2026 Juried Invitational – The Phillips Collection

Location
Washington, D.C.

Open To
Artists aged 18+ currently residing in the Washington, DC–Baltimore metropolitan region (see full list of eligible counties and cities). Open to all experience levels and backgrounds.

Application Fee
$25 for one work
$35 for two works
Fee waiver available within application if needed

What’s Provided

  • Group exhibition at The Phillips Collection (August 1–September 20, 2026)

  • Cash prizes totaling over $7,000

  • 1-year Phillips Individual Friend membership for all awardees

  • No commission taken on sales – artists keep 100%

  • All works insured while on-site

What the Artist Must Cover

  • Transportation to/from the museum (shipping not accepted)

  • Any special equipment or pedestals required beyond what the museum can provide

Important Dates

  • Submission Period: July 14 – September 30, 2025 (or until 1,000 entries are received)

  • Notification: December 15, 2025

  • Exhibition Dates: August 1 – September 20, 2026

  • Delivery Window: July 20–24, 2026

  • Artwork Pickup: September 23–25, 2026

Entry Limit
Up to 2 artworks per artist
Work must be completed after November 2024
All media welcome: 2D, 3D, time-based, performance, video, film, sound

Jurors

  • Tie Jojima – Curator of Global Contemporary Art, The Phillips Collection

  • Tsedaye Makonnen – Interdisciplinary Artist

  • Leila Grothe – Associate Curator, Baltimore Museum of Art

  • Jordan Martin – Curator & Production Manager, WPA DC

Prizes

  • First Prize: $2,500

  • Second Prize: $1,500

  • 3 Honorable Mentions: $800 each

  • People’s Choice Award: $600

Submission Requirements

  • Online application only

  • Artist statement (1,200 characters, third person)

  • Artwork descriptions (1,800 characters, third person)

  • High-res images or video links

  • Installation notes for time-based or performance work

  • Labeling for physical work upon delivery

  • Artwork must be original and not created entirely using AI

Prohibited Materials
No live animals, food, liquids, flammable materials, weapons, or works created solely using AI.

Sales
Artists may list their work for sale and will keep 100% of proceeds. The Phillips Collection will not facilitate or collect commissions.

Additional Info
All accepted artists must sign a loan agreement and agree to loan their work for the full exhibition duration. Phillips staff will handle installation. Artists may be contacted about installation needs for time-based or performance work.

Contact
For inquiries or accessibility accommodations, visit www.phillipscollection.org or use the contact information provided on the application portal.