A signature exhibition of Maui Arts & Cultural Center, MACC Biennial 2025 is a statewide call for new work by Hawai‘i’s artists, showcasing voices from across the islands in a contemporary dialogue of relevant ideas and innovative approaches. This cross-disciplinary exhibition encourages artists to explore conceptual depth, technical prowess, and creative forms to develop resonating experiences that interpret our human connection.

The juror will be Elissa Auther, Deputy Director of Curatorial Affairs and the William and Mildred Lasden Chief Curator at the Museum of Arts and Design, New York.

The exhibition includes three significant cash awards selected by the juror to recognize works of outstanding merit:

• Juror’s Choice Award for $10,000
• Award of Excellence in Two-Dimensional Media for $5,000
• Award of Excellence in Three-Dimensional Media for $5,000

Application Requirements

DATES

• Application submission period: April 14 – May 12, 2025
• Application deadline: May 12, 2025 (7:59 pm HST)
• Notification of Round 1 jurying results: May 23, 2025
• Notification of Round 2 jurying results: June 9, 2025
• Exhibition dates: July 8 – August 30, 2025

GUIDELINES

Accepted Media: drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, textile, mixed media, photography, video, installation, new media.

Maximum size for two-dimensional work is 7 x 12 ft. Maximum size for three-dimensional work is 7 x 7 x 12 ft., with a weight limit of 350 lbs. Any work that falls outside these parameters should be submitted as an installation proposal.

Digital or video works should be submitted as an installation proposal.

Installation or site-specific works may be submitted in the form of a proposal with a detailed schematic drawing and supporting image/video/audio samples of components. Proposed installations are subject to spatial or technical considerations. 

Two-dimensional work must have a clean presentation, whether through framing or an alternate form of display. We highly recommend that the work be brought in for jurying in its intended form of presentation, including framing if applicable.

Non-accepted Media: Reproductions of original artwork of any kind will not be considered. MACC reserves the right to refuse work that cannot be practically accommodated in the gallery space.

APPLICATION

Artists may submit up to three entries for consideration. EACH entry requires a SEPARATE APPLICATION and a non-refundable fee of $35. Collaborative works are eligible for consideration, but artists may submit no more than a total of three entries that include their involvement in any capacity.

Images should be high resolution and well lit. Submit up to 3 images for each entry. Image files should follow CaFÉ guidelines: JPEG or JPG format, under 5MB with a minimum of 1200 pixels on the longest side. 

• Two-dimensional work: 1 full image, optional detail images (up to 2)
• Three-dimensional work: 1 full image, optional alternate angle or detail images (up to 2)
• Installation proposals: include a detailed schematic drawing and supporting image/video/audio samples of components

The artist statement (up to 150 words) should describe the specific artwork in your entry, including concept, technique, and special aspects about the work.

The artist bio (up to 150 words) should describe key points of your arts background, exhibitions, education, awards, etc. Excessive amounts of info will not be read.

JURYING

The exhibition will be juried through a competitive two-round process. ALL ENTRIES must be submitted online through CaFÉ for Round 1 of jurying, which will take place digitally.

Round 1 jurying decisions will be sent via email by May 23, 2025. Only selected work will proceed to Round 2 of jurying.

For Round 2, the juror will travel to four island sites to view selected works in-person. Artists must drop off and pick up their work at the following designated times and venues for their respective island.

O‘ahu

• East-West Center, John A. Burns Hall, 1601 East-West Road, Honolulu
• Drop off: Monday, June 2 from 10 am – 12 pm
• Pick up: Tuesday, June 3 from 10 am – 12 pm

Kaua‘i

• Kaua‘i Made Films Studio, 2829 Ala Kalanikaumaka Street, Suite G209, Poipu
• Drop off: Wednesday, June 4 from 9 – 11 am
• Pick up: Wednesday, June 4 from 3 – 5 pm

Hawai‘i Island

• Wailoa Center, 200 Piopio Street, Hilo
• Drop off: Friday, June 6 from 9 – 11 am
• Pick up: Friday, June 6 from 3 – 5 pm

Maui

• Maui Arts & Cultural Center, Alexa Higashi Meeting Room, One Cameron Way, Kahului
• Drop off: Saturday, June 7 from 11 am – 1 pm
• Pick up: Sunday, June 8 from 9 – 11 am

*Entries from Lāna‘i and Molokai will be reviewed digitally for both rounds of jurying.

Final jurying decisions will be sent via email by June 9, 2025, after the juror has reviewed work at all four island sites. If your work is selected for exhibition, we will send you further information on how to proceed.

SALES

Artists are encouraged to offer their work for sale at fair market prices. Sales occurring during the exhibition will be handled by MACC. Artists receive 70% with a 30% commission to MACC.

SHIPPING

Work selected for exhibition must be sent directly to Maui Arts & Cultural Center. Neighbor island artists are responsible for packing and shipping incoming work in crates or sturdy boxes. Maui artists can hand-deliver their work. MACC will be responsible for return shipping at the end of the exhibition.

LIABILITY

Maui Arts & Cultural Center will not be held responsible for loss or damage during shipping. Artists are responsible for insuring incoming shipments to MACC. MACC will cover liability insurance on works during the exhibition and for return shipments.

PUBLICITY

A catalog will be produced in conjunction with the exhibition. Works selected for MACC Biennial 2025 will be professionally photographed for inclusion in the catalog and other exhibit-related publications.

Eligibility Criteria

Open to all artists 18 years and older who reside in Hawai‘i. All works entered must be original and newly created within the last two years, between 2023-2025. Works created under direct teaching supervision or shown in any classroom setting are not eligible for submission. Work MUST NOT have been previously shown in any other exhibit, gallery, venue, website, or social media network.