2026 North American Print Biennial

About the Open Call

The Boston Printmakers 2026 North American Print Biennial showcases the best in contemporary and traditional printmaking. Founded in 1947, The Boston Printmakers' mission is to promote public knowledge of printmaking, encourage and support artists working in printmaking, and promote excellence and innovation within the field. The juror for this biennial is Esther Adler, Curator in the Department of Drawings and Prints at The Museum of Modern Art. The exhibition will be held at the 808 Gallery, Boston University, from September 8 – November 21, 2026. Prizes totaling $10,000 are available in juror-designated purchase prizes and materials awards, with purchase prizes entering permanent collections at institutions like the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. The show also generates significant sales. Eligibility is open to North American artists 18 years and older, for original, innovative works in all printmaking media completed within 2023-2026. Submitted work must not have been exhibited in other Boston Printmakers exhibitions. Detailed specifications for framing, shipping, and entry procedures are provided. A 35% commission will be charged on all sales, supporting the non-profit organization's exhibition expenses.

What is Offered

Prizes, Art Sales, Exhibition

Requirements

Eligibility: North American artists 18 years and older. Medium: Original, innovative works in all printmaking media. Exclusions: Photographs, offset reproductions, or reproductions of artwork originally produced in another medium are not considered. Previous exhibitions: Submitted work may not have been exhibited in any other Boston Printmakers exhibition. Submission limit: Up to three digital images of original prints completed within the time frame of 2023-2026. Specifications: All delivered work must match the juried image. Framing: Simple black metal or black wooden frames (max ½” thick on front edge), Plexiglas, standard white or off-white window mat (minimum 3 inches wide). Prints must be securely mounted to backing board and ready to hang with wire or D-rings. Alternative presentation methods require prior description. Shipping: All shipped work must be sent in sturdy, re-usable packaging, pre-paid via UPS with a pre-paid return-shipping label including insurance. Artists outside the U.S. unable to provide a UPS label will be billed for return shipping. Work not protected by a frame is at artist's risk and may not be covered by gallery insurance.

How to Apply

All entries must be submitted online at www.callforentry.org. The application process opens July 15, 2025, and closes February 15, 2026. The entry fee is $35 USD for members of The Boston Printmakers (with a coupon code) and $50 USD for non-members. This non-refundable fee allows artists to submit up to 3 works. Payment is by credit card on the CaFE site. Artists must review all entry information carefully before submission, as no changes can be made afterward. Upload requirements for image files are JPEG format only, no smaller than 1920 pixels on the longer side, 72 ppi/dpi resolution, and a maximum file size of 5 MB. Notifications will be emailed before April 1, 2026.