Opportunity Closes: March 9, 2026, midnight Central 

FREE to apply

2026 Annual Member Show: We Hold These Truths | On view April 21, 2026 

The Duluth Art Institute (DAI) announces an open call for submissions to the 2026 Annual Member Show under the year theme "We Hold These Truths." The exhibit is open to all current, 18+ DAI members.  You may submit one 2D or 3D work, except AI-generated. 

The Annual Member Show is the DAI’s largest event of the year, thank you for participating! 

Eligibility:

•Current DAI member as of April 9, 2026

• Ages 18+ 

• Artwork made in 2025 or 2026 

More about the theme "We Hold These Truths" 

The first four words of the Declaration of Independence. 

As we planned our exhibitions for 2026, the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the DAI team and a panel of regional arts professionals asked one powerful question: What is American art?

We reached a clear conclusion: American identity holds many truths—complex, diverse, and sometimes contradictory—and art uniquely expresses every story, perspective, challenge, and hope that shapes our nation’s past and present. 

As the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence approaches, we know it is important to include all voices in the expression of "truth."

"Truth" takes many forms. It can emerge from cultural heritage, lived experience, artistic process, or community connection. When brought together, artwork creates a collective conversation, showing us the richness and diversity of perspectives within our community. Your voice contributes to a broader dialogue about who we are and what we hold to be true.

We invite you to explore your own individual truth expressed through your artwork. For the 2026 Annual Member Show, you have the opportunity to show your work along with an art description that will support and explain your antwork and "truth." These descriptions will be hosted on Bloomberg Connects, our online platform, along with your artwork. 

Reflect, create, and share in your  description: What is your truth?

How To Apply

• read through this document
• follow the required application material section
• fill out and submit accompanied form prior to artwork drop off

Required Application Materials

• Only 1 work (maximum size 40" x 40") maximum weight 2D (20lbs) maximum weight 3D (50lbs)
• Only the artwork submitted can be installed
• High resolution images (jpeg or png at minimum 8.5 x 11" and 300dpi) 
• Save images with this title format prior to loading: artist name_title_medium_year_size_price/NFS
• Label information format: Artist name, "title," medium, year, size, price/NFS
• Artist Statement (max 500 words entered into field rather than uploaded as file)
• Art piece description about "your truth" (max 500 words entered into field rather than uploaded as file)
• Acceptance of terms (see below)
• Optional: audio description to be featured with your work on Bloomberg Connects Mp3/wav (max 3 minutes)
• No AI-generated artwork, diptych (two pieces), triptych (three pieces), etc are not eligible, single pieces only please  
• All artwork must be ready to hang with a wire on the back (no magnets). If artwork needs specialty installation, you must provide instructions and necessary hardware. 
• Please clearly label on the back of the work with: Artist Name, Title, Medium, Year, Size. 

Please contact the DAI Exhibitions Manager, mkayser@duluthartinstitute.org, before applying if your work is larger than 40" x 40" in any dimension or weights more than 50 lbs. 

Terms

• The DAI retains a 40% commission of artwork sales. All artwork sales at or relating to the Annual Member Show must be processed through the DAI.
• Artists are responsible for delivery and pick up of work to and from the DAI. Funding is not available for shipping assistance. Artists may ship work only if they provide a prepaid Fed Ex return label. 
• The DAI reserves the right to use images of your artwork appearing in the exhibition, before and during the exhibition and thereafter. Images may be used as publicity for the exhibition and the DAI organization including, but not limited to: HUE publication, social media, postcard announcements, staff business cards, membership cards, and press releases.
• The DAI reserves the right to refuse installation. 
• Your written artwork description submitted may be edited. please provide a final draft. 
• I understand I will not receive a monetary stipend or mileage or lodging, but may receive an honorarium if my artwork is selected under the people's choice award. 
• Your artwork will be included on the Bloomberg Connects app, a DAI platform.
•  If your artwork is for sale, it will be included in the DAI online store. 
• Artwork Images may be cropped into digital collages or used as a single image for DAI publicity. 
• I understand that my work will not be accepted if I do not provide the required materials or miss the drop off deadlines.
• I understand that I will take with me all my packing materials. 

Timeline

• March 9, 2026: Application closes at 11:59pm CST
• March 10–April 8, 2026: Accepted applicants will be contacted via email with details regarding schedule, artwork delivery, and may be asked to supply additional support materials. 
• April 6, 2026 Shipment Date: Artwork must be shipped through Fed Ex. Include or email a prepaid return label for Fedex. Artywork must arrive by to April 6.
• April 9, 2026, 9:00am–6:00pm CT: Artwork Drop-Off Day. Accepted artworks must be delivered to the DAI galleries during this time. Accommodations may be available prior to April 9. Contact Exhibition Manager by email. 
• April 21, 2026–July 10, 2026: Exhibition on view in the DAI Downtown Galleries
• April 21, 2026, 7:00pm–9:00pm CT: AMS Reception, open to the public
• July 14, 2026, 9:00am–5:00pm CT: Artwork Pick-Up Day. Artworks must be picked up from the DAI galleries during this time by the artist. Contact the DAI Exhibitions Manager by email, if alternative pick-up plans are needed.

Dates subject to change due to any events beyond the control of the DAI (including, but not limited to, war, national calamity, strike, severe acts of nature or weather, pandemics, acts of governmental authorities such as closure, condemnation, and changes in laws and regulations). The DAI, in its sole discretion, shall have the right to cancel the exhibition by giving notice to the artists.

DAI Address: 130 West Superior Street Suite 400, Duluth, MN 55802

Please direct questions to Madeline Kayser, DAI Exhibitions Manager mkayser@duluthartinstitute.org