About the Open Call

The Salina Art Center invites submissions for the 2026 Mountain Plains Contemporary Art Biennial. As America approaches its 250th anniversary, this exhibition encourages artists to reflect on identity, place, belonging, and transformation through the lens of a region often considered the country’s heartland. The exhibition is juried by Hesse McGraw, Founder and Artistic Director of Artist Venture Fund.

What is Offered

Juror-selected awards up to $5,000, including $2,250 for First Place, $1,500 for Second Place, $750 for Third Place, $300 for People’s Choice, and $50 for Honorable Mention. Historically, the biennial has also provided paid residencies and teaching opportunities for exhibiting artists.

Requirements

Open to visual artists working in Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming. Artwork must have been completed in 2024 or 2025. Work previously shown at Salina Art Center is not eligible. Artists are responsible for all shipping costs and in-transit insurance.

How to Apply

Submit via CaFÉ (CallForEntry.org) by 11:59 PM (MST) on January 20, 2026. Applicants may submit up to 3 artworks with a total of up to 9 media files (images, audio, or video) and a 1,000-character artist statement.