In Contrast 2026: Digital and Visual Art Open Call by October 21 – Online Exhibition
The Maryland Federation of Art (MFA), based in Annapolis, is accepting submissions for In Contrast, a juried virtual exhibition devoted to contrast in colour, light, texture, form, subject and meaning. Entries close October 21, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. according to the organiser's schedule. Selected works will be presented in the MFA Virtual Gallery between December 15, 2026 and February 14, 2027. The opportunity includes traditional and contemporary visual practices, with original two- and three-dimensional artwork welcome under the official exhibition guidelines.
A theme that can work in digital image-making
Contrast is not restricted to black-and-white photography or complementary colours. A digital illustrator might juxtapose the natural and synthetic, a photographer may explore differences of light and scale, while a mixed-media artist may question the tension between virtual and physical space. The organiser explicitly invites interpretations across multiple materials and styles. A convincing entry will use contrast as an essential artistic principle rather than adding an oppositional effect as an afterthought.
Eligibility is broad; check the exhibition restrictions
MFA's current announcement describes an international call open to artists worldwide, with exceptions for sanctioned countries. Works must be original and fit the exhibition's two- or three-dimensional format rules. Before entering, check the precise medium, file-size, creation-date and sales requirements in the latest prospectus. A video installation, an interactive artwork or a generative digital piece should not automatically be assumed to qualify simply because the juror works with media art; ask the gallery if the final form or documentation is not clearly covered.
Blind jury and submission format
The organiser uses a blind-jury process overseen by an invited professional juror, Sena Clara Creston, an interactive installation artist and associate professor of media arts. Entries are submitted via the ArtCall platform linked on the MFA listing. The system uses the word 'application' for one artwork and 'attachments' for image documentation, with up to two photographs of an artwork available without an extra attachment charge. Artists should remove unnecessary identifying text from documentation where required by the prospectus.
Entry fees, sales and commissions
ArtCall requires payment for the number of artworks submitted; it is not a free-submission residency. The precise amount depends on the current fee table and potential MFA membership discounts, so confirm the quoted total before paying. The gallery states that artists normally receive 80% of sales proceeds, or 85% for MFA members, while the gallery retains the balance. All work must meet the published sales or price-on-request rules. Participation in a virtual exhibition does not imply a guaranteed artist fee.
Timetable after entry
Submissions opened August 25, with the closing date on October 21. The organiser expects to notify applicants on November 19. The virtual exhibition opens December 15, and exhibition awards are scheduled to be announced January 7, 2027. The exhibition closes February 14, 2027. Since the display is online, clear digital documentation and correct image colour will influence the quality of the audience experience, even for works created in physical materials.
Check these points before clicking submit
Choose a work that engages the theme, verify that it is an original eligible 2D or 3D piece, prepare the main image and any relevant detail photograph, and confirm the ArtCall fee before completing payment. Artists who use unusual interactive or video formats should ask for clarification about exhibition compatibility. Keep a confirmation of the submitted artwork and the email address used, because notifications and requests for display material are sent by email.
Official exhibition and submission
Information checked October 18, 2026. MFA's latest prospectus and ArtCall checkout determine the exact media rules, entry fees and any changes to the dates.