Aberdeen Downtown Art Project Call for Art 2026
Area artists of all ages and skill levels are invited to submit original artwork that reflects the following theme:
“People & Places”
Interpretation of this theme can be representational or non-objective. Submissions can be new or pre-existing artwork. Artwork submissions will be juried. The jurors will make selections using the artwork image and information (title, medium, year created).
Selected artwork will be reproduced as a window cling that will be installed on Aberdeen downtown storefront windows. The window clings will be on display during the spring and summer of 2026. Determined by the Aberdeen Downtown Art Project jurors, the top three artwork submissions will be awarded a cash prize. A People’s Choice Award will be awarded based on public voting on the selected artworks. The Knight Foundation is a major supporter of this downtown art project, with the intent to enhance the appeal and vitality of downtown and the visibility of artists.
Eligibility
This call is open to residents of all ages and skill levels of the following counties in South Dakota: Brown, Campbell, Day, Edmunds, Grant, Marshall, McPherson, Roberts, Spink, and Walworth. Residents of Dickey County, North Dakota are eligible to submit artwork.
Entry Fee: Free to Enter
Contact Email: artscouncil@nvc.net
Deadline to Enter: Monday, March 2nd, 2026
Site Specifications & Materials
If selected, the artist will be notified by email. There is no guaranteed compensation for selected artists. Compensation is limited to award recipients. The window clings become property of the Aberdeen Area Community Foundation. Cost of producing the window cling will be funded by the Aberdeen Downtown Art Project. The location of window clings will be determined by the Aberdeen Area Community Foundation and Aberdeen Downtown Art Project.
Guidelines
1) Individual or teams are allowed to submit up to 2 designs. An artist can have their name on a maximum of 2 entries.
2) Original designs only. Submissions can be new or preexisting artwork.
3) 2-Dimensional, 3-Dimensional, and digital art are accepted.
4) Artwork submissions should reflect the following theme, “People & Places.” Interpretation of this theme can be representational or non-objective.
5) Artwork submissions cannot contain any advertising, logos, copyrighted or trademarked items. Artwork submissions must not have any reference to drug, alcohol, and tobacco use or address any social issues.
6) Use of text, words, or phrases should be limited. Profanity is not allowed.
7) For selected artworks, the jurors reserve the ability to revise and negotiate final designs.
Submission Requirements
1) Submit one high-quality image per artwork. The file must be formatted as a PDF or JPG file, with preferred resolution of 300 dpi (dots per inch), the file size around 5 MB. If selected, the submitted image or file will be used to fabricate the window cling. Please make sure you submit the correct, high-quality artwork image.
2) Include the following information for each artwork submission: artwork title, medium, year created.
3)Tell us about your artwork submission! Brief statement explaining the artwork (maximum 100 words). One statement submitted per submission
4) All submissions must also include the following information: Name, Phone number, Email, Hometown, Social media handle or website
Submitting Artwork
Art submissions may be submitted by Email or in-person by 5:00pm Monday, March 2nd, 2026
- Email submission can be sent to: artscouncil@nvc.net
- To deliver submissions in-person, please contact Grace Chipman at Aberdeen Area Arts Council (605) 226-1557 or artscouncil@nvc.net to schedule a time to drop-off submissions.
Selection Criteria
Artwork selections will be based on the following criteria:
- Interpretation of theme
- Execution of artwork
Awards
Determined by the Aberdeen Downtown Art Project jurors, the top four artwork submissions will be awarded the following cash prize amount:
- 1st Place: $250
- 2nd Place: $200
- 3rd Place: $150
An additional People’s Choice award of $150 will be awarded during the Spring of 2026 after the voting period. An Artist’s Reception is anticipated for Spring 2026 during which the top three artwork submissions and People’s Choice award will be announced.
Liability
The sale or lease of a building is beyond the Aberdeen Downtown Art Project’s control. The sale or lease of a building could affect the duration of an artwork. The Aberdeen Downtown Art Project reserves the right to remove a window cling from a window location at any time. Every effort will be made to notify an artist if an artwork is removed, however, it may happen without the Aberdeen Downtown Art Project’s knowledge.
Timeline
Deadline to Enter: Monday March 2nd, 2026
Acceptance Notification: April 2nd, 2026
Install window clings: April/May 2026
Every artwork cling will have this border design, sized to the proportions of the artwork. This will feature the artist’s name, artwork title, hometown and method of contacting the artist (e.g. social media/website):
For more information, and to view past participant art visit
aberdeencommunityfoundation.com/aberdeen-downtown-artists-awarded-2/
About the Aberdeen Area Community Foundation
The Aberdeen Area Community Foundation was established in 1984 as a standalone 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation with a goal of creating a long-term funding source for charitable causes in the local area. With careful investment, the fund will continue to grow and enhance quality of life in the local area forever. This fund is one of more than 80 Community Savings Accounts in partnership with the South Dakota Community Foundation. For more information, visit https://aberdeencommunityfoundation.com
About the Aberdeen Area Arts Council
The Aberdeen Area Arts Council enriches community life through the arts by connecting, sponsoring, and encouraging art opportunities through education and experiences. aberdeenareaartscouncil.com
About the Knight Foundation Aberdeen Fund
In 2004, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation created the Knight Aberdeen Fund with the South Dakota Community Foundation to support Aberdeen. Funded with $2 million, it has made more than 80 grants totaling over $1.3 million to more than 50 area organizations.