Call for Art: Art in the City
PLEASE NOTE THIS EXHIBITION WILL BE HOSTED AT THE CONVENTION CENTER.
Art in the City 2026
Juried Call for Art
Presented by the Dayton Society of Artists & Downtown Dayton Partnership
The Dayton Society of Artists (DSA) and the Downtown Dayton Partnership (DDP) are pleased to present Art in the City 2026, a juried exhibition celebrating the vibrancy of downtown Dayton and the artists who bring it to life.
Mission
Art in the City aims to spotlight downtown Dayton’s businesses while showcasing the incredible artistic talent in and around our community, with a special focus on supporting and celebrating emerging artists.
Goal
Twelve (12) artists will be selected to create an original artwork inspired by an assigned downtown Dayton business. The completed works will be exhibited at the Dayton Convention Center, the official venue for Art in the City 2026, on:
Saturday, August 1, 2026 | 1–7 PM
Participating businesses will be announced soon. Selected artists will be paired with one business following acceptance. While collaboration is encouraged, artistic direction remains with the artist.
Eligibility
This call is open to all practicing artists living within 35 miles of Dayton, Ohio.
Artist Commitment
* Selected artists will receive an 18” x 18” canvas (provided by DDP).
* Artists will be paired with a downtown business in early spring.
* Artists are responsible for contacting their assigned business and initiating collaboration.
* Final artistic decisions remain with the artist.
* Artists are required to be present with their artwork for the full duration of the event on Saturday, August 1, 2026 (1–7 PM).
* Artists will receive a stipend for participation.
* Artists will be provided the opportunity to have a vending table at the event to sell additional work (details provided upon acceptance).
* Artwork will remain on display at the Dayton Convention Center during the public voting period (August 1–August 15, 2026).
Submission Requirements
Applications must be submitted through the Dayton Society of Artists website.
Applicants must include:
* Contact information
* Artist statement
* Indication of experience level
* 3 images of completed artwork
* Website and/or social media link (if available)
Selection Criteria
Selections will be made jointly by the Dayton Society of Artists and the Downtown Dayton Partnership based on:
* Technical skill
* Creativity and originality
* Ability to thoughtfully interpret and complement the assigned business
Calendar
Application Deadline: April 1, 2026.
Notification of Acceptance: By April 15, 2026 (via email) Artist & Business Pairing: Spring 2026 Artwork Check-In (Online): June 3, 2026
Artwork Drop-Off at DSA:
* Friday, June 26, 2026 | 4–8 PM
* Saturday, June 27, 2026 | 12–5 PM
Event Date: Saturday, August 1, 2026 | 1–7 PM
Public Voting: August 1 – August 15, 2026
Artwork Pick-Up at DSA:
* Friday, August 21, 2026 | 4–8 PM
* Saturday, August 22, 2026 | 12–5 PM
ENTRY FEES
FREE
REQUIREMENTS
Image(s) submitted must be clear, focused on the work, and as professionally taken as possible. Acceptable images can be taken by a smartphone.
For tips on how to edit your photos using the Snapseed App, visit:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0g4a1Ge-Ds&t=321s
Contact the gallery director (director@daytondsa.org) to set up an appointment at the gallery to walk you through the photo-taking and application process.
LIABILITY & SALES
The Dayton Society of Artists (DSA) and Downtown Dayton Partnership are not responsible for insuring artwork submitted for or exhibited in the gallery. Artists are solely responsible for insuring their work during delivery, installation, the exhibition period, and pickup. The DSA and Downtown Dayton Partnership are not liable for loss or damage due to circumstances beyond its control. Please note that the space does not have constant climate control.
AGREEMENT TO PARTICIPATE
Submitting indicates that you agree with the conditions of entry and exhibit as outlined in these guidelines, and that you agree to make your work available and will ship/deliver it to the gallery should it be selected for exhibit. The DSA and Downtown Dayton Partnership may use submitted images and artwork in print and/or digital marketing materials.
CONTACT
For any questions regarding the exhibition or submission process, please contact the DSA at director@daytondsa.org.
