You've probably heard about Biennials--ever wonder about ours? Every two years, ArtsWorcester showcases some of the best contemporary art in the region in a landmark exhibition. Learn everything about the process, from submission to prizes, in this video.

The Nineteenth ArtsWorcester Biennial
Submission Deadline: Friday, April 16, 2021
Exhibition Dates: Thursday, June 3 through Sunday, August 1, 2021

Submit up to three works: https://artsworcester.submittable.com...

Since 1985, the ArtsWorcester Biennial has exhibited a range of the region’s best visual art. In June of 2021, the Nineteenth ArtsWorcester Biennial will open at ArtsWorcester, 44 Portland Street, Worcester MA. Beth C. McLaughlin, Artistic Director and Chief Curator at Fuller Craft Museum, will serve as the juror.

The winner of the Sally Bishop Biennial Prize will receive a $1,000 cash award and a solo exhibition at the Worcester Art Museum during their 2021-22 season. This partnership, now in its third iteration, provides the winning artist with an important museum credential while placing their work in conversation with world-renowned artists in WAM’s collection. Previous winners of the Sally Bishop Prize include pen and ink artist James Dye (Exploring the Myths of James Dye) and painter Susan Swinand (Nature Imagined by Susan Swinand).

Beyond the Sally Bishop Prize, an additional $2,000 in cash awards will be given at the discretion of the juror. The first one hundred and fifty artists submitting work to the Biennial will receive a complimentary, one-year single membership to the Worcester Art Museum, courtesy of their Members Council.

The registration deadline is Friday, April 16, 2021, and all entries must be made online. Current ArtsWorcester membership is required to submit. A $15 fee applies to each work submitted, with a maximum of three works per artist. Fees must be paid online at the time of submission. If you would like financial assistance with Biennial fees through our Pay It Forward Fund, please contact [email protected].

Please read submission guidelines in full before submitting. Good luck!

This exhibition is in partnership with the Worcester Art Museum.
Prizes are generously supported by Marlene and David Persky and the Artist Prize Fund.

Thank you to Vanessa Calixto for hosting this step-by-step video for our artists!