"Bodyscapes" A Tattoo Photography Exhibition

About the Open Call

We invite photographers to submit work celebrating the artistry, stories, and cultural significance of tattoos. This open call seeks compelling images that capture the beauty, individuality, and meaning behind inked skin. Whether through portraiture, documentary photography, or creative interpretations, we look forward to highlighting diverse perspectives and narratives within tattoo culture. Eligible work: Artists may submit up to 3 works for consideration for both the in-gallery exhibit and virtual gallery of works on our website. All submissions within our guidelines will be considered. All styles and aesthetics are accepted, from traditional to contemporary. McCord Gallery selections are based on creativity, quality of artistry and originality as represented in the images submitted. We accept only original works, created by the artist/entrant. Artworks must be of original design completed after January 1, 2022. Guidelines: All original photography will be considered. No works generated by artificial intelligence (AI) will be accepted. No free-standing 3-D artwork or sculptures. All artworks must remain on exhibit in the gallery for the duration of the exhibit. Entrants must be 18 years or older and living within the United States. All work must be suitably framed with a wire across the back, ready to hang for the show. Non-framed art must have a hanging sleeve and a board with wire to hang the work. Art Sales: All submissions that are available for sale in the Gallery are subject to our commission rate. The McCord Gallery retains 30% of sales and will not negotiate prices with a potential buyer. All sales are final. Sold works must be displayed for the duration of the exhibit. Specifications: Works must not be larger than 40” in length on either side, including frame. All wall-hung work must be properly wired with two loops and professional picture wire. Saw tooth hangers, photo frames with triangular tabs, tape, string, monofilament, crimp wires, other types of wire, or any other materials are not acceptable and will be refused, regardless of advance notification of acceptance. All works should have a corresponding label with the artist’s name, title, medium and price, if applicable. Although care and caution will be exercised in the handling of all art works, the McCord Gallery & Cultural Center is not responsible for loss or damage. Artists are responsible for insuring their work. Label Instructions: Artwork that has been accepted for exhibition is required to include a label on the back with the Artist's name, as well as the title, medium, and price of the work. While not required, works are preferred to be for sale. Risk & Liability: Receipt of your registration fee constitutes agreement by you that there shall be no liability on the part of McCord Gallery & Cultural Center for loss, damage or destruction of any art works during the calendar period of the exhibition. Publicity: Artists retain all rights to submitted images and artwork. By submitting a work for inclusion in the exhibition, the artist agrees that the gallery is permitted to use, edit, reproduce, publish, transmit and display images or footage of the artist’s work(s), including those submitted by the artist as part of their entry, in films, video, signage, mailing, programs, online image gallery and other forms of media including social media for the promotion and display of the 2025 exhibition 'Bodyscapes,' and other purposes as the gallery may determine. The gallery will not be responsible for the unauthorized use of the images or footage by third parties. The McCord Gallery & Cultural Center is a non-profit art gallery open to everyone; as such, the content of submissions should be appropriate for all viewers.

What is Offered

Opportunity to exhibit work in a physical and virtual gallery, with the possibility of art sales (McCord Gallery retains 30% commission).

Requirements

Entrants must be 18 years or older and living within the United States. Artists may submit up to 3 original works completed after January 1, 2022. No works generated by artificial intelligence (AI) or free-standing 3-D artwork/sculptures will be accepted. All artworks must remain on exhibit for the duration. Wall-hung work must be suitably framed and properly wired with two loops and professional picture wire; no saw tooth hangers, triangular tabs, tape, string, monofilament, or crimp wires. Works must not be larger than 40” in length on either side, including the frame.

How to Apply

To enter, go to our website: mccordgallery.org/bodyscapes. Please label the photos with artist name and name of work (Example: SueSmith_Sunshine.jpg). Images should be uploaded in jpeg format with .jpg extension. File size not to exceed 5 MB per image and cropped to show only the artwork edges. These images will also be used for the virtual gallery online. Artwork that differs markedly from the submitted image will be disqualified. Please be sure to fill out the form as directed including all artwork information in the corresponding fields.