Artist Call for the 5th Annual Celebrating the Black Experience Exhibition
Deadline: January 23, 2026
This exhibit celebrates African descendants through the visual arts, honors the legacy of Black artists’ rich contributions and achievements, and highlights the impact Black art has made in transforming our struggle against oppression and racism.
Art for consideration will reflect diverse environments and traditions that contribute to the fabric of the Black experience. Underrepresented imagery expressing joy, sorrow, love, creativity, and truth-telling are all up for exploration within the Black aesthetic.
Exhibition will run April 17 – June 18, 2026, in KCAAH’s Elmer Lucille Allen Gallery
The Kentucky Arts Council and KCAAH have teamed up to provide even greater exposure for Celebrating the Black Experience. After its initial showing at KCAAH, the exhibit will travel throughout the state to several additional communities through December 2026. During the application process, artists will choose whether or not they would like their work to be included in the traveling exhibit.
Application Deadline: January 23, 2026
January 23
Application Deadline
February 10
Artists Notified Whether or Not in Exhibit
February 17
Signed Acceptance Letter Due
March 28 or April 4
Art Drop-Off
April 17
Opening Reception
June 18
Last Day of Show
June 20 or June 27
Art Pick Up for Those Not In Traveling Exhibition
July – December
Exhibition Traveling
Rules of Entry
Ages 18 and up
Work must be an original piece, not a reproduction of the work. NO REPRODUCTIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED.
All artwork must be available for display during the exhibition.
No entries will be accepted beyond the postmark deadline.
Up to 6 works may be submitted per artist, with 1-3 digital images for each two-dimensional or three-dimensional piece.
250-word limit for artist biography, and 150-word artist statement must be included with entry.
Artists will submit entries through the file upload provided below.
All entries must provide an email address for the acceptance package to be sent.
The Black experience is an International experience. We welcome submissions from all countries.
The Kentucky Center for African American Heritage
Artist Call for the 5th Annual Celebrating the Black Experience Exhibition
Deadline: January 23, 2026
This exhibit celebrates African descendants through the visual arts, honors the legacy of Black artists’ rich contributions and achievements, and highlights the impact Black art has made in transforming our struggle against oppression and racism.
Art for consideration will reflect diverse environments and traditions that contribute to the fabric of the Black experience. Underrepresented imagery expressing joy, sorrow, love, creativity, and truth-telling are all up for exploration within the Black aesthetic.
Exhibition will run April 17 – June 18, 2026,
in KCAAH’s Elmer Lucille Allen Gallery
The Kentucky Arts Council and KCAAH have teamed up to provide even greater exposure for Celebrating the Black Experience. After its initial showing at KCAAH, the exhibit will travel throughout the state to several additional communities through December 2026. During the application process, artists will choose whether or not they would like their work to be included in the traveling exhibit.
Application Deadline: January 23, 2026
January 23
Application Deadline
February 10
Artists Notified Whether or Not in Exhibit
February 17
Signed Acceptance Letter Due
March 28 or April 4
Art Drop-Off
April 17
Opening Reception
June 18
Last Day of Show
June 20 or June 27
Art Pick Up for Those Not In Traveling Exhibition
July – December
Exhibition Traveling
Rules of Entry
Application Deadline: January 23, 2026
Details