The District 51 Art Show will honor the vibrant, creative landscape of the District of Columbia by highlighting some of the incredible living and working artists who have shaped, inspired, and impacted the dynamic cultural scene, both past and present.

Artists currently or previously connected to the DC arts scene are encouraged to apply with a limited portfolio of artworks, an artist statement, and a statement about the artist's connection to DC. Applications will be evaluated by a panel of three jurors.

All visual mediums are accepted including but not limited to painting, printmaking, textile and fiber, video and animation, photography, sculpture, ceramics, collage, performance, sound, and mixed media. Works must be original and completed within the past five years. Individual works are not required to be thematically about DC. This exhibition will include both a physical gallery show located in Washington, DC and a virtual exhibition.

Jurors:

Caitlin Berry- Irene and Richard Frary Gallery Inaugural Director

Nehemiah Dixon III- Phillips Collection Senior Director for Public Programming and Community Engagement

Anisa Olufemi- Curator and Hamiltonian Artists Fellowship Manager

Application Requirements

Artists should submit a portfolio that includes at least 3 but no more than 5 artwork samples. Artworks submitted should be available for the installation, exhibition, and deinstallaion period (January 2 - February 16, 2025). 

Applications must also include an artist statement as well as a statement about their connection to the District of Columbia.

Eligibility Criteria

Artist Requirements:

This is a call for visual artists. Eligible artists (or artist teams/collectives) must be connected to the District of Columbia. Applicable affiliations include artists who meet any of the following criteria:

• Current District of Columbia resident
• Former District of Columbia resident
• Born/raised in the District of Columbia
• Currently work or maintain a studio in the District of Columbia
• Previously worked or maintained a studio in the District of Columbia
• Affiliated with a District of Columbia-based arts community
• Attend (or attended) a college of university based in the District of Columbia
• Other affiliations as described in a written statement

If applying as an artist team/collective, please write about the artist team or collective's connection to the District of Columbia. 

Artwork Requirements: 

• Submissions should contain at least three but no more than five artwork samples. Additional images and media on the application may be close-ups, stills from videos and performance works, etc. but each application should contain no more than 5 artwork samples.
• Applications with media of more than five artworks will be disqualified.
• All artwork must fit through a standard doorway.
• Suspended works cannot weigh over 10 lbs.
• Physically installed artwork must be delivered/shipped ready to hang.
• All physically installed artwork must be for sale (unless agreed upon by the Gallery prior to installation). Touchstone takes a 40% commission on all artwork sold during the exhibition or if the Gallery acts as the agent.
• Artists are responsible for the delivery of the work to the gallery. Accepted works must be received between Thursday, January 2 and Sunday, January 5, 2024.
• Works may be dropped-off or shipped to Touchstone Gallery. Shipping (and a prepaid return shipping label) is the responsibility of the artist.
• Performance-based works will be scheduled with the Gallery after juror selections are finalized.
• If the application fee would present a hardship, please email to inquire about a fee waiver. All requests for waivers must be received by November 25.