Of the People, 2026 Exhibition

About the Open Call

The Stedman Gallery of Rutgers–Camden Center for the Arts is pleased to announce a national call for submissions of works on paper for the exhibition Of the People. Coinciding with America’s 250th anniversary and Rutgers University–Camden’s centennial anniversary, this exhibition will celebrate the Stedman Gallery’s commitment to advancing contemporary American artists. Theme: The 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence has inspired people across the country to reflect on the meaning of American democracy. The Stedman Gallery invites artists to participate in this moment of contemplation and respond to the question: what does American democracy mean to you? Artists are encouraged to consider the contemporary moment, take risks in their responses, and express their creative freedoms. This exhibition recalls the foundational practices of the Stedman Gallery and the Rutgers–Camden Collection of Art. The inaugural exhibition for the gallery in 1975 was the Rutgers National Drawing Competition. Due to the success of this first exhibition, it became a biennial exhibition. Former jurors include Louise Bourgeois, Nancy Graves, Lee Bontecou, Ilya Bolotowsky, Lisa Phillips, Ned Rifkin, Leon Golub, Faith Ringgold, Elizabeth Sussman, and Lowery Stokes Sims. In 1981, the Rutgers National Competition widened its scope from drawings to works on paper. The Rutgers–Camden Center of the Arts seeks to continue this legacy in celebration of the gallery’s 50th anniversary. Purchase Award: Purchase Award receives a $2,500 honorarium and the opportunity to become a part of the Rutgers–Camden Collection of Art. The award will be presented during the exhibition opening reception on Thursday, January 29, 2026. Exhibition Requirements: Concept: Works must conceptually connect to the exhibition theme. Medium: Works on paper. These works may include and are not limited to paintings and drawings on paper, photographs, prints, mylar, etc. Work Requirements: Work must be original in concept and execution. Work is finalized and available for the transport dates and full exhibition run. Quantity: Up to 7 works may be submitted. Installation-Ready Work: Work must be suitably prepared for installation with instructions. Fees: $12 registration fee. Entry fee must be paid with credit card on the SlideRoom website and is nonrefundable. Selected artists will receive a stipend. Artists are responsible for the shipment of their works to and from the gallery with the dates provided by RCCA staff. Entry Process: All entries are submitted through SlideRoom. Artists will submit the following information: Original, high-res image files of artwork; Artwork title, medium, dimensions, year; Conceptual description of artwork (optional); Artist Statement (Max. 250 words); Artist CV. Calendar: May 19-July 18, 2025 Entries accepted through SlideRoom. August 2025 Jury results will be emailed. January 6-9, 2026 The artist ships or delivers accepted work to the Stedman Gallery located in Camden, NJ. The artist will coordinate with RCCA staff to make professional shipping arrangements. Thursday, January 29, 2026 Exhibition Opening Reception & Award Presentation. January 20-March 28, 2026 Exhibition run. A complete list of programs will be available on the exhibition website, RCCA social media platforms, and newsletter as soon as confirmed. Artists selected to exhibit may be asked to participate in gallery programming. April 6-8, 2026 Work shipped back to artists or must be picked up by April 8, 2026. Open call closed. Please check back later for exhibition details.

What is Offered

Purchase Award of $2,500 honorarium and opportunity to become part of the Rutgers–Camden Collection of Art. Selected artists will receive a stipend.

Requirements

Works must conceptually connect to the exhibition theme. Medium must be works on paper (paintings, drawings, photographs, prints, mylar). Work must be original, finalized, and available for transport dates and full exhibition run. Up to 7 works may be submitted. Work must be suitably prepared for installation with instructions. Artists must be 18 years or older, living in the United States, and not presently enrolled in an undergraduate program.

How to Apply

All entries are submitted through SlideRoom. Artists will submit original, high-res image files of artwork; artwork title, medium, dimensions, year; conceptual description of artwork (optional); artist statement (max. 250 words); and artist CV.