Call for Artists
Deadline to apply: JANUARY 20, 2026
The Salina Art Center invites submissions for the 2026 Salina Biennial, a juried exhibition highlighting contemporary visual art from the Mountain-Plains region of the United States. As America approaches its 250th anniversary, this exhibition encourages artists to reflect on identity, place, belonging, and transformation through the lens of a region often considered the country’s heartland. All themes and media are welcome.
The 2024 Salina Biennial welcomed over 5,000 visitors and provided paid residencies and teaching opportunities for seven exhibiting artists, who served as SummerART instructors, led workshops, and gave artist talks throughout the exhibition.
The Salina Art Center is a nonprofit, contemporary art and education center with the mission "to create exchanges among art, artists, and audiences that reveal life." Located in historic downtown Salina, Kansas, the Art Center is nationally recognized for its artist-first values and community-responsive programming. It is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.
Eligibility
Open to visual artists working in Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming.
Artwork must have been completed in 2024 or 2025.
Any medium is eligible.
Work previously shown at Salina Art Center will not be considered.
Salina Art Center staff and Board of Trustees may submit, but are not eligible for awards.
Artwork may be listed for sale at the artist’s discretion; however, sales are not required nor influence selection. The Salina Art Center retains a 30% commission on all sales. Artists will receive payment within 30 days of the exhibition’s close.
Juror: Hesse McGraw
Founder and Artistic Director, Artist Venture Fund
Hesse McGraw is a nationally respected curator, writer, and cultural strategist known for artist-centered exhibitions and public art initiatives that bridge institutions and communities. Most recently Executive Director of Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, McGraw has held leadership and curatorial roles at Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, San Francisco Art Institute, and El Dorado. His groundbreaking work spans more than 75 exhibitions and commissions, including The Rainbow by Michael Jones McKean, The Proposal by Jill Magid, and the CAMH Court by Trenton Doyle Hancock.
Awards
Juror-selected awards up to $5,000 will be announced at the opening reception:
$2,250 – First Place
$1,500 – Second Place
$750 – Third Place
$300 – People’s Choice Award
$50 – Honorable Mention
Photo by Mike Sinclair
Entry Guidelines
Submit via CaFÉ by 11:59 PM (MST), January 20, 2026
Entry Fee: $35
Up to 3 artworks may be submitted
Up to 3 image files, 1 audio file, and 1 video file per artwork (max 9 total)
Include an artist statement (max 1,000 characters) describing your work and practice
All decisions of the juror are final; substitutions not permitted
Important Dates
Submission Deadline: January 20, 2026
Notification of Acceptance: March 16, 2026
CV and Insurance Values Due: March 30, 2026
Artwork Delivery Window: May 1–10, 2026
Exhibition Dates: May 20 – September 6, 2026
Opening Reception: June 5, 2026 | 5–7pm
Pickup/Return of Work: by September 18, 2026
Shipping and Delivery
Artists are responsible for all shipping costs and in-transit insurance. Return shipping labels are required.
Work must be received ready to exhibit.
Ship or deliver to:
Salina Art Center
242 S. Santa Fe Ave
Salina, KS 67401
Insurance
The Salina Art Center insures accepted work wall-to-wall under its fine art policy. Artists must provide an insurance value and complete a standard loan agreement.
Packing Requirements
Art must arrive in durable, reusable, and clearly labeled containers. Work must be framed or otherwise presentation-ready; the Art Center will not provide mounting or framing services.
Contact
For questions or more information:
www.salinaartcenter.org
info@salinaartcenter.org
785-827-1431