaducts welcoming and inviting for everyone.
There are a total of 19 stainless steel panels: 13 on the Southside of 53rd St with most a variably standard size (8' x 12'), and one is longer (8' x 16'). The remaining 6 panels are on the Southside of 55th St: four are standard (8' x 12'), two are larger (8' x 16'). In submitting your artwork, please indicate on your annotated image list whether your artwork best fits on an 8' x 12' or an 8' x 16' panel. Due to the slight variations of each panel size, minimal cropping or image adjustments may occur at the discretion of Moss and CPAG.
Each pre-existing panel will receive a large format, high quality digital print on 3M vinyl with self adhesive backing. The prints will be produced with a matte finish, professionally applied to the panels, and covered with a graffiti resistant coating. Moss will print and install each artwork.
30 finalists will be notified and selected for their artwork submission to undergo review and approval by Moss. 19 or fewer artists will be awarded with a panel.
Timeline
The application is open from 4/5/24 - 5/5/24. Jury deliberation & Moss review will occur in May. Artist contracts will be awarded in June and artists payments will occur once artwork is print ready. Printing and installation will take place Summer 2024. The anticipated lifespan for the artwork is approximately 3 or more years.
Application Requirements
Artists should submit 3-5 artworks. These can be pre-existing or newly developed artworks. At least one submission must be convertible to all size and electronic formatting requirements described in Moss' Color Management & Art Submission Guidelines included below. In addition to the jurors' selection, artworks submitted for reproduction will be pre-approved by Moss to guarantee they meet all requirements. Artists with a connection to Hyde Park are encouraged to apply.
The artworks submitted for reproduction should provide an eclectic and pleasing aesthetic experience for passersby. Light, vibrant and bold colors are encouraged, but not required. Submissions can be digitally developed, or for existing work, can be photographed and processed digitally. Each panel will have a 10.5" explanatory text and credits on the bottom of the printed images in the same pre-existing brown color. Images of the viaducts can be found on CPAG's website project page linked above or the viaducts can be visited in person.
Phase I & II
This is a two-phase submission process. Phase I includes everything on CaFE in the "What to Submit" section below. Due 5/5/24.
(CaFE does not have the ability to accept submissions that will immediately meet Moss' Art Submission Guidelines)
In Phase II, the jurors will narrow the CaFE submissions down to 30 artworks. CPAG will ask artists to upload the selected artwork on Dropbox so it meets Moss' Art Submission Guidelines below. Artworks submitted that do not meet these guidelines cannot be considered for reproduction. Moss will conduct a review of each submission to ensure it is high resolution, reproducible and print ready. The jurors will make their decision on the final 19 artworks based on Moss' report.
What to Submit
3-5 images of your artwork. At least one of the images should be able to meet the guidelines below in Phase II. The additional artworks submitted should showcase previous experience.
Annotated Image List that clearly states which artwork is intended for this project's vinyl reproduction and what size panel it fits best: 8' x 12' or 8' x 16'. The Annotated Image List should also include the title, year, medium, size and location.
Artist Statement that describes your experience in Chicago as an artist and why you are interested in this project.
Responses to the two questions included in this call.
Info Session
We strongly encourage applicants to attend the Zoom info session
Wednesday, April 24 from 5:30 - 6:30pm CT
Please register by April 21 by emailing [email protected] with your name and "INFO SESSION" in the subject line so we can send a Zoom link.
ART SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
COLOR, SPACE AND PROFILE
• Build exclusively as CMYK color space, Coated GRACol 2006 Profile.
• Ensure that PMS colors are designated in the art files supplied.
• RBG/HEX are not acceptable for print.
COLOR MATCH OPTIONS
We match color on the physical print material. Color match options are as follows:
• Ship or pick up one 1x1' physical hard copy for an additional fee.
• Pantone SPOT colors.
• Order physical proof(s) to approve color.
• Waive color approval/Print as is.
FILE FORMATTING
• Preferred file format is AI, but high res PDFs, EPS, PSD, PSB, and INDD files are also acceptable.
• Package files to ensure links are included.
• Preferred scale is 1:10 (10%).
• Bleed standard is 3% of overall file size; minimum ¼” - maximum of 4”.
• Large scale graphics, with critical art alignment, should be supplied as a single file.
FONTS, STYLE, AND LINKS
• Flatten all transparencies.
• Outline fonts.
• Images should be between 72-150 ppi at 100% of final size depending on process. At 1:10 (10%)
scale, resolution should read 750- 1500 ppi.
• Link/embed any illustrations or graphics in the art.
STANDARD MOSS COLOR MATCHING
Color Target for Pantone Colors
Pantone colors requested are compared and matched to the 2022 Pantone Color Bridge Coated book.
Art Requirements to Ensure Accurate Color Matching
• Apply Pantone colors to the corresponding art objects before submitting art files.
• Flatten any effects or transparencies present in the art.
• Use the Coated GRACol 2006 profile.
What is D50 lighting and why is it important?
D50 lighting was established as the standard for lighting utilized to view color and prints by the International Standards Organization (ISO 3664).
Color appearance can change in different lighting. It is important to use the D50 lighting standard to minimize color variations when viewing prints.
May 6, 2024 2 days left
Nature & Fibers - City of Frisco, TX
Exhibition
- Submission Deadline: May 6, 2024
- Event Dates: June 5, 2024 - August 3, 2024
- Entry Fee: There is no application fee, however if selected for the exhibition, a $30 entry fee is due by check or credit card prior to load-in, along with a signed gallery guidelines document and artwork loan agreement available upon acceptance.
- Award Info: Exhibition at The Frisco Discovery Center June 5 - August 3.
- Eligibility: Regional
- Categories: Craft/Traditional Arts, Drawing, Mixed-Media/Multi-Discipline, Painting, Sculpture
- Location: Frisco, TX 75034, United States
Call to Artists
Celebrate spring with Play Frisco Cultural Affairs as we seek out two-dimensional and three-dimensional artwork that reflects the natural world! All forms of fiber art and nature-themed art in other mediums such as landscape or wildlife-based paintings, printmaking, photography and sculpture will be considered. The exhibition will run June 5 - August 3, 2024.
Two-dimensional artworks must be framed, wired, and ready to hang. Artworks may not be larger than 72” in any direction. The Frisco Discovery Center is a place for all ages and artworks must be unifying, community-centric and family-friendly.
Notification of acceptance: Tuesday, 5/21/24 or earlier
Load-In: Sunday, 6/2/24 between 2PM-4PM at Frisco Discovery Center, 8004 N. Dallas Pkwy, Frisco, TX 75034 in the Grand Gallery
Public Reception: Friday, 6/14/24 from 6PM-8PM with awards announced at 7:15PM. Light refreshments served.
Load-Out: Sunday, 8/4/24 from 12PM-2PM
Questions? Call 972-292-6532 or email Stephen at [email protected]
Application Requirements
It is free for eligible artists to submit images of up to five (5) artworks.
If selected for the exhibition, a $30 entry fee is due by check or credit card prior to load-in, along with a signed gallery guidelines document and artwork loan agreement available upon acceptance.
Submit jpg images of your work by 5/6/24 and include your name and email address, along with the title, medium, and dimensions of each piece being submitted.
May 10, 2024 6 days left
2024 Salon Show of Traditional Oils
Exhibition
- Organization: Oil Painters of America
- Submission Deadline: May 10, 2024
- Event Dates: July 25, 2024 - August 16, 2024
- Entry Fee: $35
- Award Info: $12,000 in cash & merchandise with $4,000 best in show
- Eligibility: National
- Categories: Painting
- Location: Indianapolis, IN 46208, United States
Oil Painters of America’s 2024 Salon Show of Traditional Representational Oils, July 25 - August 16, 2024, at James R. Ross Fine Art, Indianapolis, IN. Awards approximately $12,000 in cash & merchandise, including a $4,000 cash best-in-show award. The juror will be Robert Johnson OPAM. Artists eligible to compete are citizens - both natural born or otherwise - of the continent of North America who are 2024 OPA members. Submissions are accepted through 5/10/2024. The entry fee is $35 for one, $50 for two & $60 for three; only one may be accepted. Maximum size limitation 432 sq in. The acceptance list will be announced on 5/31/2024.
May 10, 2024 6 days left
Radiance: A Summer Exhibition by ADC Fine Art
Exhibition
- Organization: Art Design Consultants
- Submission Deadline: May 10, 2024
- Event Dates: June 14, 2024 - July 12, 2024
- Entry Fee: $25/piece
- Award Info: Two 12 month Gallery Contracts, 12 month SmartSell memberships, One for Tier 1, One for Tier 2, and One for Tier 3, as well as a solo show.
- Eligibility: International
- Categories: Craft/Traditional Arts, Photography, Drawing, Film/Video/New Media, Mixed-Media/Multi-Discipline, Painting, Sculpture
- Location: Cincinnati, Ohio 45214, United States
Radiance is a new, summer exhibition hosted by ADC Fine Art featuring artwork that evokes happiness and warmth. ADC's mission is to create beautiful corporate, healthcare, and residential environments using artwork from contemporary, living artists. The selected artists will have their work shown in our 13,000 sq. ft. mega gallery located in Cincinnati, Ohio. All mediums and styles will be exhibited including painting, sculpture, photography, glass, ceramics, mixed media, installations, and conceptual works!
May 13, 2024 9 days left
Sculpture at the Kavanagh - St. Charles, IL
Exhibition
- Submission Deadline: May 13, 2024
- Event Dates: June 27, 2024 - August 7, 2024
- Entry Fee: $35.00
- Eligibility: Regional
- Categories: Craft/Traditional Arts, Sculpture
- Location: Fox River Valley, Illinois
Artists are invited to submit original artwork for the Sculpture at the Kavanagh exhibit. The show is open to any 3-D work in any sculpture or craft medium. No paintings, photographs, or other 2-D work will be accepted.
May 17, 2024 13 days left
McKnight Fellowships for Ceramic Artists
Grants & Fellowships
- Submission Deadline: May 17, 2024
- Award Info: Two $25,000 grants will be awarded in 2024.
- Eligibility: State
- Categories: Craft/Traditional Arts, Mixed-Media/Multi-Discipline, Sculpture
- Location: Minneapolis, MN 55406, United States
The McKnight Artist Fellowship for Ceramic Artists supports outstanding Minnesota ceramic artists who identify with any methodology—whether it be functional, sculptural, or relational—all techniques are welcome. The intent of this program is to recognize and support mid-career artists living and working in Minnesota who demonstrate a sustained level of accomplishment, commitment, and artistic excellence.
Fellowship support may be pursued for, but not limited to: experimenting with new techniques and materials; purchasing materials and equipment; collaborating with other artists; or pursuing education, exhibition, or travel opportunities. The 2024 Fellowship recipients will deliver a workshop and at the culmination of the grant period, will be featured in a catalogue and group exhibition at Northern Clay Center that will also travel to 3 – 5 sites around the state of Minnesota and western Wisconsin. This program is made possible by the generous support of the McKnight Foundation, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
May 21, 2024 17 days left
Small Works - 5x5 International Show and Publication
Exhibition
- Organization: Overt Space
- Submission Deadline: May 21, 2024
- Event Dates: June 7, 2024 - July 21, 2024
- Entry Fee: There is no application fee, however artists are responsible for shipping artwork to the gallery.
- Eligibility: State
- Categories: Craft/Traditional Arts, Photography, Drawing, Mixed-Media/Multi-Discipline, Painting
- Location: STOUGHTON, Wisconsin 53589, United States
Overt Space invites the Wisconsin and international art community to participate in this creative event. It’s a unique opportunity for all, regardless of artistic background - from preschoolers to professionals. All artwork will be accepted and must be 5”x5”. Proceeds will benefit the local non-profit organization, START (Stoughton Area Resource Team).
Artwork must be for sale and all proceeds will be donated to START(Stoughton Area Resource Team). All artwork will be priced at $20. Charcoal & pastel must be fixed, no glitter, no more than 4 artworks per person.
May 31, 2024 27 days left
ArtPrize 2024: Global Art Celebration in Grand Rapids
Competition
- Organization: ArtPrize
- Submission Deadline: May 31, 2024
- Event Dates: September 13, 2024 - September 28, 2024
- Entry Fee: $65
- Award Info: professional development workshops, access to ArtPrize hospitality spaces, and special events.
- Eligibility: International
- Categories: Craft/Traditional Arts, Photography, Drawing, Film/Video/New Media, Mixed-Media/Multi-Discipline, Painting, Sculpture
- Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503, United States
Grand Rapids, MI – The prestigious ArtPrize 2024 opens its artist registration from April 11th to May 31st. Artists from around the world are invited to exhibit their work in Grand Rapids, leveraging a unique platform to engage with an international audience and compete for a share of the $400,000 prize pool across multiple categories.
ArtPrize 2024 emphasizes artistic innovation and community engagement, offering comprehensive grants to support artists in presenting ambitious and transformative projects. This commitment positions ArtPrize as a leading event for public art exhibitions worldwide.
Empowering Artists with Comprehensive Support
ArtPrize introduces several grants aimed at facilitating creative projects:
Featured Public Projects and Future Public Projects Grants support large-scale and permanent artworks.
Hero Project and Venue Exhibition Grant cater to innovative projects and exhibition logistics.
Artist Seed Grant, Motu Viget Grant, and Sculpture Grant offer financial assistance to emerging, local, and sculptural works, ensuring a diverse and impactful presentation.
A Celebration of Creativity and Community
Set in the vibrant city of Grand Rapids, ArtPrize transforms the area into an expansive gallery, showcasing artistic talent from across the globe. This event fosters a sense of community and global dialogue, inviting artists to partake in a grand celebration of art.
May 31, 2024 27 days left
City Square Sculpture
Public Art & Proposals
- Organization: Joliet Arts Commission
- Submission Deadline: May 31, 2024
- Award Info: $200,000
- Eligibility: International
- Categories: Sculpture
- Location: Joliet, Illinois
The City of Joliet announces a request for proposals (RFP) for a signature sculpture installation at City Square, which is a new 1.3-acre urban park located within the 100 block of N. Chicago Street, directly across from the Rialto Square Theatre. City Square will be a catalytic transformation of underutilized, publicly owned space into a vibrant gathering place to the heart of downtown Joliet. We are seeking a unique sculpture that will act as a centerpiece to the City’s much anticipated public square. The sculpture should be reflective of Joliet’s culture and diversity
June 9, 2024 36 days left
Great Meadows Foundation Artist Professional Development Grants
Grants & Fellowships
- Submission Deadline: June 9, 2024
- Event Dates: August 1, 2024 - February 28, 2025
- Award Info: Grants range between $500 and $6,000.
- Eligibility: Regional
- Categories: Craft/Traditional Arts, Photography, Drawing, Mixed-Media/Multi-Discipline, Painting, Sculpture
- Location: KY, United States
- Online Only: Yes
Artist Professional Development Grants promote the growth and development of visual art in Kentucky by helping improve the critical skills, resources, knowledge, and connections of fine artists. APDG Grants support and forward artists’ careers by encouraging them to engage with the broader contemporary art world and raising the bar for art being produced in the region. Developing fine artists’ awareness of and participation in the national and international contemporary art world, this program aims to strengthen the level of critical discourse among artists in the state.