The Penn Journal of Arts and Sciences (PJAS) is thrilled to host an art exhibition in partnership with Penn’s Philomathean literary society, set in the iconic Philo halls overlooking College Green. This exhibition will feature a diverse array of artwork, carefully selected to reflect the journal’s commitment to celebrating creativity and intellectual exploration.

As a cornerstone of academic and artistic life at the University of Pennsylvania, PJAS provides a platform for scholars and artists to share their work with a global audience. By blending art with scholarship, PJAS embodies the spirit of innovation and intellectual curiosity that defines Penn and the Ivy League tradition. This event is an extension of that mission, offering a unique opportunity for artists to engage with one of the most vibrant academic communities in the world.

Selected artists will have the opportunity to not only exhibit their work but also compete for a chance to have their pieces permanently installed in Penn’s Philo halls or other significant locations on campus and in West Philadelphia. This is a rare chance to leave a lasting impact on the Penn and West Philly communities, contributing to their rich cultural legacy.

Application Requirements

To apply, artists may submit high-resolution images of up to 20 artworks (with titles, dimensions, and medium). They should also submit a brief artist statement (150-300 words). While not required, artists should indicate whether they would like to considered for permanent installation on Penn’s campus and/or in West Philadelphia.

Applications must be submitted by our extended December 1st deadline and will be reviewed by a panel of representatives from PJAS and the Philomathean literary society. Selected artists will be notified via email shortly thereafter. For those interested in permanently installing their artwork, the location and timing of the installation will be coordinated after the exhibition.

Eligibility Criteria

The exhibition is open to artists from around the world, regardless of their affiliation with Penn. However, it is important that all submitted works are original creations by the artist and have not been previously exhibited at Penn. The artworks should resonate with the themes of creativity, intellectual exploration, and cultural impact that are central to PJAS.

For questions, please email sokadan@sas.upenn.edu with the subject line "Exhibition Question - Last Name, First Name"