Deadline March 23rd, 2026
BRIDGEPORT ART CENTER proudly announces a call for artists for our 14th Annual Bridgeport Art Competition that is exhibited in our distinguished 4th Floor Gallery.
ELIGIBILITY: The Bridgeport Art Competition is open to artists 18 years of age and older, at all stages in their careers, and who are living or working within 150 miles of the City of Chicago. Work must have been completed within 2023-2026. This juried competition accepts a broad range of art media and styles. Not eligible: functional pottery, jewelry, clothing, accessories, furniture, other primarily functional art, or time-art such as video, sound, or film; or works previously exhibited at the BAC.
FEES & DEADLINES: The application fees are non-refundable.
EARLY DEADLINE: MARCH 23, 2025 $35 FINAL DEADLINE: MARCH 30, 2025 $45
AWARDS:
- Best of Show – $3,000
- 2nd Place – $1,500;
- 3rd Place – $750;
- 4th Place-$250;
- 5th Place-$150
- People’s Choice – $500
OUR DISTINGUISHED JURORS: Monica J. Brown and Kimberly Oliva
EXHIBITION DATES: May 15th – June 26, 2026
OPENING RECEPTION & AWARDS CEREMONY: Friday, May 15, 2026, 7-10pm
NOTIFICATION OF DECISIONS: Finalists will receive an acceptance email with the exhibitor’s agreement on April 9, 2026. Competition finalists will be posted on our website on April 10th, 2026.
DELIVERY OF ARTWORK: Accepted artists must hand deliver their work to the Bridgeport Art Center on either Thursday May 7th 2026; 2-5pm or Saturday May 9, 2026; 11am- 2pm. We do not accept shipped artworks.
NO LATE ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED
PICK UP OF ARTWORK: Saturday June 27, 2026 11am-3pm
Awards Ceremony
May 15, 2026; 7-10PM
Cover Artwork: Crossroads by Maureen Gasek, 30×40, acrylic, 2022. – 13th Annual Art Competition Finalist