Call for ART CONTEST: The Art Experience

CLOSING FEBRUARY 28

Call for Artists: The ART Experience Contest – $5,000 Prize

Are you ready to showcase your creative vision? The producers of the Uptown Art Fair are thrilled to announce our upcoming The ART Experience Contest, we’re inviting artists from all backgrounds to participate. With a $5,000 grand prize at stake, this is your opportunity to gain recognition, connect with art enthusiasts, and be part of a celebration of creativity.

About the Contest
The ART Experience Contest is an open-call event welcoming artists of all backgrounds and experience levels to showcase their talent across a variety of mediums, including painting, sculpture, installations, digital, and mixed media. Whether you’re an emerging artist, a hobbyist, or an experienced professional, we want to see your work. We believe that art has the power to bring communities together, and creativity knows no boundaries. This contest is all about providing artists with a platform to share their unique perspectives, fostering an inclusive environment where diverse voices and ideas can shine. There are no restrictions based on education, career, or previous exhibitions—everyone is encouraged to participate, and all forms of artistic expression are celebrated!

Key Details
• Eligibility: Open to artists 18 years and older.
• Theme: The theme is open, giving you complete freedom to explore the concept that inspires you the most.
• Prize: The grand prize for the winner is $5,000. Based on public voting system, recognizing the entry with the most public support.
• Entry Fee: $20 per submission

Why Enter?

• Cash Prize: The winning artist will receive $5,000
• Public Exposure: All finalists’ works will be on display, allowing public engagement and recognition.

How to Enter

• Prepare Your Artwork: Create a piece that fits within a 10ft x 10ft x 10ft space and is under 100 lbs (unless special arrangements are approved).
• Submit Online: Visit www.uptownminneapolis.com to complete the submission form, upload images of your work, and pay the $20 entry fee.
• Deliver Your Artwork: Selected finalists will be responsible for delivering their work to the designated venue for public display.
• FILL OUT ENTRY FORM AND PAYMENT HERE
• Email image(s) of your piece here:  info@uptownminneapolis.com

Important Dates
• Display Dates: TBD – Opening Public Reception March 2025
• Public Voting Period: March – April
• Winner Announcement: 4/30/2025

Display Requirements:
All selected pieces must be exhibition-ready. This means framed or mounted for two-dimensional works and appropriately supported for three-dimensional works.

Get Involved:
Whether you’re an emerging artist or an established creator, this is your chance to showcase your talent to a wide audience. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of an inspiring artistic community and compete for the $5,000 prize.

Submit your entry today and let your art inspire others!
Have questions? info@uptownminneapolis.com

Art Contest Rules
Eligibility

• The contest is open to all artists, regardless of location, nationality, or experience level.
• Participants must be at least 18 years old.
• Collaborations are allowed, but any prize will be distributed among the collaborators as agreed by them.

Submission Guidelines

• Each artist or collective may submit only one entry.
• Entries must be original works of art, created by the submitting artist(s).
• Artworks can include a variety of mediums: painting, sculpture, installation, digital, mixed media, and more.
• Size Restrictions: Artworks must fit within a 10ft x 10ft x 10ft space and be under 100 lbs unless otherwise approved.

Entry Fees

• There is a non-refundable entry fee of $20 per submission.
• Artists are responsible for covering the cost of shipping or delivering their artwork to the venue.

Theme

• The theme of the contest is open; artists are encouraged to create pieces that reflect their unique perspectives.

Display Requirements

• Artworks must be ready for display. Two-dimensional works must be framed or mounted, and three-dimensional works must include appropriate stands or supports.

Judging Process

• Public Vote: Each piece of art will have its own QR code for the public to vote. Exhibition will be open to the public at pop-up events at determined times by the event producer.

Prizes

• Grand Prize: $5,000 awarded to the winning artist or collective.

Rights and Permissions

• By entering, artists grant the organizers the right to display their work publicly for the duration of the contest.
• Artists retain ownership of their work but allow promotional use of their artwork’s images for marketing, social media, and documentation purposes.

Liability

• The organizers are not responsible for any damage, loss, or theft of artwork. Artists must insure their works if necessary. The exhibition and all art will be behind a locked and secured space

Agreement

• By submitting an entry, participants agree to all the rules and conditions stated above.

For further inquiries, please contact:
Jill Osiecki, Program Director
612.823.4581
jill@uptownminneapolis.com