2026 North American Print Biennial

About the Open Call

The Boston Printmakers 2026 North American Print Biennial aims to present the best in contemporary and traditional printmaking, promoting public knowledge, encouraging artists, and fostering excellence and innovation in the field. Juror Esther Adler, Curator in the Department of Drawings and Prints at The Museum of Modern Art, will select works for the exhibition. The biennial features $10,000 in juror-designated purchase prizes and materials awards, with purchase prizes entering permanent collections at major institutions including the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; the Art Complex Museum, Duxbury, MA; Boston Athenaeum; and the Boston Printmakers Collection at the Boston Public Library. Additionally, the show generates a large number of sales through patron and public purchases. The exhibition will take place from September 8 to November 21, 2026, at the 808 Gallery, Boston University, located at 808 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, Massachusetts. Eligibility is open to North American artists 18 years and older, submitting original, innovative works in all printmaking media completed between 2023-2026. Submissions may not have been previously exhibited in other Boston Printmakers exhibitions. Artists can submit up to three digital images. Detailed specifications for framing, presentation, and shipping are provided, including requirements for simple black metal or black wooden frames, Plexiglas, and wire or D-rings for hanging. A 35% commission will be charged on all sales, with proceeds used for exhibition expenses.

What is Offered

$10,000 in juror-designated purchase prizes and materials awards, with purchase prizes placed into permanent collections at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; the Art Complex Museum, Duxbury, MA; Boston Athenaeum; and the Boston Printmakers Collection at the Boston Public Library. The exhibition also generates a large number of sales through patron and public purchases.

Requirements

North American artists 18 years and older are eligible to enter. Original, innovative works in all printmaking media are eligible. Photographs, offset reproductions, or reproductions of artwork originally produced in another medium will not be considered. Submitted work may not have been exhibited in any other Boston Printmakers exhibition. Artists may submit up to three digital images of original prints completed within the time frame of 2023-2026. All delivered work must match the juried image and be framed in simple black metal or black wooden frames (no more than ½” thick on the front edge) with Plexiglas and a standard white or off-white window mat (minimum 3 inches wide). Prints must be securely mounted to the backing board. Frames must be ready to hang with wire or D-rings. Alternative presentation methods may be requested and described in the entry. Shipped work must be sent in sturdy, re-usable packaging, pre-paid via UPS, and include a UPS pre-paid return-shipping label with shipping insurance. Artists outside the U.S. unable to provide a return UPS label will be billed for return shipping. Artists must ensure their work is insured while in transit to and from the exhibition.

How to Apply

All entries must be submitted online at www.callforentry.org. The application process opens July 15, 2025, and closes on February 15, 2026. Review all entry information carefully before submitting, as no changes can be made once submitted. Image files must be JPEG only, no smaller than 1920 pixels on the longer side, 72 ppi/dpi resolution, and a maximum of 5 MB. An entry fee of $50 USD for non-members or $35 USD for members (with coupon code) is payable by credit card and entitles the artist to submit up to 3 works. Results will be emailed before April 1, 2026, and posted on www.bostonprintmakers.org.