Visual arts competitions and exhibitions have been a project of the Utah Division of Arts & Museums (UA&M) since 1899. The Statewide Annual Exhibition, is a yearly juried exhibition of current, outstanding visual art by Utah-based artists. The exhibition rotates themes annually between the following categories: Mixed Media & Works on Paper (2026); Craft, Photography, Video & Digital Works (2024); and Painting, Sculpture & Installation (2025).

Artwork selected for exhibition is juried by nationally renowned artists and curators who review applications submitted via our annual open call. Entry to the call for submissions is free and open to visual artists at any stage of their career, including students (18 years old or older), emerging, mid-career, and established. Exhibitions sponsored by UA&M are funded by public tax dollars. 

The 2024 edition of the Statewide Annual Exhibition will be hosted by Ogden Contemporary Arts, November 1, 2024 through January 12, 2025 and composed of up to 30 artworks in the categories of craft, photography, video, or digital, selected from artists’ submissions received from across the state. We are honored to have Anh-Thuy Nguyen (Tucson, AZ) and Benjamin Hickey (Lafayette, LA) as this year’s jurors, as they bring a vast array of knowledge to the selection process regarding material use, concept, craft, experimentation, and the art world at large.

Artwork submissions must follow the theme of this year’s exhibition: Craft, Photography, Video, and Digital.

• Craft: This category accepts work in all forms of craft, including – but not limited to – ceramics, glass, wood, metal, fiber, textiles, and book arts.
• Photography: This category accepts work in traditional photography or any work in which photography or photographic techniques are the primary media. 
• Video: This category includes film and video works but does not include narrative or documentary film.
• Digital: This category includes art made or presented using digital technology, including – but not limited to – digital paintings, digital collage, and animation.

Note: Any artwork made with AI assistance must be entered as a digital submission, and AI must be included in the medium description.

• This competition is open to visual artists residing in Utah. 
• Artists must be 18 years of age or older. 
• Artwork must have been completed in the past 3 years.
• Entries are limited to two (2) original works. One (1) artwork per application with up to three (3) images per artwork. A separate application is required for each artwork submission. No more than two (2) applications will be accepted per artist.
• If your artwork is selected for the exhibition, the images submitted for jury will be the images used in the exhibition catalog. Please make sure it is the highest quality possible. If you have questions about this, please contact UA&M’s Visual Arts Coordinator: [email protected].
• Artwork measurements must follow this format: H” x W” (x 3D” if necessary). Enter framed and unframed dimensions if applicable.
• Works previously accepted in a juried competition held by UA&M are not eligible.
• DO NOT ENTER INFORMATION IN ALL CAPITAL LETTERS. Any application submitted in all capital letters will be sent back to the applicant to be fixed and resubmitted.
• Artwork submissions must be original and the submitting artist must have the rights to any and all portions of the submission. 
• Any artwork made with AI assistance must be entered as a Digital Submission and AI must be included in the medium description.
• Jurors will make final determinations on qualifying media within this year’s media categories.
• The submission and jury process will be conducted virtually via Submittable. Applications are reviewed by staff for completion, eligibility, and adherence to published guidelines. The 2024 jurors will review all eligible applications and make final selections. 
• Artworks accepted for exhibition may not be withdrawn for any reason. The submission of entries presupposes the right to photograph the works for catalogs, publicity, educational, and promotion purposes in perpetuity. By applying, you agree to these terms. 

Note: UA&M is a state agency that provides public funding for arts and museums. As a public entity, it reserves the right to make final decisions about the use of public funds for projects, programs, acquisitions, commissions, or other activities as deemed appropriate by the division, board and/or community standards.

Jurors will select:

• One Best in Show award ($1,000)
• Six Jurors’ Awards ($600 each)
• Two Honorable Mentions ($200) 

Ogden Contemporary Arts will select:  

• OCA Choice Award: $500 and future exhibition at Ogden Contemporary Arts

Visitors will select: 

• One People’s Choice Award ($200) 

Note: Each selected artist will receive a $100 honorarium per artwork.

July 2 | Online submissions open

Aug. 10 | Online submissions close at midnight

Oct. 1 | Artists notified of results via email

Oct. 24th, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Salt Lake City Artwork Drop Off Location: Utah Division of Arts & Museums, 3760 S. Highland Dr | Millcreek, UT 84106

Oct. 26th, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Artwork Drop Off to Ogden Contemporary Arts: 455 25th St, Ogden, UT 84401

Nov. 1 | Exhibition Opening & Artist Reception 6 p.m. - 9 p.m., and Jurors Talk/Award Announcements @ 7 p.m.

Jan. 12 | Last Day of Exhibition 

Jan. 14-15, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Artwork Pick Up from Ogden Contemporary Arts: 455 25th St, Ogden, UT 84401

Jan. 16th, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Salt Lake City Artwork Pick Up (Location: UA&M Art Storage: 310 500 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84101)

Q: What are the selection criteria?

A: This year's categories are Craft, Photography, Video & Digital Works. 

• Craft: This category accepts work in all forms of craft, including but not limited to, ceramics, glass, wood, metal, fiber, textiles, and book arts.
• Photography: This category accepts work in traditional photography or any work in which photography or photographic techniques are the primary media.
• Video: This category includes film and video works but does not include narrative or documentary film.
• Digital: This category includes art made or presented using digital technology, including but not limited to digital paintings, digital collage, animation.

Q: What is the jury process?

A: The submission and jury process will be conducted virtually via Submittable. Applications are reviewed by staff for completion, eligibility, and adherence to published guidelines. Our 2024 jurors, Anh-Thuy Nguyen and Benjamin Hickey, will review all eligible applications and make final selections.

Q: What are jurors looking for?

A: The jurors are looking for compelling and skillful artwork in the mediums of Craft, Photography, Video and Digital Works.

Q: Will I receive feedback on the work?

A: Due to the number of entries received, the jurors are unable to provide specific feedback.

Q: Where will the exhibition be on view?

A: This year’s Statewide Annual Exhibition will be on view at Ogden Contemporary Arts, Ogden.

Q: If accepted, does my work need to be framed?

A: No. However, all works not framed, must be fully assembled, or otherwise ready for exhibition as the artist intends to present them (no sawtooth hangers, wires/D-rings preferred, or secure attachments).

Q: If accepted, can my artwork be for sale?

A: Yes. Sales will be handled directly by the artist with assistance from UA&M and OCA staff. Works not for sale must clearly be marked “NFS” (Not For Sale) on your loan agreement. If your work is not for sale you must indicate an insurance value. We will not be taking a commission on sales.

Q: When is the deadline?

A: August 10, 2024, midnight. We will not accept late applications. We recommend you finish the application two (2) days prior to the deadline in case you encounter any issues. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

Q: Where do I apply?

A: https://utahartsmuseums.submittable.com/submit

Q: What are the file requirements?

A: Only digital images/files of your artwork are accepted for consideration by the jury. All images must be uploaded through our online platform, Submittable (see link above).

• • Submit JPGs – 1500 pixels on the longest side with a minimum dpi of 72
  • File naming example: Smith_Jane_1.jpg or for detail, installation, or alternate view images: Smith_Jane_1_detail.jpg

• Entries are limited to two (2) original works. One (1) artwork per application with up to three (3) images per artwork. A separate application is required for each artwork submission. One (1) application submitted = One (1) artwork submitted. 
• The image submitted for jury will be the image used in the exhibition catalog and it should be the size listed above. If you have questions about this, please contact Peter Hay, Visual Arts Coordinator: [email protected]

Q: How many works can I submit?

A: You may submit a maximum of two artworks with up to three images per artwork. One (1) artwork per application with up to three (3) images per artwork. A separate application is required for each artwork submission. One (1) application submitted = One (1) artwork submitted. 

Q: Can I apply to more than one category?

A: Yes. If you submit two works, you may submit two in one category or one in either category.

Q: I can’t log onto my Submittable account. Should I contact your staff?

A: Our staff does not have access to your Submittable account. If you are unable to login to Submittable, or are having other issues related to the website, we suggest you contact Submittable directly at [email protected].

Q: Can we apply as a duo or group?

A: Yes, please use one artist’s name and information on the application, and in your project summary note that this is a collaboration and include all names.

Submit Your Artwork Here: https://utahartsmuseums.submittable.com/submit