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, and Installation; Photography, Video, and Digital Works; and Painting, Sculpture, and Craft.

Artworks selected for exhibition are juried by nationally renowned artists and curators who review art submissions via an annual open call. Entry to the call for submissions is free and open to visual artists at any stage of their careers, including students (18 years old or older), emerging, mid-career, and established artists.  

The 2026 edition of the Statewide Annual Exhibition will be hosted by Utah Valley University Museum of Art, December 8, 2026 - March 13, 2027.

• A separate application is required for each artwork submission. Entries are limited to two (2) original works. One (1) artwork per application with up to three (3) images per artwork. No more than two (2) applications will be accepted per artist.
• 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.
• 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 images are the highest quality possible. If you have questions about this, please contact UA&M’s Visual Arts Manager: [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 Statewide Annual UT 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. 
• AI: Acknowledgement must be made of any artwork created with the assistance of AI (Artificial Intelligence). Artists must include AI in the medium description of the submitted artwork. Neglecting to acknowledge AI use in the making of a submitted artwork is grounds for disqualification.
• 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 2026 jurors will review all eligible applications and make final selections. 
• While size and weight restrictions are not explicitly stated, these factors will be considered in the artwork selection process. Objects must be able to fit through a 69” wide x 95” tall doorway. If you have any questions, please contact UA&M’s Visual Arts Manager: [email protected].
• 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. 
• Applicants must have a U.S. Tax ID Number (SSN, EIN, ITIN, or other). Selected artists are responsible for all applicable federal taxes. We urge that you keep all receipts and other appropriate records for tax filing purposes. Please consult a tax accountant with questions; unfortunately, we cannot advise on tax matters.

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 ($2,000)
• Six Jurors’ Awards ($1,000 each)
• Two Honorable Mentions ($400)

UVU MoA Award and Exhibition 

• The UVU Museum of Art will award one artist a $500 cash prize and the opportunity to present their work in a forthcoming exhibition at the museum.

Visitors will select: 

• One People’s Choice Award ($400)

Note: Each selected artist will receive a $150 honorarium per artwork. 

Online submissions open | May 18, 8 a.m.

Online submissions close | July 9, 11:59 p.m. 

Artists notified of results via Submittable. | September 4 

Artwork Drop Off | Saturday, November 21, 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.  or Monday, November 30, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. | UVU Museum of Art, 260 W 1800 S St, Orem, UT 84058

Opening Celebration and Awards Presentation | Tuesday, December 8, 5 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.  | Awards Presentation at 6:30 p.m.

Last Day of Exhibition | Saturday, March 13, 2027

Artwork Pickup | Tuesday, March 16, 2027,  1 p.m. to 8 p.m. or Wednesday, March 17, 2027, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  | UVU Museum of Art, 260 W 1800 S St, Orem, UT 84058

Q: What are the selection criteria?

A: This year's categories are Mixed Media, Works on Paper, and Installation. 

• Works on Paper: This category accepts work in visual media other than painting, including artists books, aquatints, collages, engravings, etchings, lithographs, monotypes, prints, serigraphs, woodcuts, and drawings in two- or three-dimensional formats. Artists whose work involves painting only, including watercolorists, should apply to the painting category. 
• Mixed Media: This category refers to works in which more than one medium was employed in the creation of the work (not for works that are solely multi-media).
• Installation: This category accepts large-scale, mixed-media constructions, designed to be displayed for a temporary period of time.

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 2026 jurors, Lehuauakea and Liz Miller, will review all eligible applications and make final participation and award selections.

Q: What are jurors looking for?

A: The jurors are looking for compelling and skillful artwork in the mediums of Mixed Media, Works on Paper, and Installation. 

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 Utah Valley University Museum of Art, Orem, UT.

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). If submitting an installation artwork, the artwork must be delivered with clear instructions on the way it is to be installed and the artist must be able and available to be consulted during the installation process. Failure to do so may result in the artwork not being included in the exhibition. 

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 UVU MoA staff. Works not for sale must clearly be marked “NFS” (Not For Sale) on the loan agreement. If the work is not for sale, you must indicate an insurance value on the application. As UA&M and UVU MoA do not handle the sales, there is no commission on sales.

Q: When is the deadline?

A: July 9, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. 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. A separate application is required for each artwork submission. One (1) application submitted = One (1) artwork submitted. Artists are allowed two (2) artwork submissions. 

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 – 2,400 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 the 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 Manager: [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.