Entering Juried Shows: How Artists Can Enhance Their Resumes

Artists are always looking to plump their resumes with juried exhibitions, but in order to to do so they must first sort through a growing list of prospective shows. More and more venues are hosting their own juried shows, usually to raise funds, gain recognition, and attract emerging talent. With resources like The Art Deadlines list and countless other publications, artists have easy access to these exhibition opportunities. Since most artists work on a restricted budget and competitions generally charge entry fees, artists must be selective in choosing which competitions to enter.

The first thing the artist should consider is the entrance fee. What does the fee cover? How much will it cost to enter the show, and how many works of art may the artist enter? A $20-35 entry fee will net about 3-5 submissions in most circumstances. Some of the more prestigious shows may approach the $50 mark; however, even unseasoned shows seem to be upping the costs these days. Bottom line: if the artist cannot rationalize the cost, then the artist should move on to other prospects.

Another thing to consider is the type of submission requested: slides or digital images. While slides used to be the old standby, more competitions are permitting digital submissions or even dismissing slides altogether. This is a positive evolution in the art show submission process, as digital images are cheaper and easier to take. Digital cameras permit endless picture retakes, and simple photo editing programs make for easy touch-ups. By contrast, taking quality slides can be a frustrating experience with no room for editing.